The Queensland Government is doubling down on its renewable energy strategy, announcing the state’s largest battery is soon to be connected to the grid and unveiling plans to build a large-scale standalone battery alongside the coal-fired Tarong Power Station.

Australian software firm Dug Technology has revealed its ambition to build the “world’s first” carbon-free data centre powered by renewable energy in Western Australia’s coastal city of Geraldton.

A national motoring body has called on the Federal Government to “provide leadership”, declaring the rollout of electric vehicles in Australia is facing significant roadblocks.

Renewable energy developers in Australia have turned their attention to energy storage with the level of investment in utility-scale batteries skyrocketing by more than 300% in the past three months but that has been offset by a worrying decline in the number of large-scale solar PV and wind projects reaching financial close.

A new study commissioned by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation has indicated renewable hydrogen is already approaching cost competitiveness with that produced using fossil fuels but some in the industry have declared the government-owned green bank’s figures are much too conservative.

Queensland’s worst power outage in decades has triggered calls for the introduction of more utility scale batteries capable of providing security for the state’s electricity network.

Australia’s energy transition from traditional generation to renewable resources is quickening and global energy technology provider Fluence has highlighted that asset operators are turning to automated bidding solutions as they seek to navigate an increasingly complex market.

Australia’s largest petroleum company Ampol has declared its intent to transition away from traditional oil-based fuels, teaming with Ireland’s Fusion Fuel to develop a solar-powered hydrogen production plant at it’s oil refinery in Queensland.

French renewables developer Neoen is pushing ahead with plans to construct a 157 MW wind farm and 100 MW battery project in Queensland’s far north just weeks after federal resources minister Keith Pitt blocked public funding for the project.

Australian retail property major Vicinity Centres has expanded its renewable energy portfolio, unveiling two more major solar PV rooftop installations as it progresses the rollout of its $73.2 million solar program.