Energy Storage

That’s the Commonwealth Bank of Australia we’re talking about, not the Commonwealth Government … but someone has to lead the way. Sustainability-savvy CBA is placing an investment bet on innovative energy retailer, Amber.

The Queensland Government is doubling down on its renewable energy strategy, announcing the state’s largest battery is soon to be connected to the grid and unveiling plans to build a large-scale standalone battery alongside the coal-fired Tarong Power Station.

A microgrid research project taking place in four farming communities located in New South Wales and Queensland. Over 50 smart meters are collecting real-time energy data to determine models and microgrid solutions to help farmers struggling with high electricity bills, and to help the struggling network of energy infrastructure.

Renewable energy developers in Australia have turned their attention to energy storage with the level of investment in utility-scale batteries skyrocketing by more than 300% in the past three months but that has been offset by a worrying decline in the number of large-scale solar PV and wind projects reaching financial close.

Queensland’s worst power outage in decades has triggered calls for the introduction of more utility scale batteries capable of providing security for the state’s electricity network.

The pilot project is combining hydrogen fuel cell generators with a combined capacity of 500 kW with a 570 kW solar array and 1.1 MWh of lithium-ion batteries. It is planned to come online in the spring of 2022.

Murrumbidgee Shire in the New South Wales’ Riverina region is set for a big battery and big flexibility after Edify and Shell Energy came together on a deal that will see the realisation of the Riverina Energy Storage System.

In a huge data-crunching project designed to inform rooftop solar-export policy and regulations, UNSW technical and social researchers delve into the costs and effectiveness of inverter standards.

China’s project development segment is dynamic, to say the least. Having undergone significant changes toward a “subsidy-free” footing, developers are now facing requirements to integrate storage, deploy hybrid arrays, and pursue self consumption through BIPV and agrivoltaics applications, writes Frank Haugwitz, the director of the Asia Europe Clean Energy (Solar) Advisory (AECEA).

French renewables developer Neoen is pushing ahead with plans to construct a 157 MW wind farm and 100 MW battery project in Queensland’s far north just weeks after federal resources minister Keith Pitt blocked public funding for the project.