Australian contractor GenusPlus Group has secured a major contract worth AU$110 million (US$78.5 million) to develop a large-scale battery storage project in South Australia. The project, called the Koolunga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), is owned by Equis Development, which is known for its investments in energy and infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Koolunga BESS will have a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) and 800 megawatt-hours (MWh), allowing it to supply electricity for up to four hours at full capacity. This storage duration plays an important role in supporting grid stability and ensuring that renewable energy generated during the day can be used during peak demand periods. The project site is located about 180 kilometers north of Adelaide and will include up to 640 battery containers spread across nearly two hectares of land.
Under a turnkey agreement, GenusPlus will handle the complete delivery of the project, including engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning. The company’s responsibilities also include managing the balance of plant and installing the battery units. To connect the system to the grid, GenusPlus will lay around 1.2 kilometers of high-voltage cable linking the facility to the 275kV Brinkworth Substation.
The project is part of Australia’s broader efforts to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure. It has been selected under the Capacity Investment Scheme, a federal government initiative designed to boost investment in clean energy generation and storage. South Australia has already emerged as a global leader in renewable energy adoption, frequently generating enough electricity from wind and solar to meet all of its demand. However, the growing share of renewables also increases the need for storage systems that can provide backup power when weather conditions are not favorable.
Construction of the Koolunga BESS is expected to begin soon, with completion targeted for September 2027. During the construction phase, the project is likely to create around 115 jobs, while five permanent roles will be maintained once operations begin.
For GenusPlus, this contract represents a significant achievement and strengthens its position in the energy infrastructure sector. The company has recently been involved in other large projects, including the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub. Managing Director David Riches stated that the contract highlights growing confidence in the company’s capabilities. As Australia continues its transition away from coal, projects like Koolunga are becoming essential to building a stable and reliable power system.
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