Final curtain falls on South Australia’s coal-fired era
South Australia’s coal-fired electricity industry is in its final chapter with the sale of the 65-year-old Port Augusta power station site expected to reach settlement by the end of the month.
Sonnen starts shipping batteries made in South Australia to New Zealand
The German energy storage provider has begun shipping batteries produced in the former Holden factory in Adelaide’s north to New Zealand. Sonnen batteries will be available exclusively through the manufacturer’s local partner, Taspac Energy.
Disability Accommodation deploys solar+storage for backup power
In what is being claimed to be an Australian first, Natural Solar has installed a solar PV and storage system to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in South Australia, with an innovative approach to providing backup power supply. Natural Solar reports that the battery systems retain 20% charge at all times to ensure backup power supply.
ReNu Energy to acquire two SA solar farms
In an ASX announcement last week, Queensland-based independent power producer ReNu Energy said it had executed term sheets with Chinese solar developer Astronergy for the acquisition of two 5.8 MW solar farms in South Australia. The total cost to buy the projects and complete construction amounts to $17.2 million.
Simply Energy expands list of eligible batteries for South Australian VPP
The first virtual power plant to be announced since the last year’s launch of the Home Battery Scheme in South Australia is picking up the pace with the addition of Eguana Technologies’ Evolve to the list of eligible energy storage systems.
AGL plans 250 MW pumped hydro project in South Australia
Australia’s biggest power producer has secured the right to develop, own and operate a massive pumped hydro energy storage project at Hillgrove Resources’ Kanmantoo copper mine in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills region.
Energy platform connects small solar farms with buyers
An online platform to connect medium to small-scale solar energy producers with independent electricity buyers will launch in the coming months in South Australia.
Flinders University to roll out more solar on rooftops, shelters and walkways
Building on its existing PV fleet, South Australia’s Flinders University has announced a fresh investment of $1.45 million to source one-third of its electricity needs from solar.
SolarReserve fails to secure funding for Aurora solar thermal plant
The Port Augusta concentrated solar power project billed as the world’s biggest has ground to a halt. Although it was granted additional time, U.S. firm SolarReserve failed to achieve financial close and proposed selling the 150 MW project to a third party.
Strong support for South Australia’s 100% renewables target
New polling from The Australia Institute shows that almost 70% of South Australian voters regardless of political leanings want to see the state transition to 100% renewable energy by the year 2030.
