Wärtsilä Supplies Australia's First Utility-Scale DC-Coupled Hybrid Battery System

Wärtsilä is set to deliver a 64 MW / 128 MWh energy storage system for the Fulham Solar Battery Hybrid project in Victoria, Australia, which is one of the country's first large-scale direct current (DC)-coupled hybrid systems. The project pairs the battery with an 80 MW alternating current solar farm and has secured Generator Performance Standards (GPS) approval, marking a pivotal step in integrating renewable energy and storage to enhance grid stability. This collaboration reflects a growing trend in Australia towards co-located renewable energy solutions, particularly as the nation faces increasing curtailment rates for solar and wind energy. The system will utilize Wärtsilä’s GEMS Power Plant Controller technology to optimize energy management and compliance with grid requirements. Construction is underway, with completion expected by 2027, further supporting Victoria's renewable energy goals. This project emphasizes the potential advantages of DC-coupled systems, which can reduce energy conversion losses and improve efficiency compared to traditional AC configurations.