Renewable energy retailer Flow Power has sealed an agreement that will help finance the large-scale Blind Creek Solar Farm and Battery project.
Flow Power signed the foundational offtake agreement with clean energy fund manager and developer Octopus Australia for the $900 million project in Bungendore, NSW.
The agreement secures the purchase of a significant portion of the project’s future electricity output ahead of construction, supporting investment in the project.
Octopus Australia recently reached financial close on the Blind Creek Solar Farm and Battery project, which will combine 300MW of solar generation with a 243MW/486MWh battery energy storage system.
The hybrid design is intended to enable electricity generated during the day to be stored and dispatched during periods of higher demand, including evening peak times.
“Flow Power and Octopus Australia share a vision for the role of new technologies in driving a cleaner and more flexible energy system. Blind Creek represents the next generation of renewable energy projects, combining smart technology, firmer supply for customers, and regenerative agriculture. We’re proud to be a foundational partner, helping bring this impressive project to life,” said Byron Serjeantson, COO and CFO of Flow Power.
Developed in partnership with local landholders, the project will incorporate an agri-solar model that allows sheep grazing to continue across the site while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Once operational, the solar farm is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 120,000 homes and reduce emissions equivalent to removing around 200,000 cars from the road each year.
“Flow Power’s leadership in Australia’s renewable energy market established it as a natural partner for Blind Creek and Octopus Australia in the longer term,” Octopus Australia Co-MD, Renewables, Sonia Teitel said.
The project will use a DC-coupled system that allows electricity to flow directly from the solar array into the battery, reducing energy losses and improving system efficiency during periods of high demand.
Construction is now underway, with the project expected to create up to 300 jobs at peak construction and ongoing operational roles once completed. Octopus Australia is working with EPC contractor GRS and battery supplier Wärtsilä Energy Storage on delivery of the project.
