Neara boss says network access issues remain after budget spend
The focus of the federal government’s $22.7 billion commitment to Australia’s clean energy future has been queried with concerns raised about the capacity of the nation’s electricity network to support the shift from fossil fuel generation to renewables.
Paper identifies NEM-WEM interconnector to support shift to renewables
A high-voltage interconnector linking Australia’s eastern and western electricity grids would optimise the generation-storage mix for a minimum-cost solution as the nation transitions from a fossil-fuel-dependent economy to one based on renewable energy, according to a new paper.
Elgin gets green light for biggest solar and storage project to date
A 150 MW solar farm and a 250 MWh battery energy storage system proposed for Victoria’s Central Highlands by British renewables developer Elgin Energy has won planning approval from the state government.
Solar, wind completely replace diesel at South Pole station
A recent analysis shows that renewable energy could partially replace diesel fuel to power instruments and provide heat at the South Pole. A team of researchers has proposed a solar, wind and battery energy storage hybrid system that could reduce diesel consumption by 95% and save approximately $86 million over 15 years, after an initial investment of about $14.5 million.
Siemens teams with Ampcontrol to deliver renewable energy tech solutions
Global industrial company Siemens has partnered with Australian energy solutions provider Ampcontrol to develop technology solutions for storage and grid applications for the Australian renewable energy market.
Plibersek approves 800 MW solar farm and big battery in Queensland
The Australian government has ticked off on a more than 1 GW solar farm and battery energy storage facility being developed in Queensland’s Southern Downs region.
WA commits $1 billion to fast-track state’s energy transition
The West Australian government has committed more than $1 billion to drive the development of the clean energy and major industrial projects it says are required for the state to become a “global clean energy powerhouse.”
Research shows high-albedo ground reflectors increase bifacial solar plant yield by up to 4.5%
Tests conducted by Canadian researchers at the NREL’s testing field in the United States have shown that ground reflectors based on high-density polyethylene can significantly increase bifacial PV plant performance. They stressed the profitability of this technology is strictly dependent on the location and warned about combining it with inverter clipping.
AGL delivers solar-powered microgrid for farming operation
AGL Energy has completed the installation of a solar-powered microgrid featuring a 5.4 MWh battery energy storage system that is to support the transition of a New South Wales commercial orchard’s operations from diesel to renewables.
Southern states guaranteed 1.7 GW in national renewable energy tender
Tasmania and Victoria have been guaranteed a combined 1.7 GW of the 6 GW of new variable renewable energy projects the Australian government is targeting as part of what is the largest single renewables tender in the country’s history.
