Oceania

The West Australian government has utilised investor hunger for green bonds to help secure funding for major state government projects geared towards decarbonisation or environmentally sustainable outcomes as it transitions from coal-fired power to renewables.

Over 3.4 million Australian houses now have rooftop solar, often subsidised by government incentives. But in remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory, you don’t see solar on any rooftops. That’s a real problem.

Australian battery material start-up Sicona Battery Technologies will accelerate commercial development plans both here and in the United States after securing financial support from a group of international investing heavyweights for its silicon-composite anode technology designed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Western Australian clean energy developer Infinite Green Energy has welcomed Israeli renewables giant Doral Group as an equity partner to develop and build a commercial-scale green hydrogen project that will leverage the existing 11 MW Northam Solar Farm east of Perth.

Greek industrial and energy giant Mytilineos expects the 40 MW Kingaroy Solar Farm being built in southeast Queensland will be operational before the end of the year following the formal execution of a long-term offtake agreement with SmartestEnergy Australia.

South Korea is opening what it claims is the world’s first hydrogen power generation bidding market, while the Queensland government has approved funding to assess water use in Gladstone’s hydrogen industry.

The value of critical minerals companies listed on the ASX has hit $86.2 billion (USD 58.3bn), just scraping above the value of companies within the All Ordinaries Gold Index. Australia risen to the booming demand for these minerals, but experts have urged caution.

As many as 60 renewable energy projects are expected to lodge environmental impact statements in New South Wales over the next 12 to 18 months. As the transition accelerates, the state’s new Energy Minister has told renewable proponents they must substantiate what’s in it for hosting communities.

The Hazelwood big battery has been commissioned at the site of the retired Hazelwood Power Station in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria. A collaboration between Engie, Eku Energy and Fluence, the 150 MW battery claims a number of Australian firsts.

Queensland’s government has allocated $19 billion (USD 12.9 billion) to deliver on its energy transition plan, with a heavy focus on public ownership of energy assets. Queensland’s flush financial position was enabled by recent change to increase coal royalties, which injected an extra $10.5 billion into the budget.