Frontier Energy Locks In Contracts for $310M Waroona Solar-BESS Project
Frontier Energy has executed all major fixed-price contracts for Stage One of its Waroona Renewable Energy Project, securing tier-one suppliers and unconditional grid connection to de-risk delivery of its 132MW solar and 81.5MW battery facility.
- All major contracts for Waroona Stage One executed
- Fixed-price agreements with global tier-one equipment suppliers
- Western Power grid connection now unconditional
- Project fully funded with $310 million budget plus $22 million contingency
- Site works to start September 2026 with first generation expected in 2028
Major Contracts Finalised to De-risk Waroona Stage One
Frontier Energy (ASX:FHE) has crossed a critical milestone by executing all major contracts for Stage One of its Waroona Renewable Energy Project in Western Australia. The $310 million project, which pairs a 132MW solar farm with an 81.5MW / 6.9-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), now benefits from fixed-price contracts covering the bulk of equipment and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) works. This contract certainty significantly reduces execution risk and underpins the company’s confidence in on-time delivery.
Stage One’s contract roster features global leaders in renewable technology: LONGi for photovoltaic panels, Trina for battery storage, Nextpower LLC for solar tracking systems, and SMA Australia for inverters. Frontier’s approach to free-issue major equipment to EPC contractor Monford Group allows the company direct control over equipment selection and ownership from the outset, while also reducing contractor margins.
Grid Connection and Construction Timeline
Frontier has also secured an unconditional connection agreement with Western Power, enabling export capacity of up to 99MW and import capacity of 95MW to charge the BESS. Long-lead interconnection components have been procured, and construction tenders are advanced, with factory testing of key cables completed. Site works are slated to commence in September 2026, supported by the company’s recently completed capital raising and credit-approved debt financing.
Funding and Project Scale
The project budget of $310 million plus a $22 million contingency is fully funded. This follows Frontier’s successful $110 million equity raise and $280 million in credit-approved senior debt facilities secured earlier this year. The company is positioning Waroona as Western Australia’s largest solar-BESS hybrid power producer, aiming for first generation in 2028.
Advancing Beyond Stage One
With only 300 of the 830 hectares of grid-adjacent freehold land committed to Stage One, Frontier is already progressing plans for Stage Two. The company’s strategic landholding and transmission access provide a strong platform for future expansions, potentially catering to large energy users and emerging power-intensive sectors in Western Australia’s growing economy.
Bottom Line?
Frontier Energy’s contract execution and funding completion mark a pivotal step toward delivering WA’s largest solar-BESS project, but the transition from contracts to construction will test its execution capabilities.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Frontier manage construction risks as site works commence in September 2026?
- What timelines and funding strategies will shape the development of Waroona Stage Two?
- How will evolving electricity demand from data centres and industries influence project expansion?
