Flow Power Expands with New Solar and Battery Project Acquisition
Renewable energy gentailer Flow Power has acquired a new mid-sized solar and battery hybrid project, the Dunedoo Energy Project, located in regional New South Wales. This shovel-ready project encompasses a 55 megawatt (MW) solar farm alongside a 60 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
On Monday, Flow Power announced that it had successfully purchased the project from its original developer, ib Vogt, equipped with the necessary state development approvals and State Significant Development (SSD) status. The project site is positioned approximately 2 kilometres north of Dunedoo, a town in Warrumbungle Shire, which falls within the NSW Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
Project Development Plans
Flow Power intends to undertake the development, construction, ownership, and operation of the solar and battery facility, with construction work anticipated to commence later this year. The approved design includes a connection to Essential Energy’s Dunedoo Substation through a new 66 kV transmission line, which will be bolstered by planned upgrades to the substation.
“Incorporating the Dunedoo Energy Project into our expanding renewable energy portfolio marks a significant milestone for Flow Power,” remarked Mark Raymond, the company’s head of project development, on Monday. He further expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the local community throughout the construction and operation phases.
Community Engagement and Project Feedback
Flow Power is committed to engaging with local residents, landholders, community organisations, and other stakeholders during the project’s construction and delivery. The company aims to keep everyone informed about progress and to gather ongoing feedback.
As per the project documentation available on the NSW planning portal, the Dunedoo Energy Project generated just three public submissions—two of which were supportive and one opposed.
Flow Power’s Journey in Renewable Energy
Based in Melbourne, Flow Power has established itself as a leader in facilitating affordable renewable energy supply deals in Australia. The company initially focused on agreements for businesses and industries but has also begun catering to households since its founding in 2017. This was kickstarted by a pioneering power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Ararat wind farm in Victoria.
In 2021, Flow Power expanded its operations from power purchase agreements to developing its own projects, commencing with a few solar initiatives under 5 MW in South Australia. The following year saw the launch of Flow’s first DC-coupled solar and battery hybrid facility, the 5.8 MW / 6.7 MWh Berri Energy Project located northeast of Adelaide. Additionally, in December of the previous year, the company reached financial closure on its largest project to date, a 100 MW/223 MWh battery-only facility named Bennett’s Creek Battery in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.
