Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners acquires 104MW grid-forming BESS project from Windlab in Australia
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has taken full ownership of the 104 MW grid‑forming battery energy storage system (BESS) that complements a 408 MW wind farm at the Gawara Baya project in North Queensland. The acquisition, made through CIP’s Copenhagen Infrastructure V fund, follows the project’s financial close and moves it into construction. Long‑term offtake contracts have been secured with Queensland state generator Stanwell and UK‑based SmartestEnergy, and the development participates in Australia’s Capacity Investment Scheme, which guarantees revenue streams for eligible assets. The hybrid plant, situated on Gugu Badhun Country, includes a landmark Indigenous Land Use Agreement and Australia’s first renewable‑energy biodiversity net‑gain strategy, backed by a AU$4 million investment. Construction is expected to inject AU$200 million into the regional economy and support 500 jobs, while a AU$200,000 annual Community Benefit Fund will aid local initiatives.
💡 Why It Matters
- · By pairing grid‑forming storage with wind power, the project provides the voltage and frequency services that traditional coal and gas plants used to deliver, directly addressing reliability gaps as the National Electricity Market phases out thermal generation.
