OX2 has begun the construction of a 119MW solar farm in Australia, which is one of the first publicly owned renewable energy projects in the country.
The ownership of SEC, a government-owned renewable energy company in the state of Victoria, has also enabled a 100MW battery energy storage system to be added to the project.
OX2 sold the 119MW solar farm portion of the SEC Renewable Energy Park Horsham to SEC in September.
The area is one of the state’s best regions for solar power generation.
SEC’s ownership of the project has not only enabled construction to begin immediately but has added a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) on the same grid connection, making it OX2’s first hybrid scheme.
Hybrid sites provide grid stability and manage peak demand, which can help lower power prices.
“I want to thank the SEC for their commitment and seeing the huge potential of this project which allowed it to scale up beyond what was initially envisioned and become a reality,” said OX2 Australia country manager Rachel Watson.
“We look forward to entering the construction phase together and to leveraging OX2’s strong track record when it comes to health and safety and being a good neighbor in the community.”
SEC chief executive Chris Miller added: “Public purpose remains at the heart of our investment decisions. In addition to much-needed renewable energy generation and storage, the SEC’s Renewable Energy Park – Horsham will deliver local jobs and community benefits.
“Importantly, the project will deliver sustainable financial returns that can be reinvested into more publicly owned renewables.”
The scheme was officially unveiled on 20 November at a sod-turning event on the site, attended by Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan, Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources and for SEC Lily D’Ambrosio, as well as OX2 chief executive Paul Stormoen, OX2’s Rachel Watson, SEC’s board chair Simon Corbell and SEC’s Chris Miller.
OX2’s Australian project development portfolio at third quarter consisted of 918MW solar power and 328MW energy storage, located in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
The developer recently acquired an early-stage onshore wind project in Western Australia with up to 1GW capacity and 100MW BESS (indicative size).
OX2 also provides technical and commercial management services of renewable assets, with 400MW under management in Australia.