Storing heat in blocks made of aluminum, graphite
Shell has provided Australian startup MGA Thermal with “game-changer” funding to accelerate the completion of a commercial-scale pilot storage plant.
Weekend Read: A long time coming
Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is essential for decarbonizing the grid but gigawatt-hour scale systems continue to be tricky for companies with big ideas. Here are some of the latest innovations across a flourishing array of new – and old – ideas.
The Hydrogen Stream: Novel design for high-power PEM fuel cells
South Korean researchers have revealed a scalable production method for platinum-based fuel cell catalysts, while Germany moved forward on its hydrogen strategy by signing agreements with Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Gentari seals deal for Wirsol’s Australian solar, storage assets
Gentari, the clean energy unit of Malaysian oil and gas supplier Petronas, has finalized its acquisition of Wirsol Energy’s Australian renewables assets, including 422 MW of operational capacity across solar and storage facilities, and 765 MW of potential capacity under development.
Australian researchers reveal new way to split saltwater into hydrogen
Australian scientists have developed a new way to make hydrogen directly from seawater. They have described the technology as a critical step to a truly viable green hydrogen industry.
Australia regretting belated transition as IRA sparks global race for renewables
When US President Joe Biden signed the $369 billion Inflation Reduction Act into law in August, it was lauded as the world’s most significant policy to combat climate change. However, some international critics and competitors claim the landmark bill thwarts their plans to foster green manufacturing at home. Australia is one country realizing that it may have already been left behind.
The Hydrogen Stream: Europe introduces new green hydrogen rules
The European Commission has presented the final version of its new rules for green hydrogen, with looser requirements to qualify hydrogen as “green.”
Online estimation tool for heat pump sizing
The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) has released a free, online estimation tool to aid Australian businesses in sizing heat pumps to replace gas boilers. The tool estimates the capex, opex, net savings, and payback time based on inputs about heating, cooling, location, and temperature requirements.
Drinkers encouraged to ‘give a XXXX’ as brewer goes solar
Iconic Australian beer brand XXXX will be brewed using 100% clean energy after parent company Lion signed an agreement to source renewable power from Lightsource bp’s 176 MW Woolooga solar farm.
Vast Solar secures funds for Australia’s first concentrated solar power plant
Vast Solar will move forward with plans to deliver Australia’s first commercial-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) plant after securing financial backing from the federal government to build a 30 MW/288 MWh facility in South Australia.
