FRV Australia to Build 200 MW Texas Solar Farm and Gigawatt-Scale Battery in NSW

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) Australia, a sustainable energy solutions provider and part of Jameel Energy and the Canadian infrastructure fund OMERS, is seeking environmental approval from the Australian federal government for its new 200 MW Texas solar farm planned for northern New South Wales (NSW). 

This project will feature a significant battery energy storage system (BESS) rated at 550 MW/2.2 GWh, increasing FRV's existing footprint in Australia, which includes nearly 1 GW of solar capacity and 102.5 MW/205 MWh of BESS installations. FRV is based in Spain.

FRV's Expanding Solar and Storage Portfolio

The proposed Texas solar farm and accompanying BESS project represent a major expansion of FRV’s renewable energy assets in Australia. In July 2024, FRV secured a substantial refinancing deal worth AUD 1.2 billion (approximately USD 774.25 million) to support a portfolio of eight solar and BESS developments. 

This refinancing involved collaboration with eleven leading financial institutions, including global and local banks such as Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and Westpac Banking Corporation. Macquarie Capital and legal firms White & Case and Allens provided financial and legal advisory services for the transaction.

Australia Leading Battery Storage Growth

Australia has rapidly grown to become a global leader in utility-scale battery storage systems, surpassing the United Kingdom to rank third worldwide behind China and the United States. The country currently hosts around 14 GW/37 GWh of battery capacity either operational or nearing financial close, with an anticipated pipeline expansion from 109 GW in August 2024 to 154 GW by late 2025. 

Notably, in relation to population, Australia is the first nation to exceed 1 GWh of utility battery capacity per million people, well ahead of other leading markets like China and the US.

Future Investments and Notable Projects

Investment in new energy storage infrastructure is forecasted to exceed AUD 21 billion (USD 14 billion) by 2030, driven largely by the Australian government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). 

Key companies in this burgeoning sector include Neoen, which completed its 270 MW/540 MWh Western Downs BESS Stage 2 project ahead of schedule in September 2025. 

Additionally, Akaysha Energy is making significant strides with a 4 GWh BESS portfolio currently under construction, alongside a development pipeline that includes the AUD 1 billion (USD 650 million) Waratah Super Battery. This massive 850 MW/1.6 GWh battery project is planned to deliver two hours of storage capacity, advancing Australia's grid resilience and clean energy integration.