After it deployed a record $1.3 billion into the clean energy sector in a 12-month period, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation said it will sharpen its focus on energy storage and other technologies to support the stability of the national grid.

A report released by the Future Fuels CRC (FFCRC) details the work of 19 separate hydrogen roadmaps from around the world, showing the focus and drive towards a hydrogen future. While in sync in terms of forecasts suggesting large scale and rapid deployment of hydrogen technologies is expected from around 2030 onwards, the roadmaps seem to have been developed in isolation from one another, the report finds.

With miners around globe stepping up their production capacities to cater to the demand of the electro-mobility and energy storage sectors, supply has outpaced demand leading to a steep decline in lithium prices. Amid slowing growth in China, a number of Australian lithium miners are hurting.

South Australia’s virtual power plant is nearing the potential Phase 3, which could see 50,000 homes connected becoming the equivalent of a 250 MW network of decentralized power generating units.

As it transitions from a wind-dominated renewable energy mix to include a wider range of energy options such as large-scale PV, pumped hydro and battery storage projects, South Australia is considering new planning policies.

The Independent Planning Commission has approved a $94 million solar project near Gunnedah in New South Wales, under some added conditions.

The South Australian government is looking to extend its Home Battery Scheme subsidy of up to $6000 and low interest loans to rental properties, property developers and aged care facilities.

The Queensland government’s reverse auction got a step closer with the announcement of 10 shortlisted renewable energy proponents as it seeks to bring up another 400 MW of solar and wind energy and battery storage into the market.

All of Kellogg’s energy requirements for its NSW manufacturing operations will come from solar power. The cereal manufacturer has signed a power purchase agreement with the Beryl Solar Farm for the next seven-and-a-half years.

Private sector infrastructure fund manager Infradebt has provided a $7 million senior debt facility for Terregra’s Mobilong and Moyhall solar farms in South Australia.