Technology company Wärtsilä has announced the commercial operation of the 150 MW/300 MWh Bungama Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in South Australia, developed for energy infrastructure owner and operator Revera Energy. The project is designed to improve grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy into Australia’s electricity network.
The Bungama BESS marks Wärtsilä’s fourth operational energy storage project in Australia and represents a major step in expanding flexible energy infrastructure to support the country’s clean energy transition.
The first stage of the project was completed, commissioning ahead of schedule after passing all three mandatory Hold Point Tests required by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). These tests assess the safety, reliability, and technical performance of new energy assets before they begin commercial operations.
Revera Energy Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kim said the Bungama BESS is a key asset in the company’s strategy to develop flexible infrastructure needed for Australia’s renewable energy future. He highlighted the role of collaboration between project partners in meeting the technical and safety requirements necessary for grid-connected energy projects.
The project uses Wärtsilä’s GridSolve Quantum High Energy battery storage system along with its GEMS energy management platform. The technology enables real-time optimisation of stored energy and supports multiple grid services, including frequency control, fast frequency response, and energy arbitrage.
By storing excess renewable energy and releasing it when required, the battery system will help manage fluctuations in electricity supply and demand. This capability is becoming increasingly important as Australia continues to expand variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
The installation is also supported by a long-term service agreement aimed at maintaining operational performance and reliability throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Don Lee, Vice President of Global Operations at Wärtsilä Energy Storage, said the Bungama project demonstrates how advanced storage technology can be deployed quickly to support regions undergoing major energy transitions. He added that energy storage solutions are becoming essential for stabilising electricity networks and ensuring reliable power supply.
Wärtsilä delivered the project in partnership with AEMO, transmission operator ElectraNet, and balance-of-plant contractor Enerven. With the Bungama BESS now operational, Wärtsilä’s energy storage portfolio in Australia has exceeded 6 GWh.
The project highlights the growing role of large-scale battery storage in enabling renewable energy growth and strengthening power system resilience.
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