Up to 97MWac
approximate PV + BESS capacity
Bullyard Solar Farm
100 megawatts of solar energy
About Bullyard Project (Bucca)
The Bullyard project, which was acquired by European Energy in 2024, is a 97MWac solar farm (with a proposed BESS in due diligence stage) based in Bucca, Queensland. The project has been approved under the code assessable pathway, and was endorsed by the Bundaberg Regional Council on 29 November 2024.
30,000 Homes
powered each year
115,000
tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually saved
Bullyard Regional Small Grants and Sponsorship Program
The Bullyard Regional Small Grants and Sponsorship Program offers grants of up to $4,000 to support sponsorships and initiatives in the local area. The program is open from 1 November, 2025.
We want to support projects that reflect the values, priorities, and aspirations of the local community and deliver long-term community benefits.
Learn about the Project
FAQs
How are the battery fires contained?
Bullyard BESS is being designed with a multi-layered fire prevention and containment strategy, in line with Australian standards and industry best practices.
These include:
- Modular design: Each battery unit will be housed in purpose-built steel containers, limiting the spread of fire.
- Integrated battery management systems: this will continually monitor key metrics like temperature, voltage and performance to detect faults early.
- Integrated alarm and firefighting systems: a) alarm horn and strobe (audio/sound and visual/light), b) ventilation and smoke exhaust system to prevent deflagration, c) aerosol/gas suppression system to extinguish initial fire and suppress fire
- Thermal runaway detection / isolation systems: the system detects main aspects or potential sources of fire which are a) heat detectors (checking increase in temperature), b) smoke detector (checking presence of smoke), c) gas (H2) detector (checking presence of possible “invisible” and “odourless” gas leak e.g., H2). Detection of any abnormalities on any of the three will automatically signal the alarm (horn and strobe, and issue a warning to the operator). The battery management system will also stop the operation of the battery until it returns to normal conditions, or is reset manually.
- Fire separation distances: an asset protection zone of 10 metres between the units will prevent fire spreading between the units.
- Emergency response planning: European Energy Australia is developing an emergency management plan in consultation with QFD
A Fire Safety Study and Hazard assessment are currently being prepared by qualified fire engineers and aligned with Australian standards, community expectations, and insurer requirements.
What chemicals are used to contain battery fires and how are the chemicals contained?
The approved battery technology will undergo rigorous testing to the built-in fire detection and suppression system. This will be individually built into each container.
Depending on the final technology selected, suppression systems will typically include:
- Inert gases (these are clean-agent gas systems)
- Aerosol-based suppression systems
- Water-based systems (where required by fire engineering assessment)
Bullyard does not propose the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS in its permanent fire suppression system.
Any emergency response materials used will be strictly managed under established environmental protection protocols.
Firewater containment measures will be incorporated into the civil design to prevent offsite runoff.
This will be informed through the following assessments:
- Fire Safety Study (and Fire Engineering Report)
- Dangerous Goods and Hazards Analysis
- Environmental Assessments
Will local firefighters get training in fighting fires on the site?
The European Energy Australia project team will
- Engage with Queensland Fire Department
- Provide site-specific emergency response information
- Share battery system data sheets
- Conduct familiarization sessions prior to commissioning
This will feed into the Emergency Management Plan to be prepared and updated through the operations phase.
Has the distributed battery design been tested or approved elsewhere?
The proposed DC-Coupled lithium-ion battery systems will be:
- commercially deployed across Australia and internationally
- will comply with:
- electrical installations – safety of battery systems
- relevant grid connection standards, compliant with Ergon’s requirements
- State / Council and insurer technical requirements
- are subject to third-party certifications and factory testing before delivery.
The design has been used in solar / storage facilities across QLD and other Australian states.
Doesn’t it spread the fire and noise risk across the site?
The proposed battery factility will be designed based on outcomes of fire and noise assessments to reduce risk concentration.
Fire risk:
- the separation distances will prevent fire spreads between units.
- individual containers isolate reducing the scale of any single incident.
- modelling the hazards demonstrate low likelihood of multi-unit escalation.
Noise
- this is being undertaken as part of the development approval process.
- the noisier equipment such as inverters and cooling systems will have to comply with planning noise requirements.
- the distributed layout can help reduce concentrated noise at any single boundary.
This will be supported by
- Fire Engineering Report
- Noise Impact Assessment
Have the batteries been previously approved, and how will risks be managed if extreme weather causes damage to infrastructure?
The battery technology proposed has been deployed in numerous approved and operating projects.
For Bullyard specifically:
- All containers will be engineered to meet relevant Australian wind loading standards.
- Structural design will comply with:
- relevant Australian standards related to structural design actions.
- foundations will be designed by qualified structural and geotechnical engineers.
- the site layout will account for flood levels and drainage modelling
Extreme weather mitigation measures include:
- Cyclone/wind rating compliance
- Secure anchoring systems
- Flood modelling and drainage controls
- Emergency shutdown procedures
How does the BESS design account for the risk of tornadoes in this area?
Bullyard BESS will be designed to withstand severe weather conditions that can occur in the region. Each battery unit is housed in a robust steel container that is:
- Designed to handle strong wind events typical for this part of Queensland
- Secured with engineered anchoring systems to prevent movement
- Built with reinforced structural components for added strength
The design is proposed on detailed extreme weather modelling and will meet all relevant Australian standards and regulatory requirements.
Importantly, the project must also satisfy the requirements of our insurers. Insurance providers apply their own independent engineering and risk assessments before providing coverage. This adds an additional layer of scrutiny to ensure the battery system is designed, constructed and operated to a high safety standard.
Together, regulatory compliance, independent engineering certification and insurer requirements help ensure the facility is built to be safe, resilient and appropriate for local conditions.
Do the maps and figures shown accurately represent the full project layout?
Yes. The maps presented reflect the current proposed development footprint.
Some early consultation materials may show simplified layouts for readability, but the formal planning documentation is to include:
- The full site boundary
- Solar panel areas
- Access roads
- Environmental buffers
If a community member cannot see their property clearly on a map, we are happy to provide a zoomed-in copy showing nearby boundaries for clarity.
Will the site layout impact fauna access to Splitters Creek?
Protecting local waterways and wildlife corridors is an important part of the project design.
The layout has been developed to:
- Maintain appropriate buffers to Splitters Creek
- Avoid sensitive habitat areas where possible
- Maintain permeability of the site fencing
Environmental and ecological assessments are undertaken to ensure local fauna movement is not significantly impacted. Any required mitigation measures will be implemented as part of approval conditions.
Will distributing the battery units spread noise impacts across more neighbours?
No. The distributed battery design does not increase overall noise levels.
In fact:
- Each battery unit operates at relatively low noise levels
- Units are spaced across the site, reducing concentrated noise in one location
- A detailed Noise Impact Assessment is undertaken to ensure compliance with Queensland planning requirements
The project must meet strict noise limits at surrounding property boundaries.
How will dust be managed during construction?
Dust management is a standard part of construction planning.
Measures will include:
- Water trucks to suppress dust on internal roads
- Stabilisation of high-traffic areas such as Goondoon and Norbrook Roads
- Speed limits for construction vehicles
- Progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas
We will also assess key access routes such as Goondoon Road and implement appropriate traffic and dust mitigation measures as required by Council conditions.
How will the project withstand extreme weather such as hail or tornadoes?
The solar panels and battery units are designed to withstand severe weather typical for the region.
– Solar panels are tested to international hail impact standards
– Structures are engineered for strong wind conditions
– Battery containers are securely anchored
– The design meets Australian structural standards
In addition, insurers require independent engineering review before providing coverage. This adds another layer of scrutiny to ensure the project is resilient and appropriately designed.
Why is the project called “Bullyard” if it is in Bucca?
European Energy Australia bought the project with the name “Bullyard Solar Farm”. We acknowledge this concern and will ensure naming is clear, with reference to the Bucca community in future communications.
Will construction traffic impact local roads and intersections?
A Traffic Impact Assessment is prepared as part of the planning process.
This assessment:
- Identifies expected vehicle numbers during construction
- Reviews key intersections (including Goondoon Road and Norbrook Road)
- Recommends mitigation measures if required
Construction traffic is temporary and managed under an approved Traffic Management Plan.
Are there EMF (electromagnetic field) risks to residents, livestock, wildlife or people with pacemakers?
Extensive research shows that EMF levels from solar farms, battery systems and substations are very low and well below national safety limits.
Key points:
- EMF levels drop rapidly with distance
- At property boundaries, levels are typically similar to or lower than common household appliances
- Infrastructure must comply with Australian radiation protection standards
There is limited evidence that solar farms or battery systems pose health risks to residents, livestock, wildlife, or people with pacemakers when operating within regulated limits.
Does the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Amazon mean locals will receive cheaper electricity?
The project has entered into a corporate renewable energy agreement to supply clean electricity into the grid.
However:
- The electricity generated is fed into the National Electricity Market
- Retail electricity pricing for households is not directly determined by this agreement
While renewable energy contributes to long-term system price stability, individual retail bills are set by electricity retailers and market conditions.
What insurance is in place, and who is liable if something goes wrong?
The project will hold comprehensive insurance coverage during both construction and operations.
This includes:
- Public liability insurance
- Construction all-risk insurance
- Operational insurance coverage
If an incident were to occur (for example, damage caused by extreme weather), liability would sit with the project owner/operator in accordance with Australian law and insurance arrangements, not with neighboring landowners.
Insurance providers also require strict engineering, safety and risk controls before providing coverage.
How will the site be operated and staffed?
During construction, there will be a temporary workforce on site.
Once operational:
- The solar farm and battery operate largely automatically
- Remote monitoring systems operate 24/7
- Periodic on-site inspections and maintenance crews (8-10 people regularly maintaining the project health)
The facility does not require permanent large-scale staffing during normal operation.
What about curtailment? Will the solar farm be limited without the battery?
Curtailment (temporary reduction in output) can occur across all generators in the electricity market when the grid is constrained.
The battery is designed to:
- Store excess energy during periods of low demand
- Release energy when demand is higher
- Reduce the risk of curtailment
Curtailment rates depend on broader grid conditions and are managed through market participation and grid agreements. The project will operate in accordance with Australian Energy Market Operator requirements.