Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast Why batteries are getting bigger and marrying solar
Feb 13, 2026
Sam Reynolds, Head of Octopus Australia — a fund manager and developer backing large renewables projects. He talks about plans for a 1.2GW / 4.8GWh Hanworth battery and creating a ring of batteries to serve Sydney. He outlines solar‑battery hybrids, portfolio-scale cost benefits, and how mixed contract strategies support firm, reliable energy.
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Blend Contracts With Merchant Exposure
- Mix long-term contracted capacity with merchant exposures to capture higher pricing and flexibility.
- Use shorter two- to three-year commercial deals to onboard corporates and warm them to longer hedges.
Price Drops And Data Unlock Battery Economics
- Battery module prices and market maturity have sharply improved project economics through scale and trading strategies.
- Sam credits their in-house energy markets and data team for forecasting performance across decades and volatility.
Dulacca Wind Illustrates Portfolio Fit
- Dulacca wind farm delivered strong evening output and performed well for Octopus's portfolio aims.
- Sam uses its profile to illustrate how wind, solar and storage combine to de-risk investor returns.