The Victorian government has approved plans for the construction of Australia's largest wind farm, the Warracknabeal Energy Park, in the Wimmera region. The project, developed by WestWind Energy, will consist of 219 turbines with a capacity of over 1.5 gigawatts, paired with battery energy storage systems, aiming to contribute significantly to Victoria's renewable energy targets. The $5 billion project, which has undergone a rigorous Environmental Effects Statement process, is expected to create nearly 950 jobs during construction and ongoing local jobs once operational. Support for independent media like Renew Economy is crucial for providing accurate information on climate-related issues and ensuring the availability of reliable news and analysis on climate solutions.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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“Remarkable milestone:” Bowen says home battery installations continue to surge, pass 400,000
Energy and climate minister Chris Bowen celebrates the success of the federal government's home battery rebate scheme, with over 400,000 installations in just over 10 months. Home batteries are helping to lower wholesale electricity prices and reduce the use of gas and coal during nighttime hours, with smaller batteries now favored over larger ones. The surge in home batteries and rooftop solar installations, highlighted by the CER's executive general manager Carl Binning, will help Australia meet its renewable energy target by 2030. To stay updated on clean energy news and support independent media, readers can subscribe to the free daily newsletter from Renew Economy and consider making donations or becoming regular supporters.
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Solar farms can help to regenerate land while generating energy, new study finds
A new study analyzing 147 individual studies has shown that solar farms have regenerative effects on degraded land by reducing wind speeds, lowering surface and soil temperatures, and increasing soil moisture. Solar power was found to have positive impacts on the environment compared to fossil fuels, with solar farms significantly reducing wind speeds and albedo across different surface types. The majority of solar farms studied were located in arid climate conditions, with the largest number in China, the United States, and India. Solar farms were also found to significantly reduce soil temperature by 2.42°C and increase soil water content by 38.60%, particularly on cropland and grassland. These findings highlight the potential of solar farms to positively influence soil conditions in agricultural and grassland areas.
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Huge home batteries inspire “made for Australia” rooftop solar panel, offering more power over less space
Trina has launched the Vertex S+ 515W rooftop PV module in response to the increasing demand for solar panels in Australia, driven by the record rate of home battery installations. The module offers higher energy yield, greater system capacity, and flexibility in design, catering to the advanced technology needs of the Australian residential and commercial rooftop markets. This innovation coincides with the booming rooftop solar installations in Australia, with the module available for preorder and expected in the third quarter. The 31% increase in solar panels registered nationwide in April marks a positive trend for climate solutions, highlighting the importance of staying informed through sources like Renew Economy to promote accurate information and support for clean energy initiatives.
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Solar Insiders Podcast: The small company taking giant steps to close the energy gap
Lauren Mellor and Chantelle Johns from Original Power are empowering First Nations communities in the Northern Territory by giving them control over their energy sources and promoting renewable energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their mission aims to address climate change impacts and create sustainable, resilient communities, emphasizing the importance of indigenous-led climate solutions in the fight against climate change.
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Record battery output, big winds push monthly gas generation to lowest level in more than two decades
In April, Queensland led in wind, solar, and battery output, with a notable increase in wind energy generation. The state also achieved a record-breaking month for big batteries, with over 100 GWh discharged by utility-scale battery energy storage systems. Australian utility PV and wind assets collectively generated 4.7 TWh, marking a 24% increase from the previous year. Gas generation across the National Electricity Market decreased by 49%, showcasing the ongoing trend of batteries displacing gas during the evening peak.
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Solar and battery households help grid by importing more during day and exporting more in evening peaks
The installation of over 360,000 home batteries in Australia is reshaping the energy market by helping to manage excess solar energy, reduce reliance on gas, and moderate prices. This support, along with grid-scale batteries, is displacing higher bidding hydro and gas generators, providing a better market signal for large-scale wind and solar projects. Federal climate and energy minister Chris Bowen emphasizes the importance of renewables in stabilizing the grid and lowering energy bills, while criticizing the Coalition's plan to prioritize coal. The increase in household batteries is benefiting the grid by providing additional supply during evening peaks and addressing minimum demand issues. Support for independent media and accurate information is encouraged to further advance climate solutions.
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Massive six-hour battery project seeks federal green tick for site in Victoria’s main coal hub
Renewable developer Res Australia has announced the Bunyip North battery, a 400 MW, 2,400 MWh project in Gippsland as part of Victoria's clean energy transition. The project, one of 31 batteries competing for network space, has undergone extensive environmental studies to minimize impact on protected species and habitats. Construction is scheduled for mid-2027 with a commissioning date in mid-2029. The chosen site has limited ecological value, and measures are in place to protect water features and wildlife.
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State creates $1.4 billion fund to connect more wind and solar ahead of coal power exit
Western Australia's Labor government is establishing a $1.4 billion Clean Energy Fund to facilitate the transition from coal to renewables by the end of the decade. The fund will support network extensions like the Clean Energy Link (CEL) – East, enabling the integration of more wind and solar projects into the grid. This initiative is expected to add 3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and generate 800 local jobs during construction. The state government is fast-tracking the replacement of coal with new battery projects, wind farms, and grid expansions, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources.