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.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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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.
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Pioneering community solar and battery project launches after “12 years of hard work”
The Goulburn Community Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia, has been completed and will soon start generating power for its 288 local investors. Led by the Goulburn Community Energy Co-operative, the project features a 1.4 MW solar farm and a 4 MWh battery, showcasing the potential of community energy projects in the shift towards clean energy. Despite facing challenges, the project received support from the community, local government grants, and partnerships with companies like Trina Solar. Additionally, a new solar farm in Goulburn, Australia, led by Smart Commercial Solar, is set to power 500 homes with advanced clean-energy technology components from Trina Solar. Both projects highlight the accessibility and benefits of community-owned renewable energy solutions in the fight against climate change.
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South Australia on path to 100 pct net renewables next year after Labor landslide and Liberal backflip
South Australia's Liberal government, which aimed for 100% net renewables, lost power to Labor in 2022 and was further weakened in the 2026 election due to indecision on net zero and the energy transition. Labor, now in charge, plans to achieve the 100% renewables target by 2027 through new wind and solar farms, batteries, and a connection to New South Wales. South Australia will become the first gigawatt-scale grid to reach this milestone using wind and solar as the sole renewable sources, supported by batteries and gas-fired generation. Additionally, the state is leading in consumer energy integration, attracting interest from energy-intensive industries and presenting a significant economic opportunity for the development of renewable resources and new industries.
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From shuttered coal plant to gigascale battery: AGL begins commissioning of Liddell BESS
AGL Energy is set to commission a new 500 MW, 1000 MWh battery at the site of a shuttered coal plant in New South Wales by mid-year, with support from federal and NSW governments. The Liddell battery will help firm up the state's grid as more coal exits and renewable energy comes online, part of a trend of transforming coal generation sites into battery storage hubs in NSW. This transition reflects the need to move away from aging coal-fired power stations, with the aim of supporting reliable renewable energy for years to come. The milestone at Liddell coincides with a new policy from the Minns government regarding coal mining, highlighting the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
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“Grow your own and buy local”: Networks seek change and flexibility to manage a 100 pct renewable grid
Andrew Bills, chair of Energy Networks Australia, is advocating for regulatory change and more flexibility for homes and their power assets to support the transition towards 100% renewables in Australia. South Australia is on track to become the first gigawatt-scale grid in the world to reach 100% "net" renewables, with a significant amount of rooftop solar capacity. The networks are looking to become distribution system operators (DSOs) to better integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, incentivizing customers to be flexible with their energy usage. Households are upgrading their systems and trialling home energy management technologies to reduce load, starting with EVs. The focus is on creating a marketplace for participants to bid for response to network constraints, with regulatory and policy changes necessary to support this transition towards a more efficient energy market dominated by clean energy resources.
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Regulators will have to be nimble to deal with home battery boom and bigger solar systems, says Kean
Australia's energy regulators and market operators are urged to quickly adapt to the rise in battery storage, rooftop solar systems, and the shift towards electrification. The success of home battery installations and the growth of rooftop solar systems demonstrate the community's appetite for new energy solutions. Regulators must prepare for the increasing adoption of home energy storage, EVs, and advanced load shifting technologies to balance demand peaks and ease strain on the grid. Despite challenges like grid bottlenecks and increased prices for infrastructure, with the right regulatory framework and incentives, the transition to green energy is manageable and beneficial for all stakeholders. Integrated and complex planning is emphasized as crucial for a successful and reliable transition to clean energy.
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SwitchedOn podcast: What regional communities really want from renewables
Renewable energy projects in regional Australia are prompting the introduction of community benefit guidelines by governments, with mixed results. Kim Mallee from the Community Power Agency stresses the need for community input in shaping these benefits. Drawing on international examples, she advocates for ownership, co-investment, and community-led models to create deeper, longer-term value. The CPA's report, "Power in Partnership," highlights how these approaches could foster genuine partnership in Australia's energy transition.