5 things to watch in Australian solar sector in 2020
Despite a massive drop in renewable energy investment seen last year, 2020 promises to bring both good and bad news for the Australian solar sector. While network conditions will continue to deteriorate, the low-carbon policy will become more supportive but also more chaotic.
Developer, EPC agree standstill in Kennedy solar-wind-battery park dispute
In a bid to seek resolution of all disputed claims, Windlab has reached a standstill agreement with the EPC contractor on the Kennedy Energy Park, Australia’s first project on a major grid to combine wind, solar and battery technologies.
Melbourne energy storage startup set to charge into U.S. market
Melbourne startup Relectrify is on the verge of a U.S. breakthrough with its highly efficient and cost-effective battery storage technology.
Coronavirus could cost Chinese battery makers 26 GWh of output
WoodMac analysts say the amount of new battery manufacturing capacity added in the nation this year could fall by as much as 10% because of the outbreak. With Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory affected by the extended new-year-holiday shutdown, the analyst warned of potential supply shortages for Australia and the U.S. and U.K.
Big batteries earn $20 million over three months
Against the backdrop of extreme heat, generator, and transmission line outages and intense bushfires, revenues for grid-scale batteries on the National Electricity Market (NEM) have been trending upwards.
Perth’s first utility-scale community battery
Synergy and Western Power’s PowerBank trial has reached another milestone with the integration of a utility-scale community battery into Perth’s major metropolitan network.
Adjudication: Windlab to bear costs of delays at Kennedy solar-wind-battery park
The developers of the Kennedy Energy Park will have to pay more than $7.5 million in variation claims and delay costs pursuant to an adjudication decision which is likely to raise concerns in the Australian renewable energy sector.
Neoen’s Culcairn Solar Farm nearing construction
Neoen’s 400 MW Culcairn Solar Farm and energy storage facility in NSW has now entered the open exhibition stage and released its EIS. The French company, Australia’s top independent renewable energy producer, hopes to commence construction mid-2020.
Morrison-Berejiklian energy deal: Opportunity for renewables or climate deal with the devil?
An energy deal struck between the Morrison and Berejiklian governments that will see more than $2 billion invested to increase gas supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector has prompted a flurry of reactions that boil down to two conflicting interpretations of its purpose.
New giant battery creates base for more renewables in Queensland
Singapore-based developer Vena Energy has announced that it will soon begin construction of Queensland’s largest grid-scale battery near Wandoan in the Western Downs. The 100 MW/150 MWh project will be delivered under a 15-year power purchase agreement with Australia’s biggest power producer, AGL.
