Australia’s Bulli Creek solar project scales down, adds battery for efficiency
Genex Power has significantly scaled down the initial phase of its ambitious 2.5 gigawatt (GW) Bulli Creek solar-battery venture, now set to commence construction in 2028. The reworked first stage will feature a 300 megawatt (MW) solar installation, supplemented by a 425 MW battery capable of storing 1,700 megawatt-hours (MWh), to be developed concurrently rather than sequentially.
As part of a strategic shift, Genex has reconsidered its project approach after struggling to attract investment for the standalone solar segment, especially given the original size of 775 MW, amid challenging wholesale market conditions flooded with daytime electricity. Genex’s CEO, Craig Francis, pointed out the impact of negative wholesale pricing and the dominance of rooftop solar in the National Energy Market (NEM), leading to a preference for solar projects to be integrated with battery storage to meet evening demand.
Strategic Changes in Project Design
Despite this setback, Francis is optimistic about the future, believing that the emergence of larger batteries will help mitigate the ongoing issues within the market. Although some investors, such as banks, showed a continued interest in the original plan, the decision to optimise the project’s design was necessary. “We’ve adjusted the first phase to feature 300 MW of solar alongside a 425 MW battery, with upcoming stages likely to follow this model,” he explained.
The initial goal was to secure financial backing for the 775 MW phase by the end of 2025, with construction slated to start this year. Previously, the battery component was planned to begin construction midway through this timeline, with additional solar stages to follow later. Now, the final investment decision (FID), financial arrangements, and construction timelines have been pushed back to 2028, necessitating another round of grid connection processes despite the project being fully permitted.
Community Impact and Engagement
Genex remains committed to the comprehensive scale of the Bulli Creek project in southern Queensland, which aims to include a 2 GW solar farm along with a substantial battery of up to 600 MW and 2,400 MWh. However, Francis acknowledged the potential for communities to lose trust in energy developers due to drastic project alterations, as landowners are left uncertain about developments on their properties and local businesses miss out on job opportunities.
In response to community concerns, he expressed shared frustrations, stating, “We’d prefer to be moving forward with the project at the original scale, but market conditions necessitated a reduction.” Genex has assured local communities of its commitment to prior pledges, including immediate funding for the redevelopment of a community centre in Millmerran, which is situated close to the Bulli Creek project site.
To demonstrate its commitment, Genex will access $500,000 earmarked for enhancing the Domville Place community hub, separate from FID, with the intention of starting redevelopment next year. Having acquired the Bulli Creek project in 2022, all governmental planning approvals are currently in place to proceed.
