Policy

A dozen new large-scale, network-connected batteries with a combined capacity of 48 MW / 96 MWh will be rolled out across Queensland as part of the state government’s strategy to support the continuing uptake of renewable energy and take the heat out of peak demand periods.

The Commonwealth and New South Wales governments have announced a $206 million package aimed at funding energy saving upgrades in social housing properties and increasing access to solar for low-income renters and apartment residents across the state.

Bega Valley Shire Council in New South Wales has announced a significant milestone in its journey towards 100% renewable energy by 2030 with the successful export of power from its newest solar energy site to the national grid.

The International Energy Agency has forecast the rollout of rooftop solar in Australia will drop off “faster than anticipated” with increasing grid integration challenges and saturation of the power system contributing to a revision of expectations for renewable energy growth in the country.

Plans to build an almost 1 GW solar farm and battery energy storage facility in southern Queensland are now available for public scrutiny with the Toowoomba Regional Council calling for feedback on the development application.

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.

Six green hydrogen projects with a total electrolyser capacity of more 3.5 GW have been shortlisted for the Australian government’s $2 billion (USD 1.35 billion) Hydrogen Headstart initiative that is intended to support the development of 1 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030 through two to three “flagship” projects.

The New South Wales government has formalised its decision to double the size of Australia’s first coordinated renewable energy zone, boosting its capacity to 6 GW of solar, wind and storage in a move designed to better cater for the state’s future energy as it transitions from coal and gas to a renewables-based grid.

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.

European Union member states have installed a “record-breaking” 56 GW of PV over the last 12 months – consistent with the past three years of 40% year-on-year growth, according to SolarPower Europe. But the association warns that solar’s moment in the sun could soon be over, as energy prices stabilise and project interest rates skyrocket.