OX2 Begins Construction of 135 MW Solar Farm and 100 MW Battery Storage Project in Australia’s Hunter Renewable Energy Zone

OX2 has commenced construction of the Muswellbrook Solar Farm & Battery project in New South Wales, Australia, expanding the country’s hybrid renewable energy infrastructure with integrated solar generation and battery storage capacity.

The project combines 135 MWac of solar power generation with a 100 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and is located within the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a key renewable development region identified by the New South Wales government. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate approximately 347 GWh of renewable electricity annually, sufficient to power around 52,000 homes. Commercial operations are targeted for 2028.

The project is being developed on land adjacent to the former Muswellbrook Coal Mine, reflecting the growing trend of repurposing former mining sites for renewable energy infrastructure. The development was co-developed with Idemitsu Australia, which will continue as the long-term landholder for the site.

The integration of large-scale battery storage with solar generation is expected to improve grid stability and operational flexibility by enabling stored solar power to be dispatched during periods of high electricity demand or reduced renewable generation. Industry observers view hybrid renewable projects as increasingly important for supporting grid reliability as Australia accelerates renewable energy deployment.

The project has also secured a long-term hybrid power purchase agreement with an international offtaker covering both solar power generation and battery storage services. Financing for the development is being led by MUFG, which is serving as Sole Structuring Coordinator, Mandated Lead Arranger, Underwriter, and Bookrunner.

The Muswellbrook development further strengthens OX2’s growing presence in Australia since entering the market in 2023. The company’s Australian renewable energy pipeline currently exceeds 3 GW across solar, wind, and energy storage projects located in multiple states, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.