4 GW Walcha project moves forward, massive solar+battery component seeks approval
Walcha Energy – a joint venture between Australian developers Energy Estate and Mirus Wind – has lodged the scoping report with the NSW planning authorities for a 700 MW solar farm, a 100MW/150MWh battery and its plans for a renewable energy hub at Uralla.
Australia’s massive contribution to global PV, battery uptake blemished by grid woes
Last year, Australia shattered all records in terms of investment in renewables and capacity additions, but a range of concerns for solar PV developers, including network constraints, delays and grid connection issues, are looming over the nation’s clean energy sector, according to an annual overview drafted by global policy network REN21.
India and Australia could strike first lithium deal
Mining company Neometals and Manikaran Power have started a jointly funded study into the feasibility of establishing India’s first lithium refinery, which would process ore from the Mount Marion mine in Western Australia.
Western Australian mines to be powered with solar, wind and batteries
Two Western Australian mines will be powered by renewable energy hybrid microgrids echoing a global shift away from fossil fuels in the mining sector.
Australia’s largest battery retrofitted to solar farm officially opens
The 25 MW / 50 MWh Tesla battery collocated with the 60 MW Gannawarra Solar Farm has been officially opened.
Renewables still setting strong pace in South Australia
The April shelving of a major solar thermal plant has done little to slow the pace of renewable energy projects being proposed in South Australia.
AGL’s new virtual power plant to cover four states
On the back of a successful trial in South Australia, AGL is expanding its virtual power plant to other states. Under the program, customers will be able to save up to $280 a year on their electricity bills and be offered an upfront payment of $1,000 towards the cost of their battery.
LG Chem partners with Envirostream for battery recycling in Australia
The South Korean battery manufacturer has joined forces with Victorian recycler Envirostream to develop processing solutions and reduce battery waste stream in Australia.
Fire protection guidelines catch up with C&I renewable energy storage systems
As commercial operations begin to more routinely factor battery storage into their solar-energy-powered plans, insurance companies are assessing the accompanying fire risks. One such company has publicly released its guidance for property protection.
Total Eren secures finance for Victoria’s biggest solar farm
The French renewables giant has reached financial close for the 256.5 MW Kiamal Solar Farm with the support of a group of Australian and European financial institutions. Additionally, Australia’s green bank Clean Energy Finance Corporation entered the project by taking a minority equity stake.
