What the new Australian facility means for energy and renewables
Naturalness Group opened a new battery storage center this week, marking a significant milestone in its Australian expansion. The event was attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, along with leaders from Naturgy, underscoring a strategic push into the country’s evolving energy landscape. The moment signals not just a local achievement but a broader commitment to integrating cleaner power into the grid.
The facility, planned near Canberra, carries a clear purpose: it will act as a strategic node to support the regional distribution network. Equipped with a 10 MW lithium-ion battery system and a storage capacity of 20 MWh, the center is designed to capture electricity generated from renewable sources and release it into the grid during periods of higher demand or lower production. This capability helps stabilize supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuel peaking plants, contributing to a more resilient energy system for the capital region and surrounding areas.
In practical terms, the project will help strengthen energy security and support the ongoing transition toward cleaner electricity. It aligns with broader plans to ensure the grid remains reliable as renewables grow in share and the country pursues ambitious decarbonization goals. The project is linked to the development of Berrybank 2, a wind project that Naturgy announced would begin operations in the coming months, reinforcing the company’s strategy to pair storage with intermittent generation to smooth supply and reduce price volatility in the market.
“This new investment by Naturgy demonstrates the potential and capabilities of Spanish companies on the global stage,” commented Francisco Bust, chief executive officer of Global Energy Production, the international manufacturing arm of Naturgy. “It showcases how European players can contribute to energy security and renewables adoption across continents, from project development to operation.”
Investing in Australia’s energy future
Naturgy has been active in Australia since 2007, and its regional strategy is guided by a clear plan to become a major energy player in the country. The Global Power Group, formed in 2014, holds a majority stake of 75 percent, with the remaining 25 percent owned by the Kuwait Investment Authority. Australia stands as a priority market within Naturgy’s growth framework for the coming years. The group has ambitious targets, aiming to achieve an installed capacity of about 2.2 gigawatts in the country by 2025. This involves a €2 million investment focused on expanding wind, solar photovoltaic installations, and storage technologies that can complement each other to deliver reliable, low-emission power.
At present, Naturgy operates the Crookwell II and Berrybank I wind farms and is concluding a phase of entry with Berrybank II. Alongside these projects, Naturgy is building a robust portfolio of activities in development and under construction with a collective capacity of around 1.2 GW across regions such as Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia. The approach highlights a diversified mix of renewable assets and storage solutions designed to maximize the reliability and profitability of clean energy in the Australian market.
Executives emphasize that growth in Australia is driven by a combination of policy support, market dynamics, and the availability of advanced technologies. By pairing wind or solar generation with battery storage, Naturgy demonstrates how grids can absorb fluctuating output and still deliver consistent electricity to households and businesses. This integrated approach aligns with national objectives to electrify transportation, modernize infrastructure, and reduce carbon emissions. In this sense, the Australian initiatives form part of a broader, multi-market strategy to accelerate the global transition toward cleaner energy sources and more flexible, resilient power systems.
As the region continues to evolve, Naturgy’s Australian program is expected to create opportunities for local suppliers, engineers, and contractors, while contributing to a secure energy balance that supports both economic growth and environmental stewardship. The emphasis remains on sustainable development, responsible investment, and collaboration with local communities to ensure the projects deliver long-term value for Australians and investors alike. This is not merely a launch; it is a signal of intent—one that positions Naturgy as a key player in the Australian energy transition, working to integrate renewables with storage and distribution in a way that benefits the grid, the market, and the public at large. [citation: Naturgy press materials and public statements]