Wärtsilä’s GEMS software will manage the integration of the energy storage system and solar assets with the grid’s connection requirements.
The Fulham project, one of the country’s earliest large-scale DC-coupled hybrid systems, earned generator performance standards (GPS) approval in June 2024. This milestone reflects a broader shift toward pairing renewable sources with storage to enhance grid reliability. It also marks Wärtsilä’s first partnership with Octopus Australia, a branch of Octopus Group, showcasing the potential of DC-coupled technology on a significant scale.
Securing GPS approval was vital for the project’s design and validation. Wärtsilä’s GEMS power plant controller (PPC) technology plays a central role in this success. The GEMS software will oversee the integration of the storage system and solar assets, ensuring they align with grid standards. It manages power control and energy operations, enabling efficient battery charging and discharging while optimizing the project’s overall performance.
The Fulham setup will feature Wärtsilä’s quantum high energy storage technology, recognized for its safety features and high energy density. Construction is underway, with completion slated for 2027. Wärtsilä will also supply a long-term service agreement to maintain the system’s effectiveness over time.
Representatives from Wärtsilä, the Victorian state government, Octopus Australia, and other stakeholders gathered for the ground-breaking ceremony at the project site on April 9, 2025. The event highlighted the collaborative effort driving this renewable energy venture.
In a separate development, Wärtsilä secured a contract in October 2024 to deliver a 150MW battery energy storage system with a 300MWh capacity to Amp Energy in South Australia. This standalone project, known as the Bungama battery energy storage system, is in its initial phase and will also use Wärtsilä’s quantum high-energy technology. It aims to strengthen energy security as South Australia increasingly relies on renewable sources.
The Fulham project supports local energy consumption by storing and releasing power as needed, while the solar farm contributes clean energy to the grid. Unlike exports or imports, this hybrid system focuses on balancing domestic supply and demand. The GEMS technology ensures seamless coordination, making it a practical solution for grid stability.
These initiatives underscore Wärtsilä’s role in advancing energy storage across Australia. The Fulham hybrid project, with its innovative design, and the Bungama system, with its substantial capacity, both contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals. Together, they demonstrate a commitment to reliable, sustainable power generation tailored to regional needs.
