Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to deliver its second major energy storage project in South Australia. Located in Bungama, stage 1 of this multi-stage project will be supplied to Amp Energy, a global energy transition platform.

The standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) will have a 150 MW / 300 MWh capacity and will support energy security and reliability as renewable energy supply increases, pacing South Australia’s ongoing energy transition. The order was booked in September 2024.

The project will be built with Wärtsilä’s Quantum High Energy storage technology, recognised for its advanced safety features and enhanced energy density. The system will support essential grid services, including frequency control ancillary services, fast frequency response, and energy arbitrage to enhance grid flexibility and stability. It will also use the GEMS Digital Energy Platform, which conducts intelligent power control and optimised energy management operations.

This project follows Wärtsilä’s first successful BESS deployment in South Australia in 2023 and becomes the company’s fifth energy storage project in Australia, demonstrating Wärtsilä’s growing footprint in the country. Construction of Bungama BESS stage 1 is expected to start in October 2024, with a targeted commercial operation date in the first quarter of 2026. Wärtsilä will provide a long-term service agreement for the project.

Amp Energy, headquartered in Canada, is expanding Wärtsilä’s customer base. “We are thrilled to work with Amp Energy on this critical project,” says Andrew Tang, Vice President of Energy Storage and Optimisation at Wärtsilä Energy. “This collaboration further demonstrates our commitment to advancing the region’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy grid, and supporting South Australia’s vision to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2027.”

“Across our multi-gigawatt portfolio in Australia, Bungama BESS stage 1 is the first of our energy storage projects to reach this important milestone. We are pleased to partner with Wärtsilä on this project and value the company’s strong local track record of delivering high-performance energy storage solutions, proven reliability, and expertise in supporting customers throughout the delivery phase and into operations,” says Daniel Kim, President of Australia at Amp Energy.”

Wärtsilä has extensive experience in the Australian market and has partnered with local contractors for efficiency and strong results. Bungama BESS stage 1 will be executed in close collaboration with Balance of Plant (BOP) contractor Enerven and will be the fourth project where Wärtsilä has partnered with Enerven.

“South Australia is where it all began for Enerven, and this project is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our capabilities locally alongside strong partners that share our dedication to the growth of BESS in the region. With five battery projects now under construction across the country, Enerven is establishing itself as a key contributor to the growth of Australia’s energy storage market,” says Enerven CEO Richard Amato.