SCEE’s $90m Contract Win Highlights Execution Risks Ahead
Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited has landed $90 million in new contracts spanning battery storage, education facilities, and water infrastructure, reinforcing its foothold in key growth sectors.
- Awarded $90 million in contracts across renewable energy, education, and water sectors
- Steel River East Battery Energy Storage System project in NSW progressing to detailed engineering
- Multiple school construction contracts in the ACT with staggered completion through 2027-28
- Mount Morgan Water Supply Project electrical works contract in Queensland
- Group leveraging multiple subsidiaries to deliver integrated solutions
A Significant Win in Battery Storage
Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited (SCEE Group) has announced a series of contract awards totaling $90 million, highlighting its expanding role in Australia's infrastructure and renewable energy landscape. The centerpiece is the Steel River East Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Newcastle, NSW, where SCEE Electrical has secured the detailed engineering scope following a successful early contractor involvement phase. This project, part of PLUS Grid Storage Partnership's initiative to deploy grid-scale battery storage across the distribution network, represents one of the first large-scale distribution-connected battery systems in New South Wales.
The scope includes procurement of long-lead items and advancing engineering to full completion, with construction set to commence upon receiving State Significant Development Approval. The project is slated for completion by mid-2027 and will draw on the expertise of multiple SCEE Group subsidiaries, including Trivantage Manufacturing, MDE, SEME Security, and Force Fire, showcasing the group's integrated approach.
Expanding Footprint in Education Infrastructure
Beyond renewable energy, the group has secured design and construct contracts for three school projects in the Australian Capital Territory through its Heyday subsidiary. These projects include Bungendore High School, Second College Gungahlin, and Whitlam Primary School, each involving comprehensive electrical, communications, security, and audiovisual services. The schools are scheduled for phased openings between early 2027 and 2028, reflecting ongoing investment in educational infrastructure.
Water Sector Engagement in Queensland
In Queensland, S.J. Electric, another SCEE subsidiary, has been awarded the electrical works contract for the Mount Morgan Water Supply Project. This involves design, supply, and installation of electrical systems for pump stations and pipeline infrastructure, further diversifying the group's portfolio into essential water infrastructure projects.
Strategic Positioning and Group Synergies
Managing Director Graeme Dunn emphasized the strategic significance of these awards, noting the group's strong exposure to structural tailwinds in data centres, infrastructure, and electrification. He highlighted the competitive advantage gained by leveraging multiple businesses within the group to deliver complex, multidisciplinary projects. This integrated model not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions SCEE Group favorably amid Australia's accelerating infrastructure development and energy transition.
These contract wins come on the heels of recent major projects, including the successful delivery of the Synergy 500MW/2,000MWh BESS project in Western Australia, underscoring SCEE's growing reputation in large-scale battery storage solutions.
Bottom Line?
SCEE Group’s latest contract haul cements its role as a key player in Australia’s evolving energy and infrastructure sectors, with execution now the critical focus.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the expected margins and profitability impacts of these new contracts?
- How will regulatory approvals affect the Steel River East BESS project timeline?
- What further opportunities might arise from SCEE’s integrated group approach in infrastructure sectors?
