A significant AUD 490 million hybrid solar and battery energy storage project has commenced construction on Queensland’s Fraser Coast this week, marking a substantial investment in the state’s renewable energy infrastructure. Spanish energy company Naturgy, through its international subsidiary Global Power Generation (GPG), is developing the large-scale facility, which will integrate a 290 MW solar farm with a 180 MW/360 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The Fraser Coast Hybrid Project is Naturgy’s largest undertaking in Australia to date and represents its second hybrid solar and battery storage complex in the country. The initiative aims to enhance grid flexibility and optimise the management of renewable energy in a market increasingly characterised by price volatility and network constraints.
Project Scope and Capacity
Located approximately 50 kilometres south-west of Maryborough, near the township of Brooweena, the facility will span a 555-hectare site. It is designed to feature approximately 600,000 solar panels, contributing to a total generation capacity of 290 MW (330 MWp). The co-located battery energy storage system will have a capacity of 180 MW and 360 MWh.
Once fully operational, the Fraser Coast project is expected to generate approximately 380 GWh of renewable energy annually, equivalent to powering a substantial number of Queensland homes. The project is targeted for full commercial operation in 2028.
“The plant will integrate PV generation and storage capacity, a combination that will bring greater flexibility to the electricity system and will contribute to optimizing the management of the renewable energy generated.”
This hybrid configuration is becoming increasingly vital for Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM), allowing for the storage of surplus solar power generated during peak daylight hours and its discharge during periods of high demand or low generation, such as evenings. This smooths out renewable energy supply, enhancing grid stability and reliability. For homeowners considering their own energy storage solutions, understanding the market is key. Our guide on Best Home Solar Batteries in Australia 2026: Models, Prices & Post-May Rebates offers current insights.
Strategic Importance for Queensland and Australia
The investment underscores the growing confidence in Queensland’s renewable energy sector and its potential to contribute significantly to Australia’s clean energy targets. The state has ambitious goals for renewable energy penetration, and projects like Fraser Coast are critical to achieving them.
Naturgy’s commitment to hybrid projects reflects an industry-wide trend towards integrated solutions that maximise the value of renewable generation. By combining solar PV with battery storage, the project can dispatch power more flexibly, reducing curtailment of solar energy and providing essential grid services. This approach helps to mitigate some of the challenges associated with the intermittent nature of renewable resources. Maximising these benefits at a household level involves smart strategies for self-consumption, as explored in our article, Maximise Your Solar Savings in Australia 2026: Unlock $1,500+ Annually with Smart Strategies.
Naturgy operates in Australia through Global Power Generation (GPG), which is 75% owned by Naturgy and 25% by the Kuwait Investment Authority. The company has an established portfolio in Australia, including 1.3 GW of operational assets such as six wind farms, two solar farms, the ACT Battery, and the Cunderdin hybrid complex in Western Australia, which was inaugurated in April 2025.
The Role of Hybrid Projects in the NEM
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) consistently highlights the need for increased firming capacity, such as battery storage, to support the rapid integration of renewable energy into the grid. Hybrid projects directly address this need by providing both generation and dispatchable power from a single site, reducing congestion and improving overall system efficiency. This is particularly crucial as Australia’s rooftop solar penetration continues to grow, leading to periods of very high midday generation.
Key Project Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Naturgy (via Global Power Generation - GPG) |
| Investment | Over AUD 490 million |
| Location | Fraser Coast region, Queensland (near Brooweena) |
| Solar Capacity | 290 MW (330 MWp) with approx. 600,000 panels |
| Battery Capacity | 180 MW / 360 MWh BESS |
| Annual Generation | Approx. 380 GWh |
| Operational Target | 2028 |
| Support | 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) |
The commencement of construction on the Fraser Coast Hybrid Project signals continued momentum in Australia’s large-scale renewable energy transition. Such projects are instrumental in strengthening the grid, providing clean energy, and ensuring a more reliable and sustainable power supply for Australian households and businesses. While the scale differs significantly, the fundamental principles of solar system design and installation remain critical, as detailed in our comprehensive guide to Solar System Installation Costs in Australia 2026: A Complete Guide.
This development contributes to a broader national effort to decarbonise the energy sector and leverage Australia’s abundant solar resource, moving closer to a future dominated by clean, affordable power.