Renewables improve reliability outlook for Australia’s main grid
Australia’s power supply has improved, as new solar and wind capacity are making summer blackouts less likely, says the Australian Energy Market Operator. Timely commissioning of new generation, storage and transmission investment will be critical, given the nation’s aging coal fleet and looming plant closures.
UK infrastructure investor reports losses on Australian PV assets
In its first-half earnings report, John Laing revealed that it has suffered substantial losses, mainly due to performance issues related to its renewable energy projects.
Edify Energy connects Australia’s largest PV farm to troubled section of grid
The 275 MW (AC)/333 MW (DC) Darlington Point Solar Farm features two synchronous condensers.
Australian solar provides cheapest energy, incurs highest frequency ancillary services payments
New research from Cornwall Insight shows that grid-scale solar farms are paying 10% to 20% of the cost of providing frequency ancillary services to Australia’s National Electricity Market, despite currently generating around 3% of energy in the system.
Western Australia’s largest PV project now operational
Risen Energy’s 132 MW Merredin Solar Farm has been connected to the Western Australian grid.
Airlifting PV modules for C&I solar projects
Is airlifting solar modules the future of commercial and industrial rooftop PV installation? Epho Commercial Solar recently used a helicopter to airlift pallets of modules to 12 rooftops at a Woolworths location in Australia.
Solar, wind, storage investment collapses in Australia as risks on developers grow
A new analysis by the Clean Energy Council reveals a dramatic fall in the number of large-scale renewable energy projects committed in the second quarter of 2020, with just three projects representing 410 MW of new capacity reaching financial close – the lowest level since 2017.
Australian utility unveils gigawatt-scale battery storage plan
In addition to 330 MW of batteries already announced, AGL has unveiled a plan for another 850 MW of grid-scale storage, the bulk of which will be installed alongside its Liddell coal-fired power plant.
US utility invests in Australian prefab PV system manufacturer
AES, one of the world’s largest power companies, has made a strategic investment in Sydney-based prefabricated solar system manufacturer 5B.
Australia adopts international standards to shape hydrogen future
Industry body welcomes guidelines, which it says are crucial to realizing the potential of the nation’s hydrogen economy.
