In March 2021, the Culcairn Solar Farm project was approved by the Department of Planning, Housing, & Infrastructure (DPHI). The development approval was for a 350MW solar farm and a 100MW/200MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Neoen began construction on the solar farm in February 2023, deciding to assess the potential addition of a BESS at a later date. In December 2024, Neoen secured a modification to its development approval to increase the size of the BESS up to 800MWh. 

The approved BESS footprint is approximately 4 hectares and is located at the centre of the project site, adjacent to the Transgrid switching station. 

Neoen is currently updating the Culcairn Solar Farm Management Plans to incorporate the BESS and preparing to start the procurement process to select a BESS supplier (who will act as an EPC contractor for construction of the BESS).

It is estimated that start of construction of the BESS may be in early 2026. Construction of the BESS will involve significantly less construction activity than for the solar farm and it will be co-located by the substation. The peak workforce is estimated at around 160 workers.