David Carroll
AEMO calls for urgent action in updated energy plan
Australia’s independent energy markets and power systems operator has warned urgent investment in generation, firming and transmission is needed with forecasts showing the National Electricity Market needs to almost triple its installed capacity in less than 30 years.
COP28 agreement suggests days of fossil fuels are numbered – but climate catastrophe not yet averted
As negotiators stagger towards their beds in Dubai and another year’s climate talks come to a close, it’s time to take stock. Did COP28 achieve the big breakthrough the world needs on climate change?
Victoria plans gas ban as part of roadmap to renewables
Just days after a regulation to prevent new gas network connections to buildings in the Australian Capital Territory came into effect, the Victorian government has released updated plans designed to end that state’s reliance on fossil gas.
ACEN to boost Australian renewables projects with new investment
Philippines-based energy company ACEN Corporation plans to bolster its renewable energy initiatives in Australia after sealing a $75 million green term loan facility that will help fund the delivery of an 8 GW portfolio of solar, wind, battery storage and pumped hydro projects.
Florence machine resumes tunnelling on Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project
Tunnelling has restarted on a troubled section of the largest renewable energy project under construction in Australia after the New South Wales government issued new environmental approvals to Snowy Hydro.
Telstra adds new solar farm to renewable energy commitment
Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, Telstra, is a step closer to its goal of enabling renewable energy generation equivalent to 100% of its consumption by 2025 after inking a new 153 GWh solar offtake agreement with Global Power Generation.
Woodside lands approval for 500 MW Pilbara solar farm
Australian oil and gas producer Woodside Energy’s plans to install up to one million solar panels and a grid-scale battery in Western Australia’s Pilbara region is a step closer to realisation after the project won local development approval.
Queensland to roll out rebate scheme to boost uptake of home batteries
The Queensland government has indicated it will support the increased rollout of household battery energy storage systems with a new $24 million (USD 15.75 million) residential battery rebate program set to be launched in 2024.
Synergy secures planning approval for 2 GWh big battery
Western Australian government-owned utility Synergy’s plan to build a 500 MW/2,000 MWh battery energy storage system in the state’s southwest to improve system security and support increased renewable energy generation in the main grid has been given the tick of approval by planning authorities.
Vast scores EDF support for concentrated solar power technology
Australian solar thermal specialist Vast Renewables will look to accelerate the development of its concentrated solar power technology after securing a $16.37 million (€10 million) capital commitment from French energy giant EDF Renewables.
