Sydney’s Northern Beaches is now home to Australia’s largest electric bus depot, following the successful completion of works at the Sydney Buses Brookvale Depot in partnership with Keolis Downer and the NSW Government.

The new depot, delivered in September 2025, is the first in Australia to feature overhead pantograph-down charging technology in a Bus depot or at this scale. Powered by renewable energy, it has the capacity to charge 229 electric buses, helping deliver quieter, cleaner journeys for the local community.

Downer was engaged by Keolis Downer to undertake the grid connection upgrades and depot electrification works through a framework of design, procure, install, commission and maintain the Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) infrastructure. Despite the complexity of converting the busy diesel bus depot to electric, the project was completed without disruption to daily services.

“This project has been a full diesel-to-electric conversion, introducing pantograph-down chargers as the primary charging method,” said Tim Guthrie, Downer’s National Operations Manager, New Energy. “Each charger delivers 450 kilowatts, allowing buses to recharge in around 20 minutes. With 16 chargers installed, this depot is a first of its kind in scale and complexity, giving operators far greater flexibility in how they charge buses.”

The project also demonstrates how new technology can deliver tangible community benefits.

“You only have to sit on an electric bus to feel the difference – it’s smoother, quieter, and cleaner,” Jaimie Stewart, Construction Manager added. “For the people of the Northern Beaches, where buses are the only form of public transport, this is a change that will be felt every day.”

The Brookvale depot is a major milestone in the transition to sustainable transport across New South Wales. It also highlights the expertise of Downer’s New Energy business, accredited to deliver large-scale renewable energy and sustainability solutions for clients nationwide.

“Successful delivery at Brookvale shows how strong partnerships make complex projects possible,” said Tim. “We deeply appreciate our collaboration with Transport for NSW and Keolis Downer. With the support of our delivery partners – including TOBCO, Fredon, ABS, JET Charge, Trivantage, Hunter Power Systems, ABB and Beyond Engineering – we’ve helped create infrastructure that enables a more sustainable future for the community.”

The completion of the Brookvale depot reinforces the role of renewable energy in reshaping public transport, cutting emissions, and supporting Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.