An $8.3 million grant from ARENA will fund the construction of the Ngardara Solar Microgrid in Borroloola, Northern Territory, consisting of 2.1 MW of solar and a 1.8 MW, 6.6 MWh battery. Led by First Nations group Original Power, the project aims for 80% renewable energy penetration, saving 1.2 million liters of diesel annually. This community-led microgrid initiative seeks to provide clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to Indigenous communities, promoting local energy ownership and benefiting traditionally excluded communities in the Northern Territory. Additionally, a separate microgrid project in Ltyentye Apurte near Alice Springs is receiving funding to improve reliability and provide a constant source of electricity during blackouts, pushing the energy sector towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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Video: From $200 bills to $190 credit – 1 month with solar & battery
In a detailed analysis of a solar and battery storage system in Australian homes, it was found that the system resulted in a $190 credit on the power bill, a substantial improvement from the previous $200 monthly bill. The breakdown of factors such as grid imports, solar exports, and bill credits sheds light on the potential benefits of distributed energy technologies for both consumers and the grid. This case study highlights the positive impact these systems can have on reducing energy costs and increasing energy independence, making them a promising solution for addressing climate change.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/video-from-200-bills-to-190-credit-1-month-with-solar-battery/
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Solar, wind meet 99 pct of new global demand as batteries help deliver “round-the-clock resource”
In 2025, record amounts of new solar and wind generation capacity met 99% of global electricity demand growth, with Australia leading the charge in transforming solar into a "round-the-clock resource." Solar power saw a significant increase, meeting 75% of the net increase in global power demand and growing by 30% from the previous year. Wind energy also had a successful year, with the global industry installing a record-breaking 165 gigawatts in 2025. Together, wind and solar now contribute more than half of all global renewable generation, helping low-carbon sources reach 42.6% of total electricity generation in 2025. Battery storage saw significant growth, with prices dropping to $70/kWh and capacity additions increasing by 46%, surpassing natural gas additions. This shift towards clean energy signifies the beginning of a new era of clean growth, reducing reliance on expensive fossil generation and reshaping energy security by meeting increasing electricity demand.
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“The scores are going off the charts”: Iran conflict boosts support for renewables and energy independence
Renewable energy messages of sovereignty and independence are gaining traction due to rising fuel prices and the Iran war, with solar and home battery retailers promoting energy independence. Politicians like federal energy minister Chris Bowen emphasize the affordability and reliability of renewable energy, despite some negativity towards renewables. A recent survey shows steady positivity towards the transition, with one third of respondents considering purchasing an electric vehicle. Cope warns against complacency in the industry and emphasizes the importance of policy settings and overcoming barriers to clean energy adoption to achieve the energy transition quickly and efficiently.
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NT orders another two big batteries to back solar and gas after “success” of first project in Darwin
The Northern Territory government is investing $82.1 million in two new big battery projects in Katherine and Alice Springs to balance increasing solar energy and reduce reliance on gas generators. These projects aim to strengthen energy security, stabilize the grid, and support more solar integration, creating a modern, reliable, and secure energy system for the future. Territory Generation and Pacific Energy are key players in the development of these battery projects, which are expected to be completed by early 2028. The construction of these batteries will not only meet energy performance targets in isolated systems but also stimulate the economy and create local jobs.
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Energy Insiders Podcast: Batteries take centre stage as world wrestles with fuel crisis
The article delves into the rapid expansion of battery storage for electric vehicles and the grid, emphasizing their role in maintaining energy security. It explores different battery chemistries and highlights Fortescue's push towards achieving true zero emissions, including the development of large-scale wind projects. The discussion, part of the Energy Insiders series hosted by Giles Parkinson and David Leitch, also touches on potential actions by Albanese in the current climate landscape. This comprehensive overview provides valuable insights for climate solutions experts looking to stay informed on key developments in renewable energy and emissions reduction efforts.
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Huge wind component of massive hybrid renewables project joins queue for federal green tick
A 2 gigawatt hybrid wind, solar, and battery storage project in Western Australia's Mid West region, the Tathra wind farm, is undergoing federal environmental assessment after securing state approvals. Developer SynergyRED aims to combine up to 1,000 MW of wind, 500 MW of solar, and 500 MW of battery energy storage to maintain affordable and reliable electricity supply. Efforts are being made to minimize impacts on fauna habitat in the mainly agricultural project area. Additionally, Synergy is expanding its battery capacity with the Collie battery, increasing total big battery capacity to over 800 MW and nearly 3,200 MWh, marking a significant step towards clean energy solutions.
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Construction starts on biggest battery in Australia’s most advanced renewable grid
Alinta is building South Australia's largest battery, the Reeves Plains project, with a first stage sized at 250MW and 1,000MWh, aiming to reach gigawatt scale storage with a second stage planned to double its size. This project is part of South Australia's push towards 100% net renewables by next year, powered by wind and solar, displacing plans for a gas-fired power station at Reeves Plains. The focus on battery storage is a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions. Climate change experts, including science and business journalists specializing in climate change-related health and environmental issues, play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting solutions to address climate-related challenges.
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Batteries included: Amazon makes record haul of hybrid renewable PPAs to power Australian AI push
Amazon has made its largest ever renewables investment in Australia, signing nine new wind, solar, and battery storage power purchase agreements, including utility-scale solar-battery hybrids. The projects will have a combined capacity of 990 MW, enough to power over half a million households a year. Amazon's focus on projects with storage reflects the market's interest in hybrid solar and batteries, with plans to continue investing in solar and wind projects to support its expanding data centre infrastructure. The company is expanding its cloud and AI infrastructure powered by carbon-free energy and battery storage, aiming to reach net-zero carbon across its operations by 2040 as part of the Climate Pledge goal. Amazon is committed to not contracting fossil fuels and has become the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in Australia, focusing on reaching power offtake deals with partners to accelerate the clean energy transition.
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Australian company says its magnetic technology could be key to its green steel ambitions
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.