Mining giant BHP has struck early-stage agreements with two of the world’s largest battery manufacturers to explore the application of battery technology and electrification across its global operations.

Australia is making record-breaking investments in battery energy storage systems, with $2.4 billion committed in the first three months of 2025 alone. These systems are proving to be vital for meeting renewable energy targets and strengthening energy reliability across many critical industries. That includes mining operators, who are increasingly ramping up BESS deployments to replace diesel generators, cutting costs and emissions.

New large-scale solar farms in Australia’s southeast could be forced to curtail up to two thirds of their power generation by 2027 due to delays in energy transmission infrastructure projects, according to new analysis from the Australian Energy Market Operator.

Australian renewables developer Edify Energy has unveiled plans for a major 2.4 GWh solar and integrated battery energy storage facility in northwest Victoria, adding to its growing portfolio of power generation and storage projects.

Li-S Energy has produced Australia’s first lithium metal foils at its cell production facility in Victoria, a milestone the company says supports its broader mission to commercialise high-performance lithium-sulfur and lithium metal batteries.

As the world looks for ways to tackle climate change, Australia has invested heavily in green hydrogen, which is shaping as the best option to strip carbon emissions from some industrial processes, such as iron-making and ammonia production. But making the dream a reality in Australia is proving difficult.

Green hydrogen is touted by some as the future – a way for Australia to slowly replace its reliance on fossil fuel exports. The energy-dense gas has the potential to reduce emissions in sectors challenging to decarbonise, such as steelmaking and fertiliser manufacturing.

The Australian government has announced $60 million in new funding for research and development projects that promise to accelerate cost reductions for PV technology and help meet the stretch target for “ultra low-cost” solar production.

Cavendish Renewable Technology has launched an advanced hybrid electrolysis platform that it says blends the strengths of solid oxide and alkaline technologies and addresses the pain points of green hydrogen adoption.

An expanded 199 kW rooftop solar system and energy management system featuring 14 power meters is helping a Victorian college slash its annual energy costs with projections tipping savings of more than $21,000 per annum.