Australia

Australian researchers have tested a novel lithium salt for high-voltage lithium batteries in electric vehicles and grid-scale storage systems. They claim the salt is less hazardous than conventional battery materials.

The operators of Australia’s largest solar farm have turned to a software-based bidding solution as they seek to optimize dispatch and manage the facility’s market trading and power purchase commitments amid increasing market volatility.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is pushing the limits of flexible solar PV cells by partnering with Australian startup Space Machines Company to test the technology in space.

Renewables developer Syncline Energy has revealed plans for a 600 MW/2400 MWh battery storage project near Melbourne.

Australia’s AGL Energy will soon own the world’s largest ‘grid-forming’ battery, with construction to begin on its new 250 MW/250 MWh project later this year on Torrens Island, South Australia. Finland’s Wärtsilä will supply the battery, while Germany’s SMA will provide inverters.

South Australia has shown how to rapidly transition to renewable energy generation, but cracks have appeared in its system. ElectraNet has deployed synchronous condensers to smooth out the gaps and keep the state grid running reliably.

The AEMO is looking to fast-track the deployment of advanced inverter capabilities to support Australia’s “once-in-a-lifetime transition” to a power system featuring reduced synchronous generation, such as coal-fired generation.

Australia’s rooftop solar PV market has emerged as the second largest generator by capacity in the nation with new data published by the Australian Energy Council showing that small-scale solar is overshadowed only by coal-fired generation.

Sydney-based MSquare Energy has ambitions of becoming Australia’s largest solar panel manufacturer, and it is entering the market at a pivotal moment when Australia’s panel manufacturing industry is pushing to compete on equal footing with global leaders.

Researchers at The Australian National University working on the photovoltaic potential of ultra-thin 2D materials have made an interesting discovery, the ability of these diaphanous materials to generate solar energy can be controlled by a mere “twist”.