The Australian energy group Woodside Energy has submitted a proposal for a 500 MW solar project near Karratha to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority. The plant would cover approximately 976 hectares within a development envelope of 1,100 hectares and would supply industrial customers, including Woodside Energy's Pluto LNG export plant. Construction of the project would take place in 100 MW phases, with each expected to take six to nine months, and could include a 400 MWh battery energy storage system.
In addition, Lightsource BP, an affiliate of BP, has unveiled a plan to build a 520 MW solar project with a 296 MW/588 MWh battery energy storage system. The project, named Goulburn River Solar Farm, would be located in Merriwa (New South Wales, Australia), approximately halfway between Newcastle and Dubbo. The Australian government has launched a public consultation on the project after posting its Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) referral. Construction could start as early as mid-2023.