Utility Scale Storage

With global demand for both large scale and distributed battery energy storage on the rise, Australian battery manufacturer Energy Renaissance has reaffirmed its commitment to produce a lithium-ion storage solution using Australian suppliers and components.

As part of the Smart Energy Conference held in Sydney last week, the Smart Energy Council’s Scott Hamilton ran a session on Australia’s hypothetical energy landscape in 2030. This is how panelists Simon Holmes á Court, Jane Caro, Richard Denniss, Karrina Nolan and Professor Iain MacGill think we’ll be living at the decade’s close.

A team led by CoorsTek Membrane Sciences has demonstrated a system to convert methane via proton ceramic reactors, while Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser has received an order from an undisclosed Indian refinery for an alkaline electrolyser, in a deal that underscores how oil and gas companies are becoming increasingly interested in the hydrogen sector.

Oil and gas giant BP is reportedly set to take a 30% stake in the 26 GW Asian Renewable Energy Hub project proposed for Western Australia’s north coast.

In recent years, Longi has turned its attention to green hydrogen. Li Zhenguo, company founder and CEO, recently spoke to pv magazine about its strategic shift and how he believes that coupling this technology with solar PV will be the key to achieving carbon neutrality.

US$3.1 billion (AU$4.4 billion) is available to increase production of American-made batteries, with a separate US$60 million (AU$85 million) to support second-life applications for used EV batteries, along with development of processes for recycling materials back into the battery supply chain.

French renewables developer Engie continues to build its Australian clean energy portfolio with confirmation that its 120MW Silverleaf Solar Farm to be constructed near Narrabri in New South Wales has received development approval from the state government.

Lift Energy Storage Technology is a proposed long-term storage solution that relies on elevators to bring solid masses to the tops of buildings in charging mode. It then lowers the same mass to produce electricity in discharge mode.

Three groups of companies remain in the race to serve as network operator for Australia’s first coordinated renewable energy zone with the New South Wales government revealing its shortlist of candidates.

The 300MW/450MWh Victorian big battery has proven a financial winner for French renewable power producer Neoen which has reported its first-quarter revenue has jumped by more than one third.