Australian utility-scale battery deployment surges past solar, wind – falls short of requirements
Big BESS is booming in Australia, with almost 5 GW of projects under construction last year, according Rystad Energy. While encouraging, the analyst reports that the volume remains insufficient to overcome growing rates of renewable curtailment. “We have around 3 GW operational at the moment, but about half of that is still in commissioning. So you still only have 1.5 GW on the market where the average load is 23 GW,” Rystad Energy’s David Dixon said.
AVL wins EPA approval for vanadium project
Australian Vanadium Limited’s plan to establish a major vanadium mine in Western Australia’s mid-west have firmed up with its proposal receiving the tick of approval from the state’s Environmental Protection Authority.
Marinus Link lodges DA as project costs continue to climb
Plans to build a new electricity transmission link between Tasmania and mainland Australia have progressed with Marinus Link Pty Ltd lodging a development application for a converter station to be built in Tasmania’s northwest.
Fastest energy change in history continues
Solar and wind are being installed at a rate that is three times faster than all other new electricity sources combined. This offers compelling market-based evidence that PV and wind are now the most competitive and practical methods for deploying new generating capacity.
Victorian regulator to slash rooftop solar feed-in tariffs
Owners of rooftop solar arrays in Victoria could soon get almost nothing for exporting their excess power into the grid with the Essential Services Commission releasing a draft decision that would slash payments in response to the rapid uptake of the technology.
Western Power taps Genus to lead Clean Energy transmission project
Energy infrastructure provider GenusPlus Group has landed a $270 million contract to deliver a “critical” upgrade of Western Australia’s main electricity network as part of the state government’s plan to unlock existing renewable generation capacity, and allow the addition of new renewables to facilitate the retirement of coal-fired generation.
Acen seeks green light for Cooma solar and battery project
Renewable energy developer Acen Australia is seeking federal government approval for a 100 MW solar facility and an 180 MW battery energy storage system to be built near Cooma in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains region.
Sydney ferry named after solar panel pioneer Professor Martin Green
Solar panel pioneer Professor Martin Green has added ‘ferry namesake’ to his long list of accollades, honoured for his contribution to advancements in Australia’s and the world’s solar cell advancements.
$1.2 billion loan revs Novonix plans for second US production plant
Australian-listed battery materials and technology company, Novonix, has bought land in Tennessee, USA, to expand existing operations there with a second mass production plant, funded in part with a $1.2 billion US Department of Energy loan.
Hydrogen pilot plant aquires linear Fresnel concentrated solar system
Sparc Technologies’ South Australian green hydrogen pilot plant is on track to commence construction in early 2025, following a formal commitment to Stage 2 of the project with industry partners, and procurement of a linear Fresnal concentrated solar system.
