Pumped hydro and solar projects progress Queensland’s energy transition
Queensland’s transition to a renewable energy future is set to progress with the state government calling for tenders for the proposed 1 GW Borumba Dam pumped hydro energy storage project while work on a nearby 176 MW solar farm has also reached a new milestone.
Chasing the sun — tax-free!
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has made final a rule that will allow for solar export tariffs to be gradually introduced in the NEM jurisdictions (that is, everywhere except WA and the NT) under limited circumstances in four years’ time.
Two new solar farms commissioned in NSW Riverina
Photon Energy’s Leeton and Fivebough Solar Plants have been commissioned after just under a year of construction. The two plants’ 14.6 MWp combined output is a positive sign for the Riverina region with its strategic importance to the renewable energy transition, and an achievement for Amsterdam-based Photon Energy.
REZ wriggle on – Queensland and Victoria seek input
Both Victoria’s and Queensland’s state governments are moving on their renewable energy zones (REZs) with tight deadlines looming for hopeful projects in Victoria, while further north the government is eager to hear from local communities.
South Australia’s constrained renewables to be unleashed as four new syncons spin into action
South Australia is a global hero for its demonstration of a rapid transition to renewable generation. But as renewables supplied more than 60% of the state’s electricity, and pushed out coal and even gas-fired generation, cracks appeared in the system strength and inertia required to keep the grid reliably running. ElectraNet has deployed old, clean-running technology — synchronous condensers — to smooth the gaps.
Derby’s day launches a solar-powered future
PV electricity generation is a natural choice for Australia’s remote Kimberley region. State-owned energy provider Horizon Power has deployed WA Recovery Plan funds to make the most of the interplay between sun and shade and put clean energy behind the Derby community’s aspirations.
Work begins on 145 MW floating solar plant in Indonesia
South-East Asia’s biggest floating PV installation is under construction by Masdar and Indonesian energy company PT PJB. The two companies secured a PPA for the project with state electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) in January 2020. The agreed tariff is US$0.0581/kWh.
Looking beyond 5-minute settlement to tariff models that show how flexible energy retailers can be
Processing nightmare, or product opportunity? Impending five-minute settlement comes at a difficult time for energy retailers. Software from across the ditch could help highlight the benefits and opportunities of more solar and a forecast uptick in battery energy storage.
South Australia identified as possible base for international hydrogen supply chain
Japan’s biggest oil refiner Eneos and French renewables developer Neoen have announced they will undertake a joint study looking at the potential development of an international supply chain for an affordable and stable supply of green hydrogen produced from renewable energy in South Australia.
Octopus Group partners with CEFC to accelerate solar farm projects
The Australian arm of global fund manager Octopus Group has expanded its renewable energy portfolio, teaming with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to purchase the rights to develop two proposed utility scale solar-storage hybrid power plants in Victoria’s Gippsland region.
