Bowen targets 32 GW of renewables with ‘super charged’ investment scheme
Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced a major expansion of the Commonwealth-funded Capacity Investment Scheme that will now target 32 GW of renewable generation and storage capacity to support the nation’s clean energy transition.
Winners of nation’s largest storage tender include two ex-coal plant big batteries, VPP series
More than 1 GW of firmed storage capacity is set to be delivered by the six winning projects from the New South Wales (NSW) tender combining state and federal schemes. Akaysha Energy’s 415 MW / 1660 MWh battery in Wellington and AGL’s 500 MW / 1000 MWh Liddell battery are the round’s two biggest projects.
Fortescue brings three projects to FID committing $1.1 billion
Fortescue has announced three projects – two in Australia and the other in the US – have reached final investment decision (FID). The company held its annual general meeting today, where members voted down its contentious executive pay policy.
Solar installers, designers, have 3 months to move to new accreditation scheme after CEC stripped of role
Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator has selected a new body to take over the role of accrediting solar installers and designers, a position previously held by the Clean Energy Council. The new organisation will be formally announced in February, 2024, with solar installers given three months to transition to the new scheme at no extra fee.
Fortescue continues US expansion with new clean energy manufacturing plant
Australian mining and green energy major Fortescue has revealed plans to establish a new clean energy technology manufacturing plant in the United States as it looks to take advantage of America’s $565 billion (USD 369 billion) Inflation Reduction Act.
WA commits $708 million to future-proof state’s main grid
The Western Australian government will invest more than $700 million (USD 455 million) to deliver the step change in electricity transmission infrastructure needed to unlock renewable energy generation opportunities that will support the state’s energy transformation.
Feds tip $70 million into Kwinana hydrogen hub as bp eyes 1.5 GW capacity project
British-headquartered oil and gas major bp will look at deploying a 100 MW electrolyser to produce renewable hydrogen for domestic and export markets as it seeks to transform its former Kwinana oil refinery site in Western Australia into a green fuels hub.
WA cuts approvals red tape for major green energy projects
The Western Australian government has introduced a new environmental assessment exemption order in a bid to facilitate smoother and faster approvals for major renewable energy projects and support the state’s decarbonisation efforts.
‘Well short’: Canadian fund flags REZ risks, costs and offtake woes as causing Australian underinvestment
The managing director of Omers Infrastructure, a Canadian infrastructure fund with stakes in FRV Australia and Transgrid, has said the company is “well short” of its investment hopes for Australian renewables.
NSW gov proposes ‘standard’ benefit sharing and revised approval pathways to accelerate renewables
The NSW government has published a suite of draft guidelines for renewable projects, most notably proposing community benefit sharing fees of $850/MW per annum for solar, and $1050/MW for wind. While the guidelines are an attempt to level the playing field between communities, local councils, and big developers, some fear the proposed rules could undercut ongoing negotiations.
