Victoria

Through a study funded by ARENA, the distributed database platform blockchain will be used by Latrobe Valley dairy farmers to buy and sell locally generated renewable energy.

Fluence says that Australian governments, regulators and grid operators are ‘learning-by-doing’ in their application of large-scale battery storage. The technology provider on the new 30 MW/30 MWh utility-scale battery at Ballarat indicates that the approach could deliver significant savings when compared with grid upgrades that could be considered “not optimal” as battery technology rapidly improves.

Major Australian brewer Cartlon United Breweries (CUB) has signed a 12-year PPA with BayWa r.e. to purchase 74,000 MWh a year from the 112 MW Karadoc solar farm in Mildura. The move will cut emissions and reduce power costs for the brewer.

Home builder Mirvac is partnering with the CEFC to provide rooftop PV and battery storage systems for more than 300 new family homes. The renewable energy systems will include 5.1 kW rooftop systems and 10 kWh batteries.

Scientists at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have demonstrated the first working example of a ‘proton battery’, which utilizes a carbon electrode and reversible hydrogen fuel cell for the storage of energy. The scientists say that their small prototype has already demonstrated similar storage capacities to commercially available lithium-ion batteries, with plenty of potential for further optimization.

Commercial and industrial (C&I) PV and energy efficiency provider Verdia says that its deal to supply Stockland shopping centres with rooftop PV is just the beginning of a major wave of new installations in the fast-growing market segment. Verdia reports it is working on 130 MW of projects across 350 sites.

Beon Energy Solutions is set to begin construction on BayWa r.e.’s 112 MW Karadoc solar farm in Mildura, Victoria. Completion of the project is scheduled for late 2018.

Electricity retailer Powershop is dropping the rates for its Victorian customers by 5%, as it adds “a diverse set of renewable generation” to its portfolio. Powershop is the retail arms of New Zealand-based utility Meridian Energy.

It is the blackout, and fallout, that many were anticipating. The heatwave and power outages yesterday and today in Melbourne has brought with it politicking over the cause.

Monash University has announced plans to develop a PV powered microgrid at its Clayton Campus in Melbourne. The microgrid will meet the energy demands of the campus, provide ancillary services to Victoria’s grid, and provide an example for further research and industry engagement with renewable-centered energy systems.