First ‘solar hydro’ system connected to the grid, 17-hour storage component imminent
Melbourne startup RayGen, which merges solar generation with long-duration electro-thermal energy storage, has connected its flagship Victorian project to the grid – albeit partially, as the company is still waiting on the final pieces of equipment to complete the 17 hour duration electro-storage system component.
CSIRO steps in to provide expertise for SA natural ‘gold’ hydrogen rush
West Australian natural hydrogen startup H2EX will work with Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, to study natural hydrogen systems in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, describing the research as a “pivotal first step” for the nascent industry. Natural hydrogen proponents believe projects could deliver some of the world’s cheapest hydrogen quickly and with a minimal footprint.
Hornsdale big battery begins providing inertia grid services at scale in world first
South Australia’s 150 MW / 193.5 Hornsdale Power Reserve, more commonly known as the Tesla Big Battery, will now provide inertia services to Australia’s National Electricity Market after securing approval from AEMO. Neoen says it is the first big battery in the world to deliver the service at such a scale.
128.5 MW solar hybrid plant reaches financial close in South Australia
Vena Energy Australia has reached financial close on the second stage of its Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project thanks to a PPA with Zen Energy and green financial support from DBS, ING, and Siemens. The 128.5 MW project will comprise 87 MW of solar with 41.5 MW of battery energy storage.
Report shows South Australia on path to 100% renewables
South Australia is closing fast on its target to be powered by 100% net renewables by the end of the decade with new data revealing a combination of wind and solar energy provided a daily average of almost 70% of the state’s electricity needs last financial year.
RAA expands solar network as concerns spark demand
With the spike in global energy prices sparking increased interest in renewable technologies, the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia has expanded its solar PV and battery energy storage offerings through the acquisition of Adelaide-based installer Living Energy and Lovell Electrical.
Tesla big battery operator fined for power rules breach
The operator of the 150 MW/193 MWh Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia has been fined $900,000 after being sued by the Australian Energy Regulator for failing to deliver on its promise of providing services essential to maintaining the stability of the power grid.
New V2G chargers progress Flinders University’s ‘virtual battery’ vision
South Australia’s Flinders University has installed 20 vehicle-to-grid (V2G) chargers to fully utilise the battery capacity of its growing electric vehicle fleet. It plans to use the distributed EV fleet to supply power to the campus grid in the evening. The initiative is supported by $350,000 (USD 220,000) of funding from the state government.
SA Water’s $300 million solar initiative pumps out another PV system
South Australia utility SA Water has energised another solar PV plant as part of a $300 million solar investment designed to save on both costs and carbon. switching on a 10.3 MW solar system at its Rocky Gully pump station near Murray Bridge in the state’s south-east.
AEMO to restore national energy market
The market operator today announced a “staged” return to the national energy market’s normal operations as 4000 MW of generation capacity comes back into operation.
