Samsung C&T has submitted an application to Australian authorities seeking approval for its “Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)” project, which will be built using Tesla Megapacks. The project is planned to have a capacity of 100 MW / 400 MWh.
According to the EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) Public Portal under Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia—Samsung C&T’s local renewable energy subsidiary—filed the application on June 13 (local time) under the EPBC Act. This process is part of an environmental impact assessment and is required for government approval.
In its submission, which includes 13 documents, Samsung C&T outlined detailed plans for the project. The Mangoplah BESS will be located approximately 19 miles south of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, on a site covering 63.2 acres. Of this, 33.4 acres will be used for the actual facility, while the remaining 29.6 acres will be preserved for environmental protection.
The facility will consist of 108 Tesla Megapack units, providing a power capacity of 100 MW and an energy storage capacity of 400 MWh. The system is expected to have an operational lifespan of up to 30 years.
The Australian government is accepting public comments from stakeholders until July 11, after which it will decide whether to grant approval. The local council has requested that Samsung C&T consider setting aside a permanent portion of the electricity for local residents in order to boost community support. In response, the company is reviewing and preparing to propose appropriate measures.
Samsung C&T expects construction to take between 12 and 18 months. Although the project is currently scheduled to break ground in 2027 and begin operations between 2028 and 2029, the timeline may change depending on the approval process.
In 2023, renewable energy accounted for 40% of Australia’s total electricity generation. The Australian government aims to increase this share to 82% by 2030.
Samsung C&T established its Australian subsidiary in 2022, recognizing the country’s strong growth potential in the renewable energy sector. The company has since expanded its portfolio from solar power into energy storage. In April, it announced its third BESS initiative, the South Coree Project, which will have a capacity of 80 MW / 320 MWh and will be located in southwestern New South Wales.
