The conflict in Iran has triggered global disruptions to energy and liquid fuel markets, including here in Australia. Among the more vulnerable are those in remote and rural diesel-dependent communities where renewables-based microgrids offer an option for reliable and secure energy supply.

Just days after launching construction of its Blind Creek solar and battery project in southern New South Wales, developer Octopus Australia has inked an offtake agreement with renewable energy retailer Flow Power.

Australia’s battery materials recovery sector could contribute $6.9 billion to the national economy by 2050 as end-of-life lithium ion batteries surge from electric vehicles and energy storage, according to a new national industry profile.

Australian battery and electric vehicle tech company 3ME Technology has teamed with United States-based South 8 Technologies to develop lithium-ion battery solutions utilising liquefied gas electrolyte-enabled cells for extreme cold weather and Arctic applications.

New South Wales-based thermal energy storage system developer MGA Thermal intends to rapidly scale its manufacturing capacity and commercial capability after securing $17 million in new funding.

Edify Energy will start construction proper of two massive solar and battery energy storage projects in Queensland by mid-year after naming DT Infrastructure as its preferred EPC contractor.

Digging into NSW’s generation mix reveals that the supply gap from coal exists remains substantial. Eraring currently contributes more to the state’s mix than grid-scale solar and wind combined during winter (28% vs 20%), while utility-scale batteries remain just 1% of the current supply mix, underscoring how early the firming build-out still is. From an investment standpoint, the scheduled retirement of coal capacity represents one of the strongest structural tailwinds in the Australian energy market.

Bifacial solar panels, string inverters and advanced tracking systems are fast becoming the technologies of choice for developers of large-scale solar according to new data provided by Spain-based software company and analytics provider RatedPower.

Australia has rapidly become one of the world’s most attractive destination for hyperscale data centres, ranking within the top 5-10 markets globally by capacity. Several factors explain this rise: large land availability within Renewable Energy Zones, fast-growing renewable penetration surpassing 40% across the National Electricity Market, geopolitical stability, Australia’s status as a trusted Five Eyes jurisdiction, and proximity to Asia-Pacific demand centres.

Construction has officially started on Octopus Australia’s Blind Creek Solar Farm and battery project in southern New South Wales, one of the biggest DC-coupled hybrid projects being developed in the country.