Latest Storage

Construction starts on network of community-scale batteries to help suburbs power through extreme heat

Work begins on $65 million network of eight community-scale batteries, which will support the grid in some of the hottest suburbs on the planet.

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HMC says funds are there to build its first new big battery, another 2 GW of projects gearing up for FID

HMC says it has “committed equity” in place for its flagship big battery project and another 2 GW of near-term renewables and storage targeted for final investment decision.

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Home battery visionary sold for a loss as oil giant gets out of clean energy

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Home battery visionary sold for a loss as oil giant gets out of clean energy

Oil giant has sold home battery maker that was one of the early players in Australian market, but missed out on the federal rebate boom.

Rachel Williamson

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Big Battery Hazelwood Fluence

“Bit of a bloodbath:” Big batteries feel the pinch of coal plant extensions and household battery boom

Battery storage is the go-to technology of Australia’s energy transition, but business case is being squeezed by coal plants not closing and the boom in home batteries.

Giles Parkinson

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Big, four-hour battery nears completion on world’s biggest isolated grid

A new 100 megawatt and up to four-hour big battery is almost ready to start storing and dispatching renewable energy on Australia’s most isolated grid.

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Battery

Renewable microgrids hold huge promise for First Nations communities – so why aren’t they being built?

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Renewable microgrids hold huge promise for First Nations communities – so why aren’t they being built?

Small solar and battery-based microgrids have outsized impacts on remote communities, but are not being rolled out at scale. Here’s what could help.

Rachel Williamson

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Gina Rinehart’s flagship mine supplying EVs is operating at an average 93 pct renewables so far this year

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Gina Rinehart’s flagship mine supplying EVs is operating at an average 93 pct renewables so far this year

Rare earths mine supplying EV industry, and backed by Australia’s richest person, has been operating with a 93 pct renewables share over the last six months.

Giles Parkinson

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Construction starts on network of community-scale batteries to help suburbs power through extreme heat

New

Construction starts on network of community-scale batteries to help suburbs power through extreme heat

Work begins on $65 million network of eight community-scale batteries, which will support the grid in some of the hottest suburbs on the planet.

3

The NEM’s first solar battery hybrid is sending power to the grid at 10pm, and helping reshape the energy game

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The NEM’s first solar battery hybrid is sending power to the grid at 10pm, and helping reshape the energy game

It’s the middle of winter. It’s cold, it’s dark, it’s 10 pm, and the first solar-battery hybrid built in Australia’s NEM is sending power back to grid.

Giles Parkinson

Pumped Hydro

Wind farm dumped from Australia’s first pumped hydro project in 40 years – due to rocky terrain

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Wind farm dumped from Australia’s first pumped hydro project in 40 years – due to rocky terrain

Plans to add more solar and a wind farm to delayed pumped hydro project abandoned, this time due to rocky terrain. However, a bigger battery will be included.

Rachel Williamson

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“I haven’t received it:” 9-month cost review of over-budget and delayed Snowy 2.0 project runs over time

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Policy & Planning

“I haven’t received it:” 9-month cost review of over-budget and delayed Snowy 2.0 project runs over time

Bowen says he has yet to see new Snowy 2.0 costings, as nine-month re-assessment runs over time, and maybe even over budget.

Giles Parkinson

Coal giant gets nod to convert retired mine into solar and pumped hydro powerhouse with 12 hours storage

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Coal giant gets nod to convert retired mine into solar and pumped hydro powerhouse with 12 hours storage

State approves plans of Australia’s largest listed coal miner to transform a retired mine site into a renewable energy hub capable of dispatching 300 MW of energy over a 12-hour period.

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Auditor-general slams management of Snowy 2.0 as more delays loom and project costs blow out

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Auditor-general slams management of Snowy 2.0 as more delays loom and project costs blow out

Attorney-general report highlights board and management failings in the blown out Snowy 2.0 project, and points to yet more delays.

Giles Parkinson

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Solar Thermal

“Proud moment:” Australian solar thermal pioneer powers up hybrid hydro system in Brazil

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“Proud moment:” Australian solar thermal pioneer powers up hybrid hydro system in Brazil

Australian solar innovator powers up a demonstration of its unique technology using concentrated solar to produce and store electricity and heat in a first international project.

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“Arguably a world first:” Historic solar thermal plant lines up for heritage listing

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“Arguably a world first:” Historic solar thermal plant lines up for heritage listing

Australia’s first commercially operated solar thermal power station and one of the first of its kind in the world is being considered for heritage listing.

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Australian concentrated solar thermal hopeful put into voluntary administration, buyers sought

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Australian concentrated solar thermal hopeful put into voluntary administration, buyers sought

Plans for a huge concentrated solar thermal project near Port Augusta dealt new blow, this time with new of an Australian company put into administration.

Giles Parkinson

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Coal giant snaps up solar thermal project in landmark deal for long duration storage technology

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Coal giant snaps up solar thermal project in landmark deal for long duration storage technology

AGL snaps up a newly approved concentrated solar thermal project as it considers long duration storage options in first grid to reach 100 pct net renewables.

Giles Parkinson