Octopus reaches financial close on $587 million Blind Creek solar and DC-coupled battery project in Australia

Octopus Australia has brought the $587 million, 300 MW Blind Creek Solar Farm with a 243 MW / 486 MWh battery energy storage (BESS) component to financial close and into construction.

Developed in close partnership with local landholders, the agrisolar project is backed by Octopus Australia funds, which includes investment from Australian pension scheme funds from Hostplus, Rest Super, along with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Westpac Private Bank and global infrastructure leader APG. The site was originally planned for a 2027 completion date.

Located 275 km southwest of Sydney, the Blind Creek project will operate as a true agrisolar model, enabling sheep grazing to continue across the site while enhancing land productivity with solar infrastructure.

Octopus Australia Co-Managing Director of Renewables Sonia Teitel said reaching financial close on Blind Creek marks a major milestone for Octopus Australia and its commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition.

“This achievement demonstrates the strength of our strategy to deliver renewable energy projects that provide long-term value for communities and investors alike,” Teitel said.

CEFC Chief Information Officer Renewables and Sustainable Finance Monique Miller said the start of construction at Blind Creek also marks a major milestone in Australia’s clean energy transition.

“This is a powerful example of how global capital and Australian innovation can work together to deliver renewable energy at scale,” Miller said.

“By integrating solar generation, battery storage and regenerative agriculture, Blind Creek is powering local homes while supporting local business. We’re proud to be a part of this pioneering project as it drives change across the energy and agricultural sectors.”

Octopus Australia continues its collaboration with GRS as EPC Contractor and Wartsila as battery energy storage system (BESS) supplier to deliver the DC-coupled solar hybrid project.

From pv magazine Australia.