A consortium of six companies is proposing the development of a large renewable energy zone in remote, inland New South Wales, known as the "Inland Renewable Energy Region," to unlock abundant wind and solar resources. This initiative aims to support over 10 gigawatts of new renewable power by 2040, with a stage one capacity of 2-4 GW achievable by 2035. The proposal includes additional transmission capacity in Far, North West, and Western NSW to support the region, with plans for a major new transmission link to the Cobar region. The consortium is pushing for AEMO to prioritize the project in its 2026 Integrated System Plan and emphasizes the importance of timely delivery and integration with existing and future projects to support Australia's energy transition and decarbonization goals.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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First stage of Australia’s second-biggest battery starts commercial operations in the Sunshine State
The first stage of the Supernode battery in Australia, developed by Quinbrook and managed by Origin Energy, has commenced commercial operations, with plans to expand to a 780 MW, 3,074 MWh capacity to support Queensland households. Origin has secured contracts for 100% of capacity across Stages 1 and 2, showcasing the crucial role of battery storage in the energy transition. The project serves as a model for large-scale storage supporting power system evolution, emphasizing the use of local labor and equipment. Additionally, the article offers a daily newsletter for clean energy news, attracting over 28,000 subscribers.
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Major capital raise seeks $450 million to “lead New Zealand’s renewable energy future”
Contact Energy in New Zealand is raising $NZ525 million to accelerate its renewable energy development plans, with a focus on infrastructure to support the country's growing electricity demand. The company's recent acquisition of Manawa Energy has added hydroelectric and geothermal stations, a grid-scale battery, and a solar farm to their portfolio. Contact Energy will be constructing a 200 MW/400 MWh battery and a 150 MW solar farm, with ongoing development of other renewable projects. This capital raise will fund further geothermal and solar projects, aligning with efforts to combat climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources for a more renewable, resilient, and affordable energy future.
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“We don’t doubt ourselves:” Fortescue’s race to real zero – and the radical rethink behind it
Fortescue is working towards its zero emissions target by 2030 by replacing locomotives with battery alternatives, building renewable energy projects, and transitioning to electric mining equipment. Challenges in decarbonizing complex elements like the port and ore processing are being addressed. The company is investing in technology for long-distance and heavy load transportation, decarbonizing freight ships and equipment, and exploring solar and wind power for mining operations. By implementing advanced technology, such as AI and battery management systems, Fortescue aims to optimize operations and reduce carbon emissions, setting a precedent for achieving real zero emissions in the future.
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Renewables account for more than 55 pct of Spain’s energy mix in 2025, and in first month of 2026
In 2025 and January 2026, renewable energy made up over half of Spain's total energy mix, with wind energy leading the way followed by solar PV. Despite rising electricity demand, renewable production reached record levels, with wind power maintaining its position as the top source of electricity generation. Energy storage technologies played a crucial role in maximizing the utilization of renewable energy sources.
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Moves afoot to bring balcony solar to Australia, and new wave of products has batteries included
Efforts are underway in Australia to enable renters and apartment dwellers to install solar and battery systems on their balconies, following examples from Europe, India, South Korea, and Utah. The main challenge lies in changing regulations to ensure safety and compliance with electrical standards, with testing being conducted on balcony batteries for backup power during outages. Various organizations and governments are working to overcome legal and regulatory barriers to make plug-in balcony solar and batteries a reality in Australia. Advocates are pushing for regulatory changes to make balcony solar more accessible, highlighting benefits such as running critical devices during power cuts and tapping into dynamic tariff pricing. Despite challenges like outdated technology and conservative committees, there is potential for government intervention to drive progress towards clean energy solutions in Australia.
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How my perfectly ordinary house became a small power station
The increasing trend of Australian households adopting solar and battery systems, accelerated by federal rebates, is changing the relationship between consumers and the electricity network. Policy makers are adapting to this shift by designing tariffs and incentives that reflect the changing energy landscape. The detailed installation process of solar panels and battery systems, along with the trend of larger residential battery installs, highlights the importance of finding professional installers and considering factors like roof orientation and electricity tariffs. The transition from consumer to prosumer of energy, with the ability to generate, store, schedule, and export electricity, has environmental, economic, and behavioral implications for households and the energy system. The real-world process of installing and living with residential household and battery storage, sponsored by Sungrow and AIKO, showcases the equipment used and the expertise of individuals like Sam, the Chief Operating Officer for Renew Economy and EV Media.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/how-my-perfectly-ordinary-house-became-a-small-power-station/
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Australian tech company unearthing new capacity on the grid lands $1.1bn valuation after new capital raise
Neara, an Australian energy technology company, has raised $90 million to expand its AI and machine learning products, crucial for the green energy transition. The company's software builds 3D models of networks to identify new capacity and better plan for new generation and data centers, with a focus on addressing challenges faced by power grids in the face of rising electrification and demand from AI and data centers. Traditional methods are no longer sufficient for managing a modern grid, with challenges in grid access and planning affecting sectors like data centers and renewable energy. Data centers present an opportunity similar to renewable energy, with countries needing to address grid issues to benefit. The data center industry is seen as a "space race" with significant potential.
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Vestas lands turbine order for landmark wind and green hydrogen refuelling network in New Zealand
New Zealand's Kapuni green hydrogen project has reached financial close and ordered four 6.4 MW wind turbines from Vestas, integrating wind energy, renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale. The project includes a 25.6 MW wind farm and a 5 MW hydrogen electrolyser, supporting a national green hydrogen refuelling network. Located in Taranaki, the project will supply renewable electricity to the national grid and create economic opportunities through decarbonizing industry and building low-emissions energy systems. This initiative showcases a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions and demonstrates the potential for green hydrogen to play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a cleaner energy future.