Adelaide, Australia – Amp Energy, a global energy transition platform backed by the Carlyle Group, has commenced construction of the Bungama Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located six kilometres east of Port Pirie, South Australia. The first stage of the project will deliver 150 MW / 300 MWh of capacity, designed to bolster energy security and reliability as the state’s renewable energy production expands rapidly.
The Bungama project is part of a broader national trend towards large-scale battery installations, supporting Australia’s transition to renewable energy. BESS technology, capable of storing surplus renewable power and discharging it during peak demand, is increasingly seen as a key solution to managing grid stability as more intermittent renewable sources, such as solar and wind, come online.
South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining, Tom Koutsantonis, highlighted the significance of this development in enhancing the state’s renewable energy credentials. “South Australia’s world-leading renewable energy reputation continues to attract significant investment into the state, especially in our regions,” said Mr Koutsantonis. “Projects like Bungama BESS not only create highly skilled jobs, they demonstrate our global standing as a leader in the green energy sector.”
Amp Energy’s President of Australia, Daniel Kim, described the project as a milestone in the company’s extensive portfolio, which spans multiple gigawatts across Australia. “Bungama BESS stage 1 is the first of our energy storage projects to reach this important milestone,” said Mr Kim. “We are committed to supporting South Australia in achieving its ambitious net 100 per cent renewable energy target by 2027.”
The project partners include global technology group Wärtsilä, selected by Amp to supply the BESS and provide long-term service support. Wärtsilä’s Vice President of Energy Storage and Optimisation, Andy Tang, noted the company’s growing presence in Australia. “This collaboration marks our fifth energy storage project in the country,” Mr Tang said. “We are committed to contributing to Australia’s renewable energy goals and building the scale required to service our growing BESS portfolio.”
Enerven, an Australian company, has been chosen as the Balance of Plant contractor for the project. Enerven’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Amato, emphasized the local significance of the project. “With five battery projects now under construction across the country, we are establishing ourselves as a leader in Australia’s energy storage market,” said Mr Amato.
The Bungama BESS stage 1 is expected to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2026, further solidifying South Australia’s position as a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption and grid-scale energy storage deployment.