Western Australia

In an attempt to encourage more large scale renewable development while maintaining grid stability, Western Power has introduced its Generator Interim Access (GIA) mechanism for 900 MW of wind and large scale solar projects. The GIA will open the door for some PV power plant projects to go ahead in the state, if they agree to curtail production when instructed to do so by the grid operator.

The deal to merge solar hybrid developer Energy Made Clean (EMC), a Carnegie subsidiary, with M-Power is off. Carnegie Clean Energy Chairman Terry Stinson made the announcement at the company’s AGM last week, citing M-Power’s owner TAG’s inability to raise “$4 million required to fund the combined businesses.”

The 10 MW Northam Solar Farm has begun feeding electricity into the grid. According to Carnegie Clean Energy, full commercial operations is expected in the coming weeks once the required tests are completed successfully.

Australia’s first community battery trial went live on Monday, after the 52 available spots had been snapped up by Mandurah households – three months ahead of schedule. The trial involves a bulk Tesla battery integrated into existing grid and owned and operated by Western Power and Synergy.

Independence Group is set to add to a 6.7 MW solar PV array to its existing diesel power station at the Nova mine in Western Australia. Remote power generation specialist Zenith Energy has been contracted to deliver the solar project, in what will be Australia’s first fully-integrated commercial hybrid diesel/solar PV facility.

Australia’s first community battery trial will see a bulk Tesla battery integrated into existing grid and owned and operated by Western Power and Synergy.

The Chinese PV module maker has expanded its solar portfolio Down Under with the acquisition of what will be Western Australia’s largest solar farm. Construction is slated to begin this year.

WA-based renewable energy developer Carnegie Clean Energy has announced the departure of its long-serving managing director Michael Ottaviano and reveled major updates on its projects, including the 10 MW Northam Solar Farm and its solar/battery microgrid projects.

The Dunsborough Community Energy Project is announced as Australia’s first privately funded virtual power plant.

Despite economic hardship caused by record numbers of solar PV installs that have led to a fall in residential demand, Western Australian state-owned retailer Synergy has posted an after-tax profit of $24.3 million for 2017-18.