Zen Energy’s Solar and Battery Project in New South Wales
Australian renewables developer and retailer Zen Energy has recently agreed to purchase the majority of electricity generated by a new solar and battery project in the central west of New South Wales.
The Quorn Park Hybrid Project by Enel Green Power Australia will combine a 98MW solar farm with a 20MW, 40MWh battery, located approximately 10km northwest of Parkes. This project, which secured financial backing in July, is scheduled to become operational in 2026.
Expanding Renewable Portfolio
Zen Energy’s ten-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Enel will increase its generation capacity by 68MW, contributing to its goal of doubling its portfolio to 2 TWh annually by 2024. The financing for this transaction involved banks such as Westpac and the Bank of China.
Hybrid Project Innovation
Quorn Park stands out as one of the pioneering “hybrid” projects following recent regulatory changes that allow solar or wind farms to be directly paired with battery storage facilities. This innovative approach can lead to operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Zen CEO Anthony Garnaut expressed the company’s interest in the project due to its strategic location near significant demand centres and its environmentally friendly features, such as being situated on cleared land previously used for agriculture.
Garnaut highlighted the importance of projects like Quorn Park in driving Australia’s transition to clean energy while preserving wildlife and biodiversity. The partnership with EGPA signifies Zen’s commitment to sustainable renewable energy sources and marks a milestone in collaboration with banking partners.
Expansion Plans
For EGPA, the Quorn Park Hybrid Project represents a significant addition to its renewable energy portfolio, which includes operational solar plants and upcoming wind and solar projects in various Australian states. The company aims to commence construction on the Quorn Park project soon, with a target completion date in the first half of 2026.
EGPA CEO Werther Esposito emphasised the value that the Quorn Park project will bring to the local community and stakeholders, underscoring the collaborative efforts with Zen Energy and other project partners.
The partnership between Zen Energy and EGPA reflects a shared commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives and delivering sustainable solutions for the future.
