European Energy seeks green light for 1.1 GW Queensland solar plant
Danish renewables giant European Energy is seeking federal environmental approval for its plans to build a 1.1 GW solar farm near the industrial city of Gladstone in central Queensland.
Early site investigations firm plans for 120 GWh pumped hydro project
Plans to build a 5 GW / 120 GWh pumped hydro energy storage system in Queensland’s Pioneer Valley have received a positive boost with geotechnical investigations revealing the site is ideally suited for dam and tunnel construction.
Thermal energy storage tech to bolster industry decarbonisation
Long duration energy storage developer MGA Thermal is one step closer to commissioning its behind-the-meter demonstration plant after receiving a $2.48 million windfall from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
Dutton plans nuclear reactors at seven sites in five states
Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton has unveiled the first details of his long-awaited policy for nuclear power, announcing seven sites for reactors, promising that the first sites can be operational in the 2030s.
New $100 million challenge targets 50 GW per year
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has dangled a $100 million carrot in front of the world’s best and brightest solar industry proponents to help lower solar and electricity costs to scale up annual installation in Australia from 5 GW per year to 50 GW.
Sunshine Coast to host Australian first local renewable energy zone
A “nation first” local renewable energy zone will be established on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast as part of a pilot program designed to boost rooftop solar generation, store it and share it locally across the poles and wires infrastructure that already exists.
Pacific adds 700 MW NSW solar farm to growing pipeline
Australian infrastructure developer Pacific Partnerships has added one of the largest proposed solar farms in Australia to its growing portfolio, purchasing the development rights for the 700 MW Cobbora Solar Farm and co-located battery energy storage project planned for western New South Wales.
AEMO calls for sustained investment as WA power supply outlook improves
The Australian Energy Market Operator has eased forecasts of a looming capacity shortfall in Western Australia’s main electricity grid but has warned of the need for “substantial and sustained” investment in renewables to replace coal-fired power stations and meet surging demand from customers electrifying their operations.
Southeast Asia bets big on pumped hydro with 18 GW tipped by 2033
The increasing role of pumped hydro technology in Australia’s renewable energy transition is expected to be mirrored in the neighbouring Southeast Asia region with international consultancy Rystad Energy tipping the total capacity of operational projects will surge from the current 2.3 GW to 18 GW by 2033.
Japanese utilities giant’s proposed takeover of Genex lands FIRB approval
Japanese energy utility J-Power’s proposed acquisition of Australian renewables and pumped hydro developer Genex Power has received Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
