Natural energy is making a bold entrance in Australia through an in-country project that signals a new era for Naturgy. The company is stepping up with its first self-operated facility in the region, marking a milestone as it both owns and runs the plant. The venture is a pioneering hybrid system that combines photovoltaic solar generation with integrated energy storage, forming a single, cohesive infrastructure. Known as Cunderdin, the project sits near the Western Australian town that shares the same name and carries a significant investment of 160 million euros into Naturgy’s portfolio.
The plan aims to install up to 125 megawatts of solar capacity and to operate a battery storage system capable of delivering up to 220 megawatt-hours of energy. Construction is scheduled to start in the final quarter of the current year, with commercial operation anticipated in the early months of 2024. This timeline reflects Naturgy’s commitment to accelerate its renewable transition and bring reliable, clean power to the region.
A senior executive highlighted the company’s direction: the push to lead in the energy transition and expand renewable generation. The goal is to have a substantial portion of installed power come from renewable sources in the coming years, with projects like Cunderdin illustrating the strength of that strategy and the determination behind it.
The project is described as a ready-to-build initiative that aligns with renewable criteria and marks a milestone in Naturgy’s medium- and long-term planning. The approach emphasizes speed and practicality, ensuring the development aligns with market needs and policy expectations for a cleaner energy mix.
A central technical feature is the plant’s connection to Southwest Australia’s interconnected electricity system. The integration of a large-scale photovoltaic array with a battery energy storage system is designed to improve operational flexibility, enabling Naturgy to support the SWIS wholesale energy market more reliably during peak demand periods in Australia. The arrangement underscores the value of combining solar power with storage to smooth supply and electricity pricing across the system.
While this marks Naturgy’s solar debut in Australia, the company maintains a broad footprint in the region through other energy initiatives. The portfolio includes wind energy projects and a growing Australian presence, with substantial installed capacity already in operation and plans to bring additional storage capacity online in the near term. This steady expansion reflects a broader strategy to diversify energy assets and enhance grid resilience across the country.
Company leadership emphasizes that the Cunderdin project strengthens Naturgy’s long-term commitment to a robust, renewables-driven market strategy in Australia. The effort signals optimistic prospects for continued renewable development in the coming years, aligning with wider regional goals to reduce emissions and expand clean energy access for communities.