Someva, AGL propose 'Pottinger' wind-solar-battery storage project in Australia

Australian renewable energy firm Someva and utility AGL have announced a joint venture to develop 'Pottinger Energy Park' in New South Wales, which is expected to consist of 1.2 GW wind farm, 300 MW solar farm, and 500 MW / 2000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). 

The project site is located within the NSW Gazetted South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), and is in the early stages of development with preliminary community engagement and planning application underway, according to the developers. 

Although the project's capacity is dominated by wind and solar power, which is a significant development for the Australia's renewable transition push and New South Wales's 2.5GW RE capacity addition targets, the co-located storage system reiterates the fast-emerging global trend of battery storage integration in clean energy production sites. 

AGL's Chief Operating Officer, Markus Brokhof, commented that the proposed project and partnership with Someva Renewables would represent a significant development in the utility's renewable and firming portfolio build out as the company transitions to a renewable future.

"We are exploring the development of a significant wind, solar and battery project at the Pottinger Energy Park as we seek to accelerate options to develop projects that will contribute to our ambition of adding 12 GW of new renewable generation and firming capacity to our portfolio by the end of 2035," he said.

Someva Renewables is leading the design, community engagement and regulatory approval process for the Pottinger Energy Park development. The construction is expected to commence in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

"The Pottinger Energy Park could play an important role in NSW's energy transition by providing reliable renewable energy for up to 830,000 average NSW homes while also delivering an economic boost to the Riverina," said Jamie Chivers, MD of Someva Renewables.