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Genaspi Energy Group

Renewable Energy

The Bundey BESS and Solar Project

Genaspi Energy Group is developing the Bundey Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Solar Project north-east of Robertstown in the Regional Council of Goyder Area of South Australia.

The development will play a significant role in stabilising energy supply for residential and business customers in South Australia.

Our Projects

Cleaner Energy, Cleaner World

INTRODUCTION

Located near the Bundey Substation and associated transmission line, the Bundey BESS and Solar Project is a four-stage renewable energy project aimed at substantially enhancing grid stability and will support achieving South Australian renewable energy targets.

Stage 1 of the project will feature 300 MW/1,200 MWh of battery storage and 240 MW of solar capacity, capable of powering approximately 70,000 Australian households annually.

The full four-stage project will deliver a 1,200 MW/3,900 MWh hybrid solar and battery system, generating up to 900 MW of clean electricity.

As Australia transitions to an energy landscape supported by renewables, and coal-fired power stations are phased out, energy generation supported by gas and firming technologies like battery storage will be required to ensure we continue to meet our energy requirements.

By integrating renewable energy with storage solutions and modernised transmission networks, Australia will be well positioned to respond to its growing electricity demand while reducing emissions, stabilising energy costs, and creating new economic opportunities, particularly in regional areas.

Initiatives such as our Bundey BESS and Solar Project are integral to achieving Australia’s broader energy landscape goals.

Figure 1. Proposed layout of The Bundey Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Solar Project.
Figure 2. The Bundey Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Solar Project location.
Current Project

Bundey BESS and Solar

Located in proximity to the 330/275 kV Bundey Substation and associated 330 kV transmission line, the Bundey BESS and Solar Project aims to support Australia’s renewable energy goals by providing generation and storage for around 70,000 Australian homes annually.

The BESS component stores excess solar power generated during peak production times and discharges it during periods of high demand. The BESS has also been designed to store excess energy generated by renewable energy sources located elsewhere in South Australia.

This capability is intended to help grid operators stabilise energy supplies while enabling efficient management of energy costs between low-demand and high-demand periods.

Genaspi’s Bundey site was strategically selected to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding landscape and local communities, while creating economic growth, employment opportunities, and community benefits to the region.

Why BESS and Solar

Supporting renewable energy

Australia’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation with a growing emphasis on renewable energy. Australia boasts abundant natural resources, including solar and wind energy, making it a prime location for the development of renewable energy projects. Additionally, the Federal Government has set ambitious targets for adopting renewable energy, including a goal to source 82% of electricity from renewables by 2030.

The inherent intermittent nature of renewable energy generation cannot fully support the typical real-time electricity demand. Solar power can only generate electricity during daylight hours, and wind power relies on sustained wind conditions.

The challenge faced by solar and wind energy is that the generated power must be consumed or stored immediately. Without efficient energy storage systems, the generated power must be used in real-time.

Energy consumption typically follows typical daily cycles, with usage peaks occurring in the morning and later in the afternoon, followed by lower energy usage. These cycles are reflected in energy pricing, with lower prices during periods of low energy usage and higher prices during periods of high usage. Utility-scale batteries can take advantage of pricing differentials by charging when prices are low and discharging when prices are high.

Our Project

project timeline

Genaspi Energy Group has secured a planning exemption for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) component of the Bundey BESS and Solar Project, following Crown Sponsorship from the South Australian Department of Energy and Mining (DEM).

2024

On 12 February 2024, the Department for Energy and Mining (South Australia) endorsed the BESS project, leading to a recommendation by the Minister for Energy and Mining to the Minister for Planning for an exemption under Schedule 13 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017.

This exemption, granted under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, was gazetted on 4 April 2024.

2025

In October 2025, the Bundey BESS and Solar Project was
selected as part of the Australian Government’s Capactiy Investment Scheme (CIS).

In October 2025, the solar component of the project received Development Approval from the South Australian Government

 

2026 & Beyond

The project is progressing toward full approval, with the Connections Agreement for Stage 1 scheduled for completion in Q2 2026. Genaspi remains on track to achieve comprehensive project approval by Q1/Q2 2026.

Structured in four stages, the BESS project features independent connections to the Bundey Substation, enabling tailored financial plans for each stage to facilitate their respective Commercial Operation Dates (COD). This phased approach enhances project efficiency and mitigates development and construction risks.

Our Projects

Project Benefits

Cost-effective Energy

Electricity can be made available on demand, focusing on providing competitively priced electricity during peak periods. This offers a cost-effective solution to prospective large electricity users through Power Purchase Agreements.

 
 
 

Energy Security

The project’s proximity to South Australia’s major energy infrastructure, being adjacent to Bundey Substation and associated main transmission lines, enhances connectivity and integration into the existing energy infrastructure while minimising vulnerability to disasters and extreme weather events.

Energy Stability

The project will play a crucial role in stabilising the energy supply in South Australia and supporting local businesses and communities. By employing grid-forming technology, it will provide the opportunity for a higher level of grid stability.

Economic Contribution

By engaging with local landholders and the community, Genaspi ensures stakeholder involvement and local economic benefits, such as jobs, contract opportunities, environmental projects, and community events.

Our Project

Community engagement

Genaspi is committed to open and transparent engagement with the community and all stakeholders with an interest in the Project. Providing the community with an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share feedback has been an important part of our project development process.

In November 2024, Genaspi Energy Group held a community information session in Robertstown to introduce nearby community members to the project, answer questions, and learn more about how we can benefit the surrounding community.

We intend to hold another session in 2026 ahead of breaking ground. Please register your details to be notified of future events.

FAQS

How big is the Bundey BESS and Solar project site?

Once operational, the BESS will hold a total capacity of 1,200 MW/3,900 MWh. An accompanying solar component will have the capacity to charge 80% of the battery’s capacity.

The battery will be made up of single-story modular units similar in size to a 20-foot shipping container, with facilities for the Battery Energy Storage System and associated infrastructure all located on-site. The project site sits on an approximately 1,700 ha property.

The Bundey BESS and Solar Project site is approximately 9 km northeast of Robertstown.

This site, situated on freehold land owned by Genaspi, was chosen specifically for its significant distance from residential properties and proximity adjacent to the 330/275 kV Bundey Substation and associated 330 kV transmission line.

A battery energy storage system is a large version of a rechargeable battery that you might use at home. When the electricity grid is producing an excess of energy – for example, through renewable generation when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing – then some of that excess energy can be captured and stored by grid-scale batteries.

At times of increased demand or when renewable energy generation is not available, the battery can discharge that stored energy back into the grid to relieve demand pressure and minimise the occurrence of high price events. BESS facilities are now becoming a common, standard part of most countries’ new-energy supply infrastructure.

Grid-scale batteries are playing a crucial role in the world’s shift to renewable energy by stabilising energy supply and costs. They ensure energy generated from renewable sources can be captured and used when it is needed.

The Bundey BESS will strengthen grid stability for communities in the region while also offering a storage solution for excess energy generation from renewable generation projects located around South Australia.

A traffic assessment has been undertaken. No new roads will be needed during construction and operation of the facility; however, internal access roads will be built within the site. Existing road networks will be maintained should any damage occur.

During construction, it is expected that the current network will have sufficient capacity to absorb any increase in traffic.

This site has direct access to the 330/275 kV Bundey Substation. New transmission lines will be required to connect into the substation. These will be within the project footprint and will be smaller than the existing transmission towers that run across the project site.

Like all large-scale battery projects across Australia, Europe, and the US, we collaborate with international partners in the supply chain.

All development, construction, and operational control of the project will be retained by Australian companies, with only the procurement of the batteries, inverters, and solar panels from overseas.

While we have yet to choose a final supplier for the solar panels, the selection process will involve a thorough review of established and recognised global market leaders.

The safety of our employees and the communities in which we operate takes precedence in all we do.

In addition to first-class technical engineering that’s designed to meet IEC and Australian standards, all Genaspi energy storage projects will undergo rigorous safety and security testing to minimise safety risks.

The facility will also have a Risk Management Plan, Fire Management Plan, and Emergency Management Plan with details on potential risk areas and mitigation measures in place.

The Bundey site was selected largely due to its significant distance from residential areas, minimising the risk of noise disturbances for the local community.

A noise assessment has been completed and determined that the potential noise emissions from the Proposed Development will be able to operate within the relevant noise provisions in the Planning & Design Code and the SA Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Environment Protection (Commercial and Industrial Noise) Policy 2023 (Noise Policy).

The solar component of the project received Development Approval from the Minister for Planning in October 2025. To support this process, specialist studies into a range of impact areas including ecology, cultural heritage, noise, transport, hydrology, landscape and visual were undertaken to ensure the project minimises and manages any potential impacts and meets or exceeds all statutory requirements.

The project also requires grid connection approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator to ensure stability of the electricity grid.

The BESS component was granted a planning approval exemption under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (PDI Act).

Genaspi is committed to open and transparent engagement with the community and all interested parties.

While there are no landholders immediately surrounding the facility, the closest residential properties have been notified.

The Development Application for the solar farm has undergone public consultation, with a small number of responses that have been addressed publicly.

Following an initial community information session in November 2024 for residents in the broader Goyder Council region, Genaspi intends to hold a second session in early 2026 before breaking ground.

During the construction phase, several employment and contracting opportunities will be available, and we will aim to engage local contractors, suppliers, and businesses where possible.

A strong emphasis will be placed upon engaging local suppliers and manufacturers. There will be potential opportunities in:

  • Civil and electrical engineering

  • Earthworks

  • Electrical installation

  • Steel supply and fabrication

  • Road construction and traffic management

  • Fencing

  • Support services for the construction workforce

Genaspi is open to discussions regarding contracting opportunities and is in the process of identifying local supplier forums and open days to increase presence in the region. We welcome any suggestions or invitations via our website: bundeybessandsolar.com.au

We are currently speaking to several potential users of the battery. The storage capacity may be used by:

  • An energy retailer to strengthen their ability to stabilise supply

  • Buying, storing, and selling energy from and into the National Energy Market (NEM)

  • Providing network services such as Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) to maintain grid stability

In any scenario, the outcome will be a net benefit for Australia’s energy stability and supply security.

The MW rating determines how much power the system can deliver at any moment, determined by the size of the system and how much it can produce. MWh is how long the system can deliver that power, measured in hours.

We are committed to working with the First People of the Murray Mallee #2, the Ngadjuri Nation Aboriginal Corporation, the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, and Mannum Aboriginal Community Association Incorporated to ensure appropriate investigation and management of any potential cultural heritage.

Initial engagement with the groups has commenced, and a comprehensive Cultural Heritage Management Plan is underway. This will need to be approved prior to construction.

Genaspi has completed a number of initial technical assessments as guided by state government requirements that explore the impacts and potential impacts of the development. Our expert technical specialists include:

  • Traffic and transport

  • Noise

  • Surface and groundwater

  • Visual amenity

  • Ecology

  • Heritage

Supporting renewable energy

Australia’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation with a growing emphasis on renewable energy. Australia boasts abundant natural resources, including solar and wind energy, making it a prime location for the development of renewable energy projects. Additionally, the Federal Government has set ambitious targets for adopting renewable energy, including a goal to source 50% of electricity from renewables by 2030.

Genaspi Energy’s experienced management team and its focus on sustainable energy solutions position it well to supports the achievement of these ambitions and become an industry leader in Australia’s renewable energy market. 

The inherent intermittent nature of renewable energy generation cannot fully support the typical real-time electricity demand. Solar power can only generate electricity during daylight hours, and wind power relies on sustained wind conditions.

The challenge faced by solar and wind energy is that the generated power must be consumed or stored immediately. Without efficient energy storage systems, the generated power must be used in real-time.

Energy consumption typically follows typical daily cycles, with usage peaks occurring in the morning and later in the afternoon, followed by lower energy usage. These cycles are reflected in energy pricing, with lower prices during periods of low energy usage and higher prices during periods of high usage. Utility-scale batteries can take advantage of pricing differentials by charging when prices are low and discharging when prices are high.

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