First Nations Agreements Propel Australia’s First Gigawatt Solar Project Forward
Denmark’s European Energy, a prominent solar and battery storage developer, has secured long-term agreements with traditional owners in Queensland concerning three key solar and battery initiatives, which include Australia’s inaugural gigawatt-scale solar project.
These agreements, spanning 30 years, lay down foundational frameworks aimed at preserving cultural heritage while providing financial support to the local traditional owner communities. The projects covered by these agreements are Upper Calliope, Bullyard, and Tyrone.
Upper Calliope: Australia’s First Gigawatt-Scale Solar Project
The Upper Calliope project is set to be the largest of the trio, boasting a capacity of 1.1 gigawatts (GWac), making it the first gigawatt-scale solar initiative to be established in Australia. This project is pivotal as it also includes a 25-year power purchase agreement with Rio Tinto, designed to supply energy for the company’s extensive smelters and refineries located in Gladstone. Additionally, European Energy is exploring the addition of a 1.1 GW, 4.4 GWh battery at this site.
Striving to achieve financial closure on this project by the end of the financial year, European Energy is actively pursuing financing and potential equity partners, similar to other large-scale projects.
Construction Plans for Bullyard Project
In contrast, the smaller Bullyard solar and battery project, which has a capacity of 100 MW and is located near Bundaberg, is expected to commence construction first due to its smaller scale. This project has also secured a power purchase agreement with Amazon and an underwriting arrangement with the federal government through the Capacity Investment Scheme.
The Tyrone project, situated near Gladstone, is in the initial development stages with an expected capacity of around 400 MW.
Engagement with Traditional Owners
European Energy has collaborated with the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, and Taribelang Bunda peoples, who are the traditional owners and native title holders of the Bundaberg and Gladstone areas, represented by the FNBGGGTB Group.
Catriona McLeod, managing director at European Energy Australia, underscored the necessity of long-term collaboration with the involved communities and landholders for the success of renewable energy projects. She stated, “These agreements establish a framework for progressing our projects while protecting cultural heritage and ensuring that the Traditional Owners share in the benefits generated over the lifetime of the projects.”
Recognising Partnerships with First Nations
Matthew Cooke, CEO of FNBGGGTB, highlighted the ongoing collaboration with European Energy over the past three to four years. “The renewables transition offers exciting opportunities for First Nations people and these partnerships allow us to maximise those opportunities,” he noted in a statement.
The Clean Energy Council acknowledged the partnership between European Energy and the FNBGGGTB Group in 2025 when the two entities received the First Nations Engagement and Participation Award, recognising their commitment to inclusive development.
