AGL unveils multi-site gigawatt-scale battery storage plan
In addition to 330 MW of batteries already announced, Australia’s biggest power producer has unveiled a plan for another 850 MW of grid-scale storage, the bulk of which will be installed alongside its Liddell coal-fired power plant.
“Capacity deferral is the primary source of storage value”
Big batteries derive most their value from replacing gas peaker plants and averting the installation of excessive amounts of transmission and generation infrastructure. However, batteries cannot replace all gas plants, MIT researchers found. From a holistic economics perspective, there is a certain share of storage that is considered cost-efficient. With battery costs declining, that share is constantly increasing.
Plan to deploy 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh storage project gets approval in the US
A permit to expand Vistra’s natural gas-fired Moss Landing generation station to 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh has been approved, setting the stage for the world to see gigawatt-scale battery energy storage for the first time ever.
New England big battery awarded $12.5 million state government grant
The 50 MWh battery will be colocated with stage 1 of the UPC/AC Renewables’ 720 MW New England Solar Farm.
Broken Hill to replace gas turbines with massive microgrid for back-up supply
The NSW country town of Broken Hill is set to host one of the world’s largest microgrids supplied by solar, wind and grid-scale storage.
Genex raises funding to fast-track Queensland battery project
After demand under the share placement significantly exceeded the company’s capacity, the Sydney-based developer has decided to undertake an additional share purchase plan to secure funding for the development of its 50 MW/75 MWh Como battery project in central Queensland.
ARENA-backed Origin Energy trial to demonstrate the value stack of EVs
In the absence of a national carbon-emissions target and a long-awaited EV policy, Origin and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (on behalf of the Australian Government) are forging ahead with research that will show how coordinated smart-charging of an eventual surge of EV battery storage will benefit consumers and the grid.
CEFC to shift focus from renewables to grid, hydrogen projects
The Australian government’s green bank intends to move beyond solar and wind investment over the coming year and put its capital to work in the nascent green hydrogen industry and grid projects.
AEMC opens consultation on DER integration, solar export charges
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is calling for submissions on proposed rule changes that would address the integration of distributed energy resources, including enabling export charges as a pricing tool.
Kalgoorlie high school set to be first in Schools VPP pilot project
The Schools Virtual Power Plant pilot project, part of the WA Government’s $66.3 million investment in solar and batteries in its WA Recovery Plan from the impacts of Covid-19, will see ten schools transformed into VPPs. The two year trial is expected to bring reduced electricity bills to schools, improved grid stability, and increased solar uptake in the local community.
