CIMIC Group’s UGL has been contracted by Neoen to design and construct Stage 1 of Collie Battery, a 219MW/877MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated energy infrastructure in Western Australia.

UGL will be responsible for the design, construction, testing and commissioning of the 33/330kV substation, the installation of the Tesla2 XL Megapacks and the associated balance of plant infrastructure. UGL’s scope also includes the replacement of an existing bridge and construction of an access track to the site.

Neoen’s Collie Battery will provide up to four hours of energy storage and will connect to Western Power’s substation which is part of the South-West Interconnected System (SWIS).

CIMIC Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria said: “Reliable energy supply that helps to contribute to Australia’s net-zero aspirations is essential, with battery energy storage systems playing a key role. As a leading designer and constructor of electricity generation and storage assets, UGL has delivered 17 major renewables generation and storage projects. We are pleased to apply this experience at the Collie Battery.”

UGL Managing Director Doug Moss said: “UGL is well-established in the Australian renewable energy market and our growth continues with this contract with Neoen. We are a market leader in the design, construction and commissioning of energy assets across Australia.

“The Collie Battery will be UGL’s sixth BESS project in recent years, and our third for Neoen following the successful design and construction of the Victorian Big Battery and the Western Downs Battery which is currently under construction. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Neoen and Tesla through the Collie Battery project.”

Louis de Sambucy, Neoen Australia’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to be starting construction of Stage 1 of Collie Battery and would like to thank the team at UGL for their hard work. This is our third big battery with Tesla and UGL, and we appreciate being able to leverage the experience and trust built across a number of years for our first major project in Western Australia’

UGL has commenced work on the project, which is expected to be completed in late 2024.