September 8, 2026
Construction is expected to begin in November 2026 and run until early 2029. Image: Octopus Australia.
Octopus Australia has referred the Blackstone battery energy storage system (BESS), a 500MW/2,000MWh standalone facility, to Australia’s federal government for assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
The proposed designated proponent is Blackstone BESS OpCo Pty Ltd, a trust entity 100% owned by Octopus Australia, an energy fund manager and developer with a portfolio and pipeline exceeding AU$16 billion (US$11.52 billion) across wind, solar and battery storage projects in Australia.
The referral follows Octopus Australia’s submission in August of the 1.2GW/4.8GWh Hanworth Battery Project in New South Wales, a project the company describes as Australia’s “largest planned BESS,” acquired from developer Enervest earlier in 2026.
