Global law firm Ashurst has advised AMPYR Australia on the structuring of an Australian first-of-a-kind Aboriginal community equity partnership and participation model for the Wellington Stage 1 battery energy storage system (BESS) project.
The Wellington BESS project is a 300 MW / 600 MWh project located in regional New South Wales (NSW). Once energised in 2026, the Wellington Stage 1 BESS will support the growing demand for reliable, renewable energy across Australia while lowering energy costs for future industries.
Ashurst acted for AMPYR Energy in structuring a unique equity model designed to provide Wambal Bila, an organisation comprising members of the Wellington Aboriginal community, with a steady income stream and the opportunity to share in project revenues for the life of the project. The model also provides the means for Wambal Bila to build business capacity and know-how, supporting long-term economic empowerment.
Uniquely, the model provides Wambal Bila with an entitlement to an annual priority distribution amount and the ability to share equally alongside the investor in project revenues. This structure demonstrates Ashurst's ability to deliver innovative legal structures.
Partner Jo En Low said:
"We are proud to have supported AMPYR Australia in delivering a sustainable community participation model for its Wellington BESS project for generations to come. The equity model for the Wellington BESS project will set a new benchmark for community participation in renewable energy projects across the country. This transaction not only provides a pathway for the Wellington Aboriginal community to benefit from the energy transition, but also showcases the power of innovative legal structuring to drive positive social and economic outcomes."
The Ashurst team involved a core team comprising of partner Jo En Low, senior associate David Donaldson, associate Joshua Chin, who were supported by partners Murray Wheater and Lisa Simmons, and associate Vien Siu.
