Fortescue’s 2 GW electrolyser factory is just the beginning
Newly appointed CEO of Fortescue Future Industries Mark Hutchinson has made it clear that demand for green hydrogen has already far outstripped the company’s upcoming 2 GW electrolyser factory in Gladstone, Queensland. The announcement of new investments in green hydrogen plants from Fortescue Future Industries is now expected in the near future.
Rapid-charging solid-state battery moves toward commercialisation
US researchers have developed a new solid-state lithium-metal battery, and China’s SVOLT has started producing prototype solid-state cells. Toyota, meanwhile, has revealed plans to invest billions of dollars in battery production.
Zinc8 to manufacture its first zinc-air batteries in US market
Canadian battery developer Zinc8 Energy Solutions has announced plans to begin battery production in the United States, incentivised by manufacturing production credits in the US Inflation Reduction Act.
NSW announces inaugural tender for ambitious grid transformation
New South Wales is seeking 2,500 GWh of annual generation and 600 MW of long-duration storage for its first tender, part of realising its ambitious NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
Queensland company capturing biogas from landfills launches IPO to expand battery play
Brisbane-based bioenergy company LGI Limited has listed on the ASX, seeking to raise $25 million for expansions, including fitting sites with batteries capable of playing on spot markets. For the company’s founder, Adam Bloomer, the role of bioenergy in Australia only makes real sense when limited to waste. “If it’s is not a waste stream, I think you’re barking up the wrong tree,” he tells pv magazine Australia.
Mica Creek Solar Farm in Queensland mining hub signs third offtaker
Australian gas company APA Group has signed a third offtake agreement for its 88 MW Mica Creek Solar Farm, currently under construction in Queensland’s mining hub.
BMW starts in-house production of fuel cells for iX5 Hydrogen
BMW Group said it is targeting the premium segment with its iX5 Hydrogen car, Topsoe revealed that it will invest US$267 million (AU$392m) to build the world’s largest SOEC electrolyzer plant in Denmark, and Bosch announced plans to invest US$200 million (AU$292m) in US fuel cell production.
Pumped heat energy storage seeks to demonstrate commercial readiness
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has commissioned a first-of-its-kind pilot plant pumped heat energy storage demonstration facility with tech from US startup Malta. Its 10-150+ hour energy storage technology is said to be applicable in a range of grid-scale applications.
Countrywide teams with Wirsol on solar-to-hydrogen opportunities
Aspiring green hydrogen manufacturer Countrywide Hydrogen will explore solar-to-hydrogen co-development opportunities in the island state of Tasmania after inking a deal with large-scale solar PV and battery energy storage specialist Wirsol Energy, which already operates a portfolio of Australian projects with a combined capacity of more than 720 MW.
$44 million boost to accelerate pumped hydro energy storage
The New South Wales government has announced funding for five pumped hydro schemes spread across the state as it looks to deliver large-scale energy storage and firming capacity to allow for an increased uptake of renewable energy and to help plug the gap left by exiting coal-fired generation.
