Markets & Policy

Australia’s first community battery trial went live on Monday, after the 52 available spots had been snapped up by Mandurah households – three months ahead of schedule. The trial involves a bulk Tesla battery integrated into existing grid and owned and operated by Western Power and Synergy.

The New South Wales government has announced plans to install up to 900 batteries with a total capacity of 13 MW on hospital and schools that already have rooftop solar systems.

The government-owned energy provider has signed eight wind and solar PPAs to cover the shortfall in its existing energy generating capacity and put downward pressure on wholesale energy prices. Snowy Hydro says it will be able to offer firm supply contracts at less than $70/MWh, which undercuts the current wholesale price of electricity.

The World Bank says global operational floating PV capacity has topped 1.1 GW, noting that adding floating solar to hydropower plants improves their flexibility while increasing energy yields. According to the latest WB report, Australia and Oceania have potential for 5 GW of floating solar on freshwater man-made reservoirs under conservative assumptions, and up to 50 GW under the most favorable scenario.

In a joint effort with Kia Motors, Hyundai Motors is developing solar roofs and bodies for its EVs, hybrids and ICE vehicles to provide additional charging capacity. Depending on solar irradiation levels, the technology could provide 30-60% battery charge per day, the manufacturer says.

Against the backdrop of a mature rooftop solar market and a booming commercial and industrial solar sector, Australia has a competitive but vibrant solar retailer and installation market. However, not all have prospered and a prominent player has exited the market.

While it has seen a major shift in business and the financial markets with industry seizing the opportunities offered by decarbonization, the Australian government’s green bank has reported a record year of investment in 2017-18 with a total of $2.3 billion allocated for clean energy projects. The CEFC expects to stay on this investment trajectory in the year ahead, signaling potential asset recycling.

Chinese module manufacturer Trina Solar has launched its “all-in-one“ kit in Australia targeting the rooftop solar segment. Its expectations of the Aussie market are high, as the company continues to pursue overseas expansion to ride out the China government policy shake-up.

Looking to set the direction for a smart energy future, the New South Wales government has launched the Emerging Energy Program. As part of the scheme, funding will be provided to support the commercialization of new low-emissions, large-scale power generation and storage projects, as well as underpin feasibility studies to help get new projects off the ground.

By 2021, solar will become one of the most dominant power sources over peak daytime periods, accounting for around a quarter of the National Electricity Market’s power, shows new analysis by Green Energy Markets. The report underlines that solar is currently reducing expensive demand peaks, and is not close to exceeding demand as certain media reports have suggested.