Ark Energy has appointed Elecnor Australia as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partner for its Richmond Valley Solar & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in northern New South Wales. The appointment marks a key milestone in advancing the design, planning, and early site activities for one of Australia’s largest integrated solar and storage developments.
Under the ECI framework, Elecnor will collaborate with Ark Energy during the early design and engineering stages to optimise constructability, schedule, and cost efficiency ahead of the main construction contract. This early engagement allows the project team to identify and mitigate risks while accelerating preparatory works at the Myrtle Creek site near Casino.
Richmond Valley Solar & BESS — Project Overview
Ark Energy is an Australian renewable energy company specialising in utility-scale wind and solar generation, battery energy storage, and renewable hydrogen production. As a subsidiary of Korea Zinc Co. Ltd., Ark Energy focuses on decarbonising industrial operations, supporting the broader transition of Australia’s electricity market, and developing large-scale renewable and hydrogen infrastructure.
The Richmond Valley project combines a utility-scale solar farm and an adjacent battery energy storage system (BESS), with the solar component expected to generate up to 500 MW and the BESS providing 275 MW of power capacity and up to 2,200 MWh of storage over an 8-hour period.
Located strategically at Myrtle Creek, New South Wales, the project leverages site access, high-voltage connection points, and suitable land to support large-scale renewable generation and storage, helping to reduce the risk of curtailment by optimising grid integration and dispatch flexibility.
Elecnor as the ECI Contractor
As the ECI contractor, Elecnor Australia will:
- Collaborate with Ark Energy to refine engineering designs and construction methodologies.
- Provide value engineering proposals to improve cost efficiency and operational performance.
- Oversee early site preparation works, including earthworks and utility interface planning.
This ECI engagement allows Ark Energy to de-risk the project by integrating contractor input before final design completion, supporting a smoother handover into the full EPC or the main construction contracts (e.g. Balance of Plant + BESS Contracts) . It also ensures alignment between technical, civil, and electrical disciplines, reducing the likelihood of delays during execution.
Completion of ECI works is expected in Q2 2026.
Ark's approach for project planning delivery
Appointing Elecnor as ECI contractor signals Ark Energy’s commitment to proactive risk management and efficient delivery of renewable infrastructure. By front-loading technical and early construction expertise, the project can maintain momentum during permitting and design approvals, while preparing for a timely transition into full-scale construction.
Once completed, the Richmond Valley Solar & BESS project will stand as a landmark renewable energy development in NSW, supporting grid stability, integrating large-scale solar generation, and storing electricity to meet peak demand.
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