Victoria’s State Electricity Commission (SEC) is collaborating with Energy Dome to deploy Australia’s first commercial compressed CO2 battery energy storage system near Morwell, characterized by a 10-hour duration. This initiative aims to enhance the reliability of renewable energy sources, supporting Victoria’s transition to clean energy and its 2030 targets. Additionally, stakeholder and community consultations have commenced for the SEC Energy Works energy innovation precinct, which focuses on developing new energy infrastructure and storage technologies in the Latrobe Valley.
In Poland, Orlen and Northland have successfully sent the first power from their 1.2GW Baltic Power offshore array to the grid, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy efforts. The project is expected to be fully commissioned by autumn 2026, contributing to carbon emission reductions and increasing renewable energy’s share in Poland’s energy mix.
In the U.S., electric vehicle (EV) sales rebounded with a 14.7% increase in Q2 2026, following a prior decline, and are projected to grow by 17% by 2030. This growth is driven by new product launches, state incentives, and rising consumer interest amid expanding EV infrastructure. However, proposed legislation concerning foreign components raises potential concerns regarding consumer rights.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has criticized Europe’s low electrification rate of 23%, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability due to its reliance on imported fossil fuels. In response, the EU is considering incentives for green technologies, including heat pumps and electric vehicles, to enhance electrification and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
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Places mentioned in this update: Australia, China, Europe, Japan, Latrobe Valley, Poland, South Korea, US, Victoria