Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its fund Copenhagen Infrastructure V (CI V), has initiated construction on the 240 MW / 960 MWh Summerfield battery energy storage system (BESS) in Australia. This follows the financial investment decision (FID) made in September 2024.
The company confirmed that it has issued a notice to proceed for construction works for Canadian Solar, who will be responsible to provide the BESS for the project under an EPC Contract.
Summerfield BESS Project
Strategically located near Mannum in South Australia, close to existing transmission infrastructure, the Summerfield BESS will play a critical role in addressing the region’s growing energy storage demands.
The project supports South Australia’s goal of achieving 100% net renewable energy by 2027 by enabling the efficient storage and redistribution of excess wind and solar energy during peak demand periods.
Summerfield has secured a 10-year offtake agreement with Origin Energy, one of Australia’s leading electricity generators and retailers. As part of CIP’s flagship CI V fund, which targets EUR 12 billion in renewable investments across wind, solar PV, and energy storage projects worldwide, Summerfield represents a major step toward sustainable energy transition.
BESS Supplier and Technical Specifications
CIP has partnered with Canadian Solar and its subsidiary e-STORAGE for the construction of the Summerfield BESS. e-STORAGE, a leader in large-scale battery energy storage systems, will supply its advanced SolBank 3.0 technology, ensuring seamless integration, commissioning, and long-term operational support.
Leveraging its global expertise, e-STORAGE will enhance South Australia’s renewable energy capabilities through this state-of-the-art battery system. Some of key technical specifications of the BESS are:
Capacity: 240 MW / 960 MWh, providing four hours of energy storage
Size: 222 battery containers over a one-hectare site
Energy Supply: Capable of powering 70,000 homes, nearly 10% of South Australian households daily
Summerfield - Construction Contract Details
Canadian Solar, through e-STORAGE, will be both the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (“EPC”) Contractor and Operations and Maintenance (“O&M”) Contractor for the project. Under an EPC Contract, the owner (CIP) transfer to the contractor (e-STORAGE) the majority of the construction risks, including:
- Engineering: The contractor bears the responsibility of the development of project’s detailed planning and design based on functionality requirements.
- Procurement: The Contractor will also be responsible to procure material, equipment, and subcontractors needed for the project. This involves negotiations, purchasing, and supply chain management to ensure timely delivery.
- Construction: The Contractor will lead the construction delivery and be in charge of construction management and will ensure timely completion of the project.
Suggested Reading: What is an EPC Contract? (Key Features, Examples, and Tips)
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