DryFlow Magnetics, an Australian company, is launching a commercial pilot at an iron ore mine in South Australia using magnetic technology to extract higher-grade iron ore for green steel production. This technology aims to reduce water usage by 95% and cut emissions by 90% compared to traditional steelmaking processes. With government support and investment in the industry, the company plans to scale up its technology to process 200 tonnes of material per hour, making Australia a dominant supplier of high-purity iron for green steel production.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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Renewables hit 80 pct share in Australia’s most coal dependent grid for first time
Queensland's grid has reached 80% renewables, driven by solar power, wind, and hydro, despite heavy coal dependence. New projects are fueling the growth of renewables, with households and businesses embracing rooftop solar and batteries. The state government plans to continue burning coal for another two decades, but grid scale batteries are being built throughout the state. Meanwhile, NSW has a slightly higher coal capacity but posted new battery storage records, indicating a shift towards cleaner energy solutions.
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“Boots on the ground:” Site works begin at Neoen’s first 6-hour big battery
Construction has commenced on Neoen Australia's Muchea Battery project in Western Australia, incorporating 252 Tesla Megapack 2XL units to create a 164 MW, 905 MWh battery connected to the South-West Interconnected System grid. This marks Neoen's third storage asset in WA, generating 70 new jobs during construction. The six-hour battery will enhance grid stability and supply power during evening peaks, showcasing a notable progression in battery technology for climate solutions experts to consider.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/boots-on-the-ground-site-works-begin-at-neoens-first-6-hour-big-battery/
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Backer of huge Australian green hydrogen projects lands funds to create “digital twin”
Intercontinental Energy has received a $1.56 million federal grant to develop a digital twin simulation for its green hydrogen project, aiming to streamline design and construction processes for coastal and remote areas. The company believes digital twins could reduce costs by 10-20%. This initiative could help standardize plans in the green hydrogen industry, potentially accelerating large-scale projects. Intercontinental Energy is also involved in the Western Green Energy Hub and Australian Renewable Energy Hub projects, which aim to produce 3.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually.
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Made in the shade: How electric vehicles could be the perfect partner to rooftop solar in tropical cities
New research suggests that electric vehicles (EVs) could help manage distributed solar generation in tropical cities prone to thunderstorms by using parked EVs to store solar energy and act as temporary grid capacity during cloudy periods. This approach could mitigate the need for costly infrastructure upgrades to handle fluctuations in electricity generation caused by tropical thunderstorms, allowing for more efficient use of the existing grid and integration of more solar photovoltaics without the need for additional transmission line capacity. The research focuses on a decentralized electric vehicle charging strategy in Singapore that aligns with urban mobility patterns, showing potential for large-scale photovoltaic integration in tropical cities through decentralized EV charging even in car-light environments.
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Giant copper project signs deal for Australia’s biggest off-grid hybrid renewables facility
Harmony Gold and Aggreko have partnered to develop a renewable power facility at the Eva copper mine project in Queensland, Australia. The facility will consist of a 118 MWp solar farm, a 250 MWh battery, and a 104 MVA thermal power plant, with the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2035. Future plans may involve incorporating wind energy and connecting to the grid through the Copperstring transmission project. This long-term commitment to renewable energy showcases a significant step towards sustainable practices in the mining industry.
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Grid batteries reach stunning new peak of 44 pct of evening demand in world’s fourth biggest economy
California and Australia are experiencing significant growth in grid-scale battery storage, with California reaching a new peak of 44% of evening demand and Australia's South Australia reaching 30%. The rapid rollout of battery storage in California over the last five years has allowed for a reduction in reliance on gas and the ability to supply a significant share of demand throughout the evening. With a total capacity of over 17 GW in California, grid-scale batteries are proving to be a key solution in transitioning towards a more sustainable energy system.
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Peak load tipped to double as industries flock to Australia’s world-first 100 pct renewables grid
South Australia is experiencing a surge in electricity demand due to the growth of industries attracted by its high level of renewables. With around 75% of its electricity already sourced from wind and solar, the state aims to achieve 100% "net" renewables by next year. To support this expansion and accommodate increased load from industries like mining and data centers, ElectraNet predicts the need for new transmission lines. Projects such as the south-east transmission line and the proposed Northern Transmission project are crucial in connecting new generation and storage to existing customer demand, supporting electrification, and facilitating industrial expansion. Giles Parkinson emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in enabling clean energy growth in South Australia.
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Stand-alone solar and battery-powered level crossings deliver an Australian first for regional rail
Two new solar-powered level crossings have been unveiled as part of the Inland Rail freight rail link project in northern New South Wales, marking a significant advancement for the country's rail network. By utilizing solar and battery power, the project avoids the need for grid-connected electricity, reducing the impact on local communities and the environment. The Australian Rail Track Corporation plans to deploy more solar-powered systems along the alignment once Inland Rail becomes operational. The article also emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities, highlighting the need for adaptation strategies such as building seawalls and restoring wetlands.
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How a robot named Bear is making solar farm maintenance safer and more efficient
Australia's national science agency has repurposed robots from the mining industry to inspect solar panels in large-scale PV projects, equipped with sensors like LiDAR and thermal infrared cameras to detect faults such as dust build-up, physical damage, and hotspots. This technology aims to improve efficiency, safety, and automation in solar farm maintenance, replacing unskilled labor with skilled regional jobs. The use of next-generation robotics is accelerating the energy transition and supporting the path to net zero by collecting data for proactive maintenance decisions and leveraging experience from other industries to benefit the renewable energy sector. Early detection of faults is crucial to maintain panel performance, enhance energy output stability, and prevent fires at solar projects.