NSW network provider steps up standalone power system plans
Standalone power systems utilising solar PV and battery technology continue to gain traction in the Australian market with New South Wales Government-owned network service provider Essential Energy announcing it will seek input from customers living at the “edge of the grid” as it seeks to expand its roll out of the off-grid technology.
Western Power switches on Australia’s largest microgrid
The Western Australian coastal town of Kalbarri can now be powered by an entirely renewable energy solution utilising rooftop solar and wind generation coupled with battery storage with state government-owned utility Western Power confirming the state’s largest renewable energy microgrid has been commissioned.
BHP begins work on Northern Goldfields solar+storage system
Construction has commenced on an off-grid solar PV and battery energy storage system which will help power Australian-headquartered resource major BHP’s estimated $1 billion Nickel West mining operation in regional Western Australia.
Perth ocean energy company gets funding boost from Japanese shipping giant
Western Australian ocean energy company Bombora Wave Power has received an investment of $6.74 million to deliver its pilot projects and commercialise its technology from one of the world’s largest shipping companies, Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.
Solar expansion at WA mine to deliver 100% renewables in daylight hours
Remote power generation specialist Zenith Energy will build upon its renewable energy options at Western Australian miner IGO’s Nova nickel site to demonstrate it is possible to use 100% renewables to meet the demands of an operational mine site.
WA gold miner to install hybrid PV-gas system with hydrogen capacity
Gold developer Calidus Resources has become the latest miner to decarbonise its Western Australian operations by installing a 19 MW hybrid solar PV-gas power system which in future could be up to a quarter fuelled by hydrogen.
International partnership pushes Western Australian vanadium electrolyte plant toward reality
Western Australian vanadium explorer Technology Metals Australia and Japanese vanadium redox flow battery producer LE System have decided to tighten their relationship with an expanded Memorandum of Understanding that could see the construction of Australia’s first fully integrated vanadium electrolyte plant proximate to renewable energy hubs and major Australian population centres.
Pacific Energy unveils ‘world first’ hybrid power solution at mine site
Solar PV is helping power the world’s largest zircon mine with Western Australian-based independent power producer KPS Power Generation announcing it has completed the conversion of miner Iluka Resources’ 10 MW diesel-fuelled power station at the Jacinth-Ambrosia mineral sands operation in South Australia into a hybrid facility.
Studies show Dampier Bunbury Pipeline capable of 9% hydrogen blending, but underground storage less promising
Two Western Australian government funded studies into the transmission and storage of hydrogen have shown that the state’s main gas pipeline is, for large sections, ready for 9% hydrogen blending. However, in less promising news, another study found that the state’s underground storage capacity, including depleted oil and gas fields, are not proximate to the proposed 50GW Western Green Energy Hub or the 23GW Asian Renewable Energy Hub.
Three major miners jump on electric train trend
In the past fortnight, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals, and now BHP Group have all announced they will buy electric trains to haul iron ore across Western Australia. All three companies will purchase their electric locomotives either from Progress Rail or Wabtec, both U.S based.
