Image source: © Wärtsilä Corporation

Wärtsilä Corporation has announced plans to deliver Australia's largest DC-coupled hybrid battery system, marking the company's second DC-coupled project in the country. The project will be the largest of its kind in the National Electricity Market (NEM), with enough capacity to power up to 120,000 homes and businesses. The order will be booked in Q4 2025, and the system is expected to be operational in 2028.

DC-coupled technology directly links solar generation with battery storage through a DC/DC converter, reducing energy losses and increasing system efficiency. This approach improves project economics, stabilises the grid amid growing solar and wind curtailment, and maximises renewable energy utilisation.

The project has secured Generator Performance Standards (GPS) approval, a critical milestone for integrating renewable generation and storage at scale. Wärtsilä's GEMS optimisation software will manage the coordination of solar assets and the energy storage system, ensuring optimal charge/discharge operations and compliance with grid requirements.

David Hebert, Vice President of Global Sales Management at Wärtsilä Energy Storage, said: "This is our largest DC-coupled project in Australia, demonstrating the growing need for hybrid renewable technology at scale. It's a breakthrough for hybrid plants and a crucial step toward financially viable renewable energy."

The project is backed by a 20-year service agreement and expands Wärtsilä's local footprint to 1.5 GW / 5.5 GWh across nine battery energy storage sites. Once operational, it will directly contribute to Australia's net-zero by 2045 target while supporting grid stability and decarbonisation efforts.

Source: wartsila.com