Octopus Australia Launches $300M Fulham Solar and Battery Hybrid Project with Wärtsilä Technology

image from Wärtsilä Energy

Gippsland, Victoria — April 9, 2025 Octopus Australia has officially commenced construction on its 80MW Fulham Solar Farm and 128MWh Battery project in Victoria, marking a major milestone for hybrid renewable energy in Australia. Backed by more than AUD 300 million in funding, the project brings together government support, institutional capital, and cutting-edge technology to accelerate the state’s clean energy transition.

The Fulham project stands out as one of Australia’s first large-scale DC-coupled hybrid systems, allowing the battery to directly charge from solar panels via a DC/DC converter. This architecture reduces conversion losses and improves energy efficiency — an increasingly vital feature as solar curtailment becomes more common across the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the 64MW / 128MWh Quantum High Energy storage system, and its advanced GEMS Power Plant Controller will manage seamless integration between the battery, solar assets, and the grid. Wärtsilä has also signed a long-term service agreement to ensure ongoing performance and reliability.

“This partnership with Wärtsilä demonstrates the value of next-generation storage technologies in supporting both grid stability and project returns,” said Sonia Teitel, Co-Managing Director at Octopus Renewables Australia.

The Fulham project has secured a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Victorian State Government and received Generator Performance Standards (GPS) approval in June 2024. It is expected to be fully operational by 2027 and will generate both clean energy and local employment opportunities throughout construction.

Institutional investors backing the project include Rest Super, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), and clients of Westpac Private Bank, through funds managed by Octopus.

“Fulham showcases the benefits of co-locating solar and battery storage at scale. It supports Victoria’s net-zero targets while creating long-term value for investors and communities,” said Monique Miller, CEFC’s Chief Investment Officer for Renewables.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the project site on April 9, attended by Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and representatives from Octopus, Wärtsilä, and funding partners.