GRS starts Blind Creek hybrid project

GRS has begun construction of the Blind Creek Solar Farm and Battery project for Octopus Australia.
The company said the project will add a 300MW photovoltaic plant and a 486MWh DC-coupled battery energy storage system.
GRS said this follows its collaboration with Octopus Australia on the Fulham Solar Farm and Battery project, a hybrid facility of 80MW and 128MWh under construction in Victoria.
The company said Blind Creek will be one of the largest DC-coupled systems in the country.
GRS said the milestone will take its installed solar capacity in Australia above 2.8GWdc and its storage capacity to 690MWh across 17 large projects.
The company said the project is located near Bungendore in New South Wales and will strengthen the electricity grid, accelerate renewable penetration and contribute to economic development in surrounding communities.
GRS said it will deliver the project under an EPC and operation and maintenance contract covering engineering, construction and long-term operation.
The company said Green Grid Connect will build the substation infrastructure and PV Hardware will supply and install its AxoneDuo Infinity solar tracker model.
Sonia Teitel said: “Following the successful start of Fulham Solar Farm and Battery, this breakthrough demonstrates what can be achieved when great teams work together. Australia’s energy transition needs to be faster, and partnerships like this allow us to accelerate it. Combining solar and battery storage is not only a smart solution, but also brings lasting benefits to communities across Australia.”
José Miguel Plaza said: “The Blind Creek Solar Farm and Battery project represents a significant milestone, not only for GRS, but also for communities in New South Wales. This agreement reaffirms our long-term commitment to drive Australia’s energy transition through innovative and large-scale renewable projects.”
GRS said the signing of Blind Creek, together with the commissioning of the 100MWh Glendevon battery project in Scotland and the construction of the Fulham hybrid project, advances its strategy of promoting energy storage in both hybrid and stand-alone applications.