Clean energy technologies can provide grid security for less, study finds
New research shows renewables plus batteries would be able to offer Australia’s electricity grid the same energy security as coal and gas generators, leading to calls for regulatory changes.
Energy giant AGL reveals controversial partition plans
AGL Energy has been remarkably busy in recent months trying to make itself look like a giant ship on the turn in the energy transition and not the Ever Given cargo ship stuck in the old sands of time. Now, AGL has announced plans to partition itself into two separate businesses which it says will provide them with the freedom to pursue their own agendas, but not everyone is convinced.
AGL to leverage floating solar at Loy Yang for hydrogen project
At AGL Energy’s Investor Day the energy giant revealed plans for a potential floating solar project on the site of its Loy Yang power station in Victoria. AGL, which is currently in the application process for a 200 MW battery at the site and is already producing brown hydrogen for export to Japan, is looking to leverage unused space to reduce emissions.
The Hydrogen Stream: Siemens targets $1.50/kg by 2025, BP and Saudi Aramco bet on blue hydrogen
The German company expects to roll out its in-house proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis technology to implement a gigawatt production of electrolyzers. BP partners with UK gas distributor Northern Gas Networks (NGN) to develop blue hydrogen and Saudi Aramco teams up with Hyundai Heavy Industries to do the same. Italy’s Snam wants to build hydrogen projects in the United Arab Emirates.
‘Massless’ battery breakthrough for lightweight EVs
A new type of carbon fibre and electrolyte matrix stunned scientists when they tested its properties. Their ‘structural’ battery could be used in electric vehicles and could even address the weight problems that bedevil devices planned for electric-powered flight.
Battery costs have fallen 97% since 1991, claim MIT researchers
Academics reviewed the historic price development of lithium-ion batteries and found the accepted model does not accurately reflect the full cost decline and technological improvement which has taken place. With more data points to compare, the team found batteries had improved even more than previously assumed.
Objections to 350 MW Culcairn Solar Farm overcome
NSW is growing its renewable energy pipeline at pace. Many sun-drenched regions are understandably worried that their landscapes could be “de-natured” by the march of large-scale solar. The Independent Planning Commission process helps to bring the state’s needs in line with community concerns.
Australian solar thermal technology funded by US government for major demonstration project
Concentrated solar thermal technology developed with input from CSIRO, the Australian National University and the University of Adelaide, has been funded for a commercial-scale test by the United States Department of Energy.
Energy Renaissance targets ‘defence grade’ cybersecure BMS
Australian lithium-ion battery manufacturer Energy Renaissance has warned of the threat posed by “nefarious actors” while detailing plans to develop “a defence-grade cybersecure” Battery Management System which will align with its superStorage range of batteries.
The race that stores the nation – AGL green lights 250 MW Torrens Island battery
AGL’s nose pushes in front in the race that stores the nation with the announcement that construction on its 250 MW one-hour-duration battery at the site of its Torrens Island power station in South Australia is now underway. The announcement follows directly on from AGL having lodged a planning application for a 200 MW battery at its Loy Yang power station in Victoria.
