Thermal energy storage tech to bolster industry decarbonisation
Long duration energy storage developer MGA Thermal is one step closer to commissioning its behind-the-meter demonstration plant after receiving a $2.48 million windfall from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
Virtual power plant connects to community housing
South Australia’s virtual power plant has partnered with community housing provider, Unity Housing, to supply low cost energy to disadvantaged tenants, as part of its fourth phase to connect more than 7,500 households with clean energy.
New $100 million challenge targets 50 GW per year
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has dangled a $100 million carrot in front of the world’s best and brightest solar industry proponents to help lower solar and electricity costs to scale up annual installation in Australia from 5 GW per year to 50 GW.
CSP green methanol plant firms ties with German fuel giant
Thermal solar company Vast Renewables and German-headquartered energy company Mabanaft have further cemented their partnership with a joint development agreement to advance Vast’s CSP-powered green methanol reference plant, Solar Methanol 1.
RMIT leads global research into solar panel recycling
Melbourne’s RMIT University researchers are in Europe leading an international network focussed on advancing the reuse and recycling of solar panels, including critical mineral recovery.
AGL and Origin switch gears on energy transition strategy
AGL Energy has followed suit with Origin Energy to say it will shift from direct investment into renewable energy generation toward decarbonisation targets, favouring alternatives like pumped hydro, gas and batteries.
Upsurge of SMEs borrowing to invest in green vehicles and equipment
Green finance for vehicles and equipment is selling like hot cakes in Western Australia where National Australia Bank has seen a 305% increase in loans there in a six month period, and demand for electric bus loans are up 168%, new data finds.
Pacific Blue starts build of 60 MW battery in South Australia
Pacific Blue Australia has turned the sods on construction of its $100 million, 60 MW / 130 MWh grid scale battery at Clements Gap in South Australia and is the company’s first storage system scheduled to commence operation in 2026.
Landmark PPA inked through $700 million program to source 500 GWh per year
Investment fund managers IFM Investors and QIC have inked Australia’s largest power purchase agreement worth $700 million through its infrastructure renewable energy program which has a potential total size at peak of 500 GWh per year.
Frontier Energy boosts Waroona battery duration
Renewables developer Frontier Energy has boosted the duration of the 80 MW battery energy storage system planned for the Waroona Renewable Energy Project being developed near Perth by 12% to 4.5 hours. The first stage of the project is to also include a 120 MW solar farm.
