Victoria plans gas ban as part of roadmap to renewables
Just days after a regulation to prevent new gas network connections to buildings in the Australian Capital Territory came into effect, the Victorian government has released updated plans designed to end that state’s reliance on fossil gas.
Australian firm developing 700 MW floating solar, 1.5 GWh battery, in Sri Lanka supported by government PPA
Victorian company United Solar Group, which is developing a floating 700 MW solar and 1.5 GWh battery project at the Poonakary Lake in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka, has had a Power Purchase Agreement approved by the Sri Lankan cabinet.
AusNet tips network upgrade to unlock 1.5 GW of renewables
Victorian network operator AusNet has commenced construction of a transmission network upgrade that is expected to reduce generation constraints and improve network stability in the state’s southwest, unlocking 1.5 GW of additional renewable energy generation capacity.
Bison commences commissioning phase with Cosgrove Solar Farm
Another small-scale solar farm has connected to the grid in Victoria with developer Bison Energy announcing that the 4.95 MW Cosgrove Solar Farm near Shepperton has powered up, marking the commencement of its commissioning phase.
More battery projects approved in Victoria
Planning permits have been granted to two large battery projects by Victoria’s planning department: the existing Elaine Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) by Akaysha Energy has been approved for expansion at its four-hour energy battery, and Flow Energy’s BESS project at Bennett’s Creek that will further transform the former coal country into a hub for 24/7 renewable energy.
Victorian EV owners to receive road-user charge refunds, including interest
The Victorian government will repay, with interest, electric vehicle owners who paid a road-user charge later deemed unconstitutional by Victoria’s High Court.
AGL to trial forecasting tool to transform energy demands of C&I sites
Melbourne Airport is among the organisations taking part in a two-year trial intended to help commercial and industrial energy users shift their demand away from peak times, easing pressure on the grid and supporting the integration of more renewables.
Akaysha quietly expands Victorian big battery proposal by 55%
Akaysha Energy has expanded the scope of its Victorian Elaine battery from 800 MWh to 1244 MWh, growing the project’s capacity more than 50% due to its long duration capability of four hours, pv magazine Australia has been told.
130 MW solar farm energised in Victoria
Cimic Group subsidiary Pacific Partnerships has this week energised its 130 MW (DC) Glenrowan solar farm in northern Victoria. Construction on the solar farm began just one year ago, Cimic noted.
Agrivoltaics and the art of farming under cover
Ground-mounted PV is increasingly being investigated not only as a renewable generator, but as shelter for crops and creatures under fire from climate change. Last week’s All Energy conference handed the mike to some pioneers in the field.
