Western Australia’s renewable transition is charging ahead, with the commissioning of the state’s first hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) initiative.
The Cunderdin Hybrid PV Solar and BESS (battery energy storage system) project is designed to provide four hours of steady supply when there is no sunlight, increasing the potential for renewable energy generation.
The Global Power Generation (GPG) project is expected to generate the equivalent annual energy consumption of 51,000 households and prevent the emission of 140,000t of CO₂.
The opening ceremony was attended by Western Australian Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Acting Director General, Jai Thomas; Western Power CEO, Sam Barbaro; Shire of Cunderdin President, Alison Harris; Monford CEO, Ciaran Shannon, along with GPG CEO, Francisco Bustío and GPG Managing Director Australia, Pedro Serrano.
GPG said the initiative is a pioneering project in many ways, as it is not only Western Australia’s first large-scale hybrid photovoltaic and battery storage project, but also the region’s first solar hybrid initiative.
The Cunderdin Hybrid PV Solar and BESS project has now commenced operations after more than three months of generation under intense and demanding performance testing.
The facility consists of 229,500 solar panels with a PV capacity of 128MW, combined with a 55MW/220MWh BESS.
This hybrid system is designed to provide a four-hour constant power supply during peak demand periods every day of the year, boosting renewable energy production and accelerating the state’s decarbonisation strategy.
The project is expected to avoid 140,000t of CO₂ emissions and generate power equivalent to the annual consumption of 51,000 homes.
Monford Group was the principal EPC contractor for the project, delivering all civil, mechanical and electrical works.
GPG said the project’s construction provided employment equivalent to 100 full-time professionals.
The facility is located in Cunderdin, Western Australia, and marks GPG’s expansion into the SWIS (South Western Interconnected System).
Mr Thomas said, “It is great to see the Western Australian Government’s energy market reforms underpin innovative projects such as this.”
Mr Barbaro said the energisation of the Cunderdin Hybrid Solar PV and BESS project represents another milestone in the state’s net-zero journey.
“This project has involved excellent collaboration and innovation between Western Power’s project team, GPG, and its contractors, and we’re proud to have assisted with the connection and commercial operation approval.
“Projects like this are important as we move towards a renewable future.”
Mr Shannon said, “On behalf of Monford Group, I would like to sincerely thank GPG for their trust and collaboration in the successful completion of the Cunderdin Hybrid Project.
“It has been a pleasure working together, and we look forward to continuing this strong partnership in the future.”
Mr Shannon gave a special thank you to the company’s dedicated team, supply chain and industry partners for their hard work and commitment in delivering the project with Monford, as well as to the local community for their continued support throughout the process.
“We are proud to be spearheading innovative projects like this one and contributing positively to the energy future of Australia,” he said.
Mr Bustío said that Cunderdin represents GPG’s commitment to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability.
“This project is a great achievement not only for our company, but also for the sector, setting new global benchmarks for the renewable generation industry.”
Mr Bustío said the project is an example of the resilience and expertise of GPG’s team, as well as a testament to the company’s collaborative spirit and strong commitment to a greener energy future.
“We have created lasting value for the communities we serve through job creation, economic growth and sustainable energy.”
