Why reform to Australia’s transmission regulations is urgent
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has renewed its calls for a fast-tracking of new transmission links, saying that parts of the country’s main grid are effectively in gridlock and causing unprecedented amounts of wind and solar to be curtailed.
Curtailment of renewables grew almost 40% in last year, AEMO says
Renewable curtailment in Australia has grown by almost 40% from a year ago, Daniel Westerman, head of AEMO says. Frustratingly, the revelation came in the same forum where the head of Australia’s green bank warned the nation is not on track to reach its target of 80% renewable generation by 2030.
Bowen deems process for approving transmission projects not fit for purpose, supports contentious interconnector
Federal energy minister Chris Bowen has submitted rule changes to the Australian Energy Market Commission to begin reforming how transmission projects in Australia are approved – a process which has drawn wide ire. While Bowen says he is “fast-tracking” the changes, some say the reforms slated for November are minor and overdue.
EV drivers to be significantly worse off in Ausgrid’s Sydney network, EV Council says
Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council has raised the alarm about Sydney electricity network, Ausgrid’s, upcoming tariff structure for high-power, public electric vehicle (EV) charging sites, saying under the proposal prices could balloon to $70,000 (USD 46,600) per annum.
Hydrogen breakthrough sees Professor awarded $3.7 million to commercialise technology
A prestigious award, along with $3.7 million (USD 2.5 million) has been awarded to University of Wollongong electrochemist Professor Gerhard Swiegers for his efficiency breakthrough for hydrogen electrolysers, which are currently being commercialised by startup Hysata.
Major union proposes ‘punitive’ tax on export of raw critical minerals from Australia
An influential Australian union will propose a “significant, punitive tax” on the export of raw critical minerals as a means of promoting more value-adding onshore. The news comes as longstanding trade allies voice criticism over Australia’s growing momentum towards domestic manufacturing.
Another lithium mine approved in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory government has granted the final approvals for Core Lithium’s BP33 underground lithium mine, part of the company’s ongoing operations in Darwin.
Australian gravity storage startup begins constructing R&D facility and digital twin in Port Kembla
Australian gravity storage startup Green Gravity will build an R&D facility Bluescope’s Port Kembla Steelworks. The company is aiming to prove its technology, which rests on moving weighted objects through disused mine shafts, via the facility with construction to begin this month.
WA plans bigger batteries as 200 MWh Kwinana system is put to test
The first large-scale battery storage project connected to Western Australia’s main grid has only just commenced operational testing and already plans are in place to build an even bigger battery at the site as the state government seeks to harness surging rooftop solar resources to meet its power needs as it prepares to dump coal power.
Electricians urge feds to look to future with energy incentives
The Australian government has been urged to “look to the future” when establishing the parameters for a $1 billion (USD 670 million) funding package that will offer low-cost finance for people wanting to upgrade their home’s energy efficiency with products such as solar panels and high-performing electric appliances.
