Grids & Integration

On Sunday, South Australia set a new record for minimum operational demand at 475 MW. Rooftop solar led the way covering 64% of the total demand in the state.

Downer has been contracted by Alinta Energy to turn Fortescue Metals Group’s Chichester Hub iron ore operations in the Pilbara region into a solar-powered hub.

Although the International Energy Agency’s latest renewables report forecasts impressive solar growth there is still a nagging feeling it has produced conservative estimates and the emphasis on sharing costs with grid operators is predictable.

Pacific Hydro’s Haughton Solar Farm in Queensland has signed an innovative network support agreement with Stanwell Corporation (Stanwell), a QLD government-owned corporation and the largest electricity generator in the state.

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released a discussion paper toward a blueprint for the coordination of generation and transmission investment. The draft proposal seeks to overhaul wholesale pricing and transmission access toward lowering electricity costs and the ever-increasing risks inherent in getting new renewable energy generation into the network.

Solar infrastructure developer Lyon Group has strengthened its ties in the Asian markets through a significant joint-venture with two of Asia’s largest energy generators. The agreement will see integrated battery storage systems utilised to reduce the risk of curtailment and increase the flexibility of renewable energy plants.

ARENA’s round of funding for renewable-energy forecasting technologies, initiated in early 2018, is coming to fruition, with wide-ranging benefits for solar farm earnings and the stability of a low- to no-carbon NEM. 

Up to $20 million of grants will be awarded for microgrid feasibility studies across Australia through the first round of the Federal Government’s Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund. The fund aims to provide more secure, affordable and reliable power to regional communities and save “hundreds of millions of dollars” on network upgrades.

Renewables developer Infigen has announced that the 25MW/52MWh Tesla battery at the Lake Bonney wind farm has been energised and registered with AEMO. The battery is expected to be fully commissioned by the year’s end.

Public policy think-tank Grattan Institute has released a new report on energy policy, or lack thereof. The report, entitled Power Play: How governments can better direct Australia’s electricity market, makes a comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs and makes concerted recommendations.