Bungama BESS
About Amp Energy
Amp Energy (Amp) is a leading global renewable energy company that develops, owns and operates solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen projects worldwide, dedicated to advancing the global shift to sustainable and resilient energy systems.
With headquarters in Canada, Amp Energy has renewable energy operations in South Australia and New South Wales and offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Amp has been actively involved in the Australian renewable energy market since 2017, and is developing three hybrid projects in South Australia, namely Bungama, Robertstown and Yoorndoo Ilga.
These three projects have the potential to deliver up to 2,000 MWh of battery energy storage and up to 1,000 MW of solar generation.
See our South Australian portfolio.
About the Project
Bungama BESS
A fundamental part of Amp Energy’s commitment to a cleaner energy future, The Bungama BESS Project is a new, large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with up to 250 MW / 500 MWh storage capacity and a proposed solar energy facility in Bungama. Located approximately 6 kilometres east of Port Pirie and 220 kilometres north of Adelaide, the Project is strategically located near existing network infrastructure.
The Project is designed to integrate into the National Electricity Market through a 275 kV connection to ElectraNet’s Bungama Substation. Through grid connection, the Project will contribute to a more reliable and stable network for South Australia, by storing excess energy until it is needed. The project is being designed for an operational life of up to 25 years.
The project received development approval in mid-2019 with a further variation received in 2023, to support the development of the battery storage component as a priority. In September 2023, a Transmission Network Connection Agreement (TCA) with ElectraNet was executed.
Pre-construction works for the BESS are underway, commencing in October 2024. The project is expected to be operational by 2026.
At the end of the Project’s life, the site will be rehabilitated by the company in line with an approved decommissioning plan, land agreements and legislation of the time.
Indicative project timeline
Current activities
Ancillary Infrastructure
- Amp completed the road upgrade required by the development approval prior to commencement of works
- ElectraNet commenced Bungama Substation upgrades within the existing facility in September
Pre-construction
- Enerven was appointed as the Balance of Plant Contractor, mobilised to site in early October
- Clearing, grubbing and removing of topsoil are well progressed
- Main access road is cut-in and temporary fencing installed around the construction zone, with site facilities installed onsite
- Currently progressing works with auxiliary transformer, cables (MV, LV & DC), bulk earthworks and drainage
- Purchase orders for long-lead equipment have been placed
Battery Energy Storage System
A Battery Energy Storage System is essentially a much larger version of a rechargeable battery that you might use for devices in your everyday life.
When the electricity grid has an excess of energy – for example, through renewable generation when the sun is shining, or the wind is blowing – excess energy can be captured and stored by grid-scale batteries such as Bungama.
At times of increased demand or when renewable energy generation is not available, the battery can discharge that stored energy back into the grid to relieve pressure and help to minimise the occurrence of high price events.
Renewable energy generation
South Australia’s mix of energy supply sources is rapidly evolving, with the percentage of energy, in particular electricity generation, increasingly being sourced from renewable energy.
South Australia recognises that high levels of solar and wind, together with other forms of electricity generation and the right grid stability services, can safely deliver affordable and sustainable power across the state.
The Project will contribute to the delivery of affordable power from renewable energy. Development of large-scale generation assets within South Australia will increase competition for dispatching power to the South Australian grid and assist in reducing electricity prices over the long term.
Community engagement
Amp is committed to genuine and ongoing community and stakeholder engagement.
Amp has sought a cooperative and open approach with the local community, key stakeholders and the Port Pirie Regional Council to share information about the project at every stage, seek feedback and identify opportunities during construction and operation. We look forward to continuing and strengthening our relationships with the local community and stakeholders as we deliver the Bungama BESS project.
Project benefits
Direct and indirect positive socio-economic impacts of Bungama project include:
- South Australian consultants undertook the studies and investigations required for the development application process and solar design
- During construction the Engineering Procurement and Construction Contractor will include a component from the local and regional workforce and engagement of Nukunu Wapma Thura Aboriginal Corporation
- The goods and services required during the construction and operation phase will generate indirect employment and economic multiplier effects for the region
- The Project will also directly contribute to the local community through a Community Fund
South Australian Portfolio
Bungama
Bungama BESS is one of three hybrid Amp projects that are intended to play a tangible role in supporting South Australia’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2027.
Robertstown
Robertstown Solar is a proposed 500 MW / 1000MWh BESS and up to 500 MW (AC) utility scale solar photovoltaic to be developed on approximately 1800 hectares of cleared land north-east of Robertstown, South Australia.
For more information visit: www.robertstownsolar.com.au
Yoorndoo Ilga
Yoorndoo Ilga Solar is a proposed 250 MW / 500MWh BESS and up to 300 MW (AC) utility scale solar photovoltaic to be developed approximately 10 kilometres north of Whyalla, South Australia.
For more information visit: www.yoorndooilgasolar.com.au
Contact us
Please do not hesitate to contact the Bungama BESS team via telephone, e-mail or the feedback form below.