Wärtsilä will deliver Australia’s largest DC-coupled hybrid battery energy storage system, marking the company’s second project of its kind in the country.
Once operational, the system will have the capacity to power up to 120,000 homes and businesses, supporting the National Electricity Market and advancing Australia’s renewable energy goals. The order will be booked in the fourth quarter of 2025.
DC-coupled systems link solar generation and batteries directly through a DC/DC converter, reducing energy losses and enabling the capture of solar power that would otherwise be curtailed. The configuration improves project efficiency, strengthens grid stability and enhances the economics of hybrid renewable plants.
The project has secured Generator Performance Standards approval, a key milestone for large-scale hybrid systems. Wärtsilä will provide long-term operational support under a 20-year service agreement.
“This project is significantly larger than our earlier DC-coupled project, underscoring the need for this type of technology in expanding at scale,” said David Hebert, vice president of global sales management at Wärtsilä Energy Storage. “DC-coupled technology is a breakthrough for hybrid renewable plants and a critical step towards establishing a financially viable renewable energy future.”
Wärtsilä’s GEMS intelligent controls platform will manage the integration of the battery and solar assets with the grid, ensuring optimal power dispatch and compliance with connection requirements.
The company said the project will be its ninth battery storage site in Australia, increasing its local portfolio to 1.5GW/5.5GWh. It is expected to enter operation in 2028 and contribute to Australia’s 2045 net-zero target.