Victoria pushes switch from gas to all electric
The Victorian government has announced a new $10 million (USD 6.7 million) grants program to provide bulk rebates for the installation of solar panels, solar hot water systems and heat pumps as part of plans for all new homes in the state to be 100% electric from 2024.
Eku begins work on 400 MWh battery to support Victorian storage targets
Energy storage specialist Eku Energy says the 200 MW/400 MWh Rangebank Battery being developed on the outskirts of Melbourne will be operational by the end of next year with early site works having now commenced on the grid-scale project.
Melbourne researchers target MW scale with proton battery technology
A team of engineers at Melbourne’s RMIT University have developed a rechargeable ‘proton battery’, claiming the technology has the potential, with further development, to store more energy than currently available lithium-ion batteries.
Solar-backed stand-alone power systems put to test in Victoria
Victorian network operator AusNet Services’ independent subsidiary Mondo Power has completed the installation and commissioning of 17 stand-alone power systems featuring PV and battery energy storage as part of its inaugural trial of the off-grid technology.
CleanPeak to begin construction of 40 MW Wangaratta Solar Farm
Australian commercial solar outfit CleanPeak Energy continues to build out its utility-scale PV portfolio, announcing it has achieved financial close on the 40 MWp Wangaratta Solar Farm being developed in northern Victoria.
Ballooning connection and TNSP charges frustrate battery projects, vexation over monopolies
A sharp rise in connection and terminal station charges is stalling storage from coming online, according to an Australian developer. While the price hikes could be attributable to a quagmire of complications the industry currently faces, the developer questioned whether Australia’s TNSP monopoly system is a contributing factor.
Company developing neighbourhood battery portfolio looks to reform tariffs, connection criteria
Australian developer ACEnergy is building an initial portfolio of 10 neighbourhood batteries totalling 50 MW/100 MWh across Victoria and New South Wales. The company is also engaging networks to lobby for reforms to the connection process and tariff structure in light of grid support the technology can offer.
New meaning given to ‘crap’ solar with Melbourne warehouse’s rooftop install
Popular toilet paper company Who Gives A Crap has installed a rooftop solar system on its Melbourne warehouse spelling out the words ‘we give a crap.’
AGIG gives green light for 10 MW renewable hydrogen project
One of Australia’s largest commercial-scale green hydrogen projects has been given the go ahead with the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group reaching financial close on an estimated $53 million (USD 35.44 million) renewable hydrogen plant to be built at Wodonga in northern Victoria.
Australia commissions first big battery at a former coal site
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.
