Rooftop solar delivers generation milestone in NEM
The rooftop solar juggernaut shows no signs of slowing in Australia with an unprecedented contribution from household PV systems delivering a string of new records in the National Electricity Market to close out 2023.
NSW tender round delivers 750 MW of generation, more than 4,000 MWh of storage
Five energy infrastructure projects representing 750 MW of renewable energy generation and 524 MW/4,192 MWh of long-duration storage have been successful to the New South Wales government’s latest tender round as it prepares for the exit of coal-fired power generation from the state’s electricity grid.
PEP invests $250 million in electric vehicle charging
Electric vehicle charging in Australia and New Zealand has been given a boost with fund manager Pacific Equity Partners acquiring a majority stake in Australian electric vehicle charging solutions provider EVSE to the tune of $250 million (USD 167 million). The partnership also involves PEP-backed smart metering specialist Intellihub.
Energy storage project bids now sought for Victoria and South Australia
The Capacity Investment Scheme South Australia-Victoria tender is now open for bids. Renewable energy storage projects must be located in either of the states and have a minimum storage duration of two hours and a minimum size of 30 MW.
Florence machine resumes tunnelling on Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project
Tunnelling has restarted on a troubled section of the largest renewable energy project under construction in Australia after the New South Wales government issued new environmental approvals to Snowy Hydro.
Canadian Solar launches new grid-scale battery
Canadian Solar says its new SolBank 3.0 grid-scale battery supports up to 2.35 MW/5 MWh of grid-scale renewable energy storage and dispatch.
Wollongong startup inks deal with local miner to examine deploying gravity storage in 8 disused mine shafts
Startup Green Gravity has signed a deal with mining company Wollongong Resources to study the application of gravitational energy storage technology at up to eight mining sites in New South Wales.
New 300 MW battery proposed by Alinta Energy in WA’s southwest
Western Australian utility Alinta Energy has lodged a plan to build a second 300 MW battery at Wagerup in the state’s southwest. The $500 million (USD 330 million) project would sit adjacent to Alcoa’s alumina refinery and Alinta’s gas and diesel-fired power plant.
Queensland to roll out rebate scheme to boost uptake of home batteries
The Queensland government has indicated it will support the increased rollout of household battery energy storage systems with a new $24 million (USD 15.75 million) residential battery rebate program set to be launched in 2024.
Synergy secures planning approval for 2 GWh big battery
Western Australian government-owned utility Synergy’s plan to build a 500 MW/2,000 MWh battery energy storage system in the state’s southwest to improve system security and support increased renewable energy generation in the main grid has been given the tick of approval by planning authorities.
