Utility Scale PV

The push by the New South Wales Government towards renewable energy continues to gather momentum with the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) approving a multimillion-dollar solar farm with a capacity of up to 500 MW in the state’s far north.

Spanish solar companies are passing business to each other in Australia like a football between Xavi and Iniesta. X-Elio has announced fellow Spanish company GRS as the EPC for its big entry into the Australian market, the 200 MW Blue Grass Solar Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs.

The proposed 65 MW Tamworth Solar Farm and integrated battery storage system is a step closer to fruition after the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment gave the project its tick of approval.

Engie and ammonia producer Yara have published findings from their long-awaited feasibility study into the development of renewable hydrogen and ammonia at Yara’s Pilbara Fertilisers plant. The study has led to development plans for large-scale renewable hydrogen and ammonia development with the first phase, a 10 MW solar farm and electrolyser, already instigated.

GRS has passed the 550 MW mark in its Australian portfolio with the energisation of its 39 MW Molong Solar Farm in Central West New South Wales. The project is now on the verge of grid connection tests and thereby closing in on full-fledged generation.

At nine solar farms and counting, FRV Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi and UAE-based Abdul Latif Jameel, has the experience and commitment to local development to bring difficult projects to fruition. Walla Walla Solar farm adds a whopping 300 MW to the renewable capacity of NSW, and its size and siting have required particular attention to concerns raised in the agricultural Riverina district.

It makes sense that the Hunter-Central Coast, with its energy infrastructure, heavy industries and transitioning workforces should turn its resources and assets toward renewable generation. As NSW celebrates the passing of the NSW Liberal Coalition’s foresightful bill, the Hunter region is settling into its new place on the REZ map.

Western Australian utility Horizon Power will build the nation’s first remote microgrid using renewable hydrogen generation at Denham, in the state’s northwest, having secured the support of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

Australia is positioned to become a renewable energy “superpower” with multinational consultancy Ernst & Young (EY) suggesting the nation’s green hydrogen and solar energy export plans have it well placed to take advantage of a growing market.

A new Wood Mackenzie report has forecasted a massive swing in the levelised cost of electricity across the Asia-Pacific over the course o the next decade. Before 2030, renewables will be cheaper than new coal and gas almost everywhere, and significantly cheaper in Australia.