Grupo Cobra and renewable energy developer subsidiary Zero-E Australia have received 5.3.4A Connection Approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) for the Moranbah Solar Farm and battery energy storage project.
The approval covers a 145 MW solar facility combined with a 50 MW/100 MWh battery energy storage system. The AC-coupled hybrid plant is to incorporate grid-forming inverter technology, enabling it to support voltage and frequency stability rather than simply generating and exporting power.
“The project is designed to contribute to the region’s clean energy supply by delivering solar generation supported by battery energy storage,” the developers said. “Once operational, it will support Queensland’s transition to a cleaner and more reliable energy network.”
The project, which received development approval in December 2024, is to be built across a site near the township of Coppabella, about 50 km east of Moranbah, a key coal-mining town. The plant will connect to the grid via Queensland government-owned network operator Ergon Energy’s 132 kV Broadlea substation.
Sydney-headquartered advisory OSA Engineering said the grid connection approval under Clause 5.3.4A of the National Electricity Rules is a major milestone for the project.
“It confirms the project can connect to and operate securely within the National Electricity Market (NEM) while maintaining system reliability and stability,” the firm said, adding it opens the way for the project to move towards financing and construction.
Zero-E said construction is expected to begin in mid-2027 with the facility tipped to start operating by early 2029.
The developer said the build phase is expected to generate up to 250 jobs with a focus on local participation and regional economic benefit.
The project has also been selected under the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme, providing additional support as it progresses toward a final investment decision.
The Moranbah solar-plus-storage project was one of 19 projects awarded contracts under Tender 7 of the Australian government’s Capacity Investment Scheme. Announced in May 2026, the tender provides long-term revenue guarantees for a combined 7.8 GW of renewable generation capacity and 7.9 GWh of storage across the NEM.
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