The evolution of Australia’s electricity grid continues at pace with the nation’s newest large-scale wind and solar projects helping produce a string of renewable energy production records in the National Electricity Market.

Australian-headquartered mining giant BHP has signed a nickel supply agreement with United States-based electric vehicles manufacturer Tesla amid reports it is considering exiting oil and gas in a move that would accelerate its retreat from fossil fuels.

New Zealand could be home to the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant with gen-tailers Meridian Energy and Contact Energy teaming up to explore the potential development of a large-scale facility in the island nation’s southernmost region.

Western Australian company Australian Vanadium Limited has been awarded $3.69 million in federal government funding to fast-track manufacturing of large-scale vanadium redox flow battery systems that can be used to support rooftop solar PV or in off-grid settings such as mining, agriculture and remote communities.

The Morrison Government’s continuing support of fossil fuels has been labelled “reckless” as new figures provided by the Climate Council show that renewable energy generation in the National Electricity Market rose to record highs in the first half of 2021.

The University of Wollongong has secured $5 million in federal government funding to establish a renewable energy focused training centre which will address the “complex and challenging issues” currently limiting the growth of renewables, including solar PV and wind energy in Australia.

The Grattan Institute has recommended the sale of new petrol and diesel cars be phased out in Australia by 2035 in a bid to “supercharge the switch to electric vehicles” to help cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

Renewables contracting giant Sterling and Wilson Solar has declared the integration of large-scale batteries into solar PV farms in Australia will be not only crucial for effective management of the nation’s energy supply as the transition to renewables continues at pace but can improve returns on utility scale solar investments.

What’s happening around the states? Western Australia to welcome big battery; South Australia developer plans major expansion; NSW solar farm rejected; and feasibility study supports Queensland green hydrogen project.

Singapore-headquartered solar manufacturer Maxeon has added another module to its AC range with the unveiling of the new Performance 3 AC panel.