Arup named for Australia’s largest solar and battery project
Genex Power has enlisted the services of design firm Arup as the “owner’s engineer” for the initial phase of the proposed Bulli Creek solar and battery storage project in southern Queensland. This collaboration focuses on the 775MW Stage 1 of the project, a significant endeavour that Genex remains committed to despite uncertainties surrounding its primary off-taker, the ambitious Gibson Island green hydrogen project linked to Fortescue Metals, led by Andrew Forrest.
The partnership between Genex and Fortescue, announced in late 2023, has faced delays in final approval due to Fortescue’s cautious approach towards the Gibson Island venture, citing concerns over energy costs and other factors. Nevertheless, Genex remains optimistic about the Bulli Creek project, which will kick off with 775MW of solar capacity, followed by a 400MW/1,600MWh battery storage component. Subsequent phases will see additional solar and storage elements integrated to fully utilise the project’s 2GW capacity.
Project Location and Connectivity
The project site, situated 45 kilometres from Milmerran, is in close proximity to Powerlink’s 330kV Bulli Creek substation, offering robust grid connection capabilities. This substation also serves as a key connection point for the Queensland-NSW Interconnector, enhancing the project’s strategic location and accessibility.
Role of Owner’s Engineer
The appointment of an Owner’s Engineer, a relatively novel position, underscores the importance of having an independent expert advocate to support the project owner throughout the design and execution phases. This role supplements the owner’s internal resources with specialised technical knowledge and capabilities essential for project success.
Ian Hustwick, Arup’s project director, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Genex to develop critical infrastructure that facilitates Australia’s energy transition. He highlighted Arup’s dedication to advancing future technology systems and accelerating decarbonisation efforts, with the Bulli Creek Solar Project symbolising their commitment to establishing sustainable energy supply chains for a net-zero future.
This recent development follows Genex Power’s selection of PCL Contractors as the preferred contractor for the initial 775MW stage, marking another significant milestone in the project’s progression.