Genex lines up new partner for biggest solar farm as coal giant steps in to fill Fortescue’s hydrogen void
Renewable energy and battery storage developer Genex Power has found a new major off-taker for its giant Bulli Creek solar and battery project in Queensland, which will be the biggest in the country.
The company announced a 15-year power purchase agreement with Stanwell, the state government owned utility that is transitioning away from coal to a mix of wind, solar and storage.
The deal with Stanwell will account for 550 MW of capacity.
At full capacity, the Bulli Creek precinct could host up to 2 GW of solar and battery storage, depending on future agreements.Construction is due to start in early 2025.
Genex had hoped to secure Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Energy as its first major off take partner for the project, but that deal fell through after Fortescue had second thoughts about the Gibson Island hydrogen project.
The Bulli Creek facility is located 125km south-west of Toowoomba, ironically in the electorate held by Nationals leader David Littleproud, who has vowed to stop new wind and solar developments around the country.
Genex says the project will create 800 jobs during construction, and when complete in 2027 will be the largest solar farm connected to the country’s main grid.
The deal with Stanwell will include a five year operations and maintenance deal for the 50 MW Kidston solar farm, which is already operating and will be part of the Kidston green energy hub.