Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release 27 October 2025, 10:00AM EEST
Technology group Wärtsilä will deliver a large energy storage system in Australia, which will be Wärtsilä’s second DC-coupled project in the country. Significantly, this will be the largest DC-coupled hybrid battery system in the National Electricity Market (NEM), reflecting a growing trend toward hybridisation of storage assets with co-located renewable generation. Once operational, the battery energy storage system will have the capacity to power up to 120,000 homes and businesses, providing a significant boost to the country’s renewable energy ambitions. The order will be booked by Wärtsilä in Q4 2025.
DC-coupled projects represent a shift in the future of renewable energy integration. By directly coupling solar generation with battery storage through a DC/DC converter, the architecture minimises energy losses to capture solar power that would otherwise be curtailed, significantly improving project economics, system efficiency, and overall grid stability. This helps to stabilise the grid amid growing solar and wind curtailment.
The project has secured approval for its Generator Performance Standards (GPS), marking a critical milestone in integrating renewable generation and storage at scale. Securing GPS approval was crucial to ensure the successful design and approval of the innovative DC-coupled hybrid system, with Wärtsilä’s optimisation technology playing a central role. The project is supported by a 20-year service agreement.
“This project is significantly larger than our earlier DC-coupled project, underscoring the need for this type of technology in expanding at scale,” said David Hebert, Vice President of Global Sales Management, Wärtsilä Energy Storage. “It’s particularly exciting to work on the largest DC-coupled project in the country; DC-coupled technology is a breakthrough for hybrid renewable plants and a critical step towards establishing a financially viable renewable energy future. The project is a prime example of how hybrid renewable energy and storage solutions can help stabilise Australia’s grid while advancing decarbonisation goals.”
Wärtsilä’s intelligent controls and optimisation software, GEMS, will sit at the forefront of the project, managing the integration of both the energy storage system and solar assets with the grid’s connection requirements. The GEMS Hybrid Power Plant Controller (PPC) ensures coordination between the solar farm and storage system. It conducts intelligent power control and optimised energy management operations for the entire plant to meet grid requirements and response times, charge and discharge the battery appropriately, and maximise project value.
Wärtsilä is a Tier-1 leading integrator in Australia. This project will be Wärtsilä’s ninth BESS site in the country, expanding the company’s local footprint to 1.5GW / 5.5GWh of capacity. The project is expected to be operational in 2028 and will contribute directly to Australia’s net-zero by 2045 target.
Media contact:
Amanda Young
Director, Marketing & Communications
Wärtsilä Energy Storage
amanda.young@wartsila.com
Image caption: Wärtsilä to deliver Australia’s largest DC-coupled hybrid battery system © Wärtsilä Corporation
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Wärtsilä Energy Storage in brief
Wärtsilä Energy Storage is at the forefront of the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help customers accelerate global decarbonisation efforts by combining proven technologies with deep grid expertise. Our portfolio includes high-performance hardware, intelligent controls and optimisation software, and full-service lifecycle support to deliver lasting value across the project lifespan. From enhancing grid stability to unlocking flexibility and operational efficiency, our utility-scale battery energy storage solutions are built for real-world performance. Trusted by top-tier utilities, developers, and system operators, Wärtsilä Energy Storage has a global footprint across 130+ sites—delivering the scale, safety, and reliability needed to power the energy transition.
www.wartsila.com/energy/energy-storage
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 18,300 professionals in more than 230 locations in 77 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2024, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.4 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
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