NSW solar farm approved with ‘strict’ conditions following community outcry
The NSW Independent Planning Commission on Monday approved the 215 MW Oxley Solar Farm and coupled 50 MW/50 MWh battery in Armidale, enforcing a number of conditions on the project in response to significant community backlash.
$4 billion expected from sale of Naturgy’s 1.3 GW portfolio-holder GPG Australia
Major Australian renewable energy portfolio holder Global Power Generation Australia, jointly owned by Spain’s Naturgy and an arm of the Kuwait Investment Authority, is reportedly going up for auction early next year.
New 300 MW battery proposed by Alinta Energy in WA’s southwest
Western Australian utility Alinta Energy has lodged a plan to build a second 300 MW battery at Wagerup in the state’s southwest. The $500 million (USD 330 million) project would sit adjacent to Alcoa’s alumina refinery and Alinta’s gas and diesel-fired power plant.
Tasmania’s largest project, 288 MW solar farm, 691 MWh battery, approved by local council
Tasmania’s largest hybrid solar proposal, the 288 MW Northern Midlands Solar Farm being developed by startup TasRex, was approved by the Northern Midlands Council on December 11. The agrivoltaic project, which will host a flock of sheep beneath its panels, is seeking to be operational by 2026, and includes a 346 MW / 691 MWh battery.
Martin Green’s solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 63 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are six new results reported in the new version.
Woodside lands approval for 500 MW Pilbara solar farm
Australian oil and gas producer Woodside Energy’s plans to install up to one million solar panels and a grid-scale battery in Western Australia’s Pilbara region is a step closer to realisation after the project won local development approval.
Queensland to roll out rebate scheme to boost uptake of home batteries
The Queensland government has indicated it will support the increased rollout of household battery energy storage systems with a new $24 million (USD 15.75 million) residential battery rebate program set to be launched in 2024.
Synergy secures planning approval for 2 GWh big battery
Western Australian government-owned utility Synergy’s plan to build a 500 MW/2,000 MWh battery energy storage system in the state’s southwest to improve system security and support increased renewable energy generation in the main grid has been given the tick of approval by planning authorities.
Vast scores EDF support for concentrated solar power technology
Australian solar thermal specialist Vast Renewables will look to accelerate the development of its concentrated solar power technology after securing a $16.37 million (€10 million) capital commitment from French energy giant EDF Renewables.
Weekend read: Australia’s battery balancing act
Australia is geologically equipped to become a battery critical-minerals hub but the nation is stumbling upon sticky structural issues. Sensitive diplomatic and trade ties, delicate forests and ecosystems, and a devotion to free markets and small government are among the major hurdles, writes Bella Peacock.
