Culcairn Battery will add 215 MW at solar farm

NHOA Energy has received notice to proceed from Neoen for the Culcairn Battery, a 215 MW / 963 MWh energy storage project in New South Wales.

The project will be installed at Neoen’s existing 440 MWp Culcairn Solar Farm as an AC-coupled battery energy storage system integrated behind the metre.

NHOA Energy will deliver the battery under an EPC contract with a joint venture between Equans Solar & Storage and Bouygues Construction Australia.

The award strengthens a long-standing relationship between Neoen and NHOA Energy in Australia.

Earlier work by NHOA Energy included Neoen’s 238.5 MW / 477 MWh Blyth Battery in South Australia, which has been operating since early 2025.

Culcairn Battery is planned as a hybrid plant that links storage with the existing solar farm.

The project is designed to improve the commercial performance of the hybrid asset while supporting renewable energy integration and stability in Australia’s National Electricity Market.

Jean-Christophe Cheylus

Jean-Christophe Cheylus, CEO of Neoen Australia-Pacific, said: “We are excited to launch construction of Neoen’s first behind-the-metre battery at a solar farm in Australia.”

Neoen also said the project will add more storage capacity in New South Wales only a few weeks after the company inaugurated the Culcairn Solar Farm.

Cheylus added: “This achievement comes only a few weeks after Neoen inaugurated the Culcairn Solar Farm and showcases the pace at which our team consistently develops & delivers high-quality assets to accelerate the energy transition.”

The company says hybrid systems and multi-technology control are core strengths built through projects that combine storage, renewable generation and conventional generation worldwide.

Adrian Marziano

Adrian Marziano, Vice President Australia & Pacific of NHOA Energy, said: “Culcairn Battery reflects the trust that Neoen continues to place in our company following years of successful collaboration and project delivery.”

He said repeat projects from a major renewable energy developer show confidence in NHOA Energy’s ability to deliver energy infrastructure at scale.

The source briefing did not include a contract value, construction timetable or completion date for the Culcairn Battery.