A 7.8 gigawatt-hour battery energy storage system has been completed in Saudi Arabia, owned by Saudi Electricity Co. and with an offtake deal with National Grid SA. Sungrow manufactured over 1,500 PowerTitan 2.0 systems for the project, expected to meet the annual electricity needs of 400,000 households in Saudi Arabia. This project signifies the start of large-scale energy storage deployment in the Middle East, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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Flow Power reaches financial close on its first stand-alone big battery, in Victorian coal country
Australia renewables company Flow Power has secured financing for its largest project to date, the Bennett's Creek Battery in Victoria's Latrobe Valley. The 100MW and 223MWh battery energy storage system will be located near the site of the former Hazelwood coal plant, aiming to pair long-term solar and wind power purchase agreements with large-scale storage for a reliable renewable energy supply. Construction will be completed in 2028, with a focus on community benefit initiatives and innovative retail offerings, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.
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Neoen begins construction of another big battery, first in world to deploy Tesla Megablock technology
Neoen Australia has commenced construction on the Goyder battery project in South Australia, utilizing Tesla's new Megablock product to create a 226 MW, 866 MWh battery that will power BHP's Olympic Dam mining operations. This project is part of Neoen's efforts to lead in battery storage projects in Australia and contribute to the energy transition by lowering costs for grid-level storage by up to 40%. With planning approval for up to 900 MW of capacity and 3,600 MWh, the Goyder battery could potentially become part of Australia's largest hybrid project, integrating large scale solar and expanded wind farms. Neoen's projects, including the Goyder battery, are crucial in South Australia's aim to achieve 100% "net" renewables by 2027.
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Korea drops secures grid connection approval for its first big battery in Australia
Hanwha Energy Australia's 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system in southeast Queensland has received grid connection approval, aiming to store surplus solar energy and support 15,000 households during peak demand. The project will provide critical grid services, enhancing Queensland's grid resilience and supporting renewable energy growth for a more sustainable power system. Additionally, Hanwha Energy Australia is actively involved in other clean energy projects across Australia.
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Offshore wind turbines create all-you-can-eat havens where some fish can double in size
A new study found that offshore wind farms can lead to larger fish species and increased complexity in the oceanic food chain due to the rough surfaces of turbine monopiles and submarine cables providing new habitats for marine organisms. The presence of wind turbines created a different marine environment with positive attributes, such as increased biomass of benthic fish and sessile organisms colonizing the structures. Additionally, the wind farm acted as a no-take zone, serving as a marine protected area for commercially targeted species and contributing to a more stable, diverse, and functionally intact ocean life compared to areas without turbines. While there are risks associated with exploration and construction, the study suggests that wind farms can have positive impacts on marine ecosystems by providing new habitats and increasing food availability for marine life.
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First solar-battery hybrid on Australia’s main grid is energised, and ready to send PV into evening peaks
The first large scale solar-battery hybrid power plant on Australia's main grid, Quorn Park, has been energised and is ready to send solar power into evening demand peaks. This facility combines an 80 MW solar farm with a 20 MW, 40 MWh battery, allowing for solar to be stored and fed into the grid during peak demand times. Solar-battery hybrids are seen as a solution to provide reliable and cost-effective support to the grid, meeting the evolving needs of communities and accelerating the energy transition. Solar battery hybrids are becoming increasingly popular in the green energy transition, with Chris Bowen naming 20 winners of a 6.5 gigawatt CIS tender, making them a key technology for clean energy solutions.
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Rooftop solar and batteries on centre stage: Six key graphs from AEMO’s transition roadmap
The Australian Energy Market Operator has released the draft of its 2026 Integrated System Plan, outlining the transition of Australia's main grid to renewables and storage. The plan highlights the growth of rooftop solar and the potential for an accelerated transition to green energy, with a focus on addressing transmission concerns and the continuation of coal in Queensland. AEMO is unsure how to keep coal running until 2049 due to aging coal-fired power stations being a threat to grid reliability, but the concept of "baseload" is expected to be phased out. The grid is projected to reach 82% renewables by 2030, leading to a significant drop in emissions and paving the way for further emission cuts in other sectors as they electrify and transition to renewables.
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Offshore wind farms could be used as charging hubs for electric and hybrid ships
Two Danish companies are exploring the integration of offshore wind with marine electrification to reduce vessel-related greenhouse gas emissions. Stillstrom, a leader in marine technology, aims to provide offshore power and charging solutions for battery powered vessels. A joint white paper with the Port of Roenne on the Danish island of Bornholm will explore how offshore wind can support charging solutions for electric ferries and cargo vessels. Bornholm, designated as an energy island, is central to one of the busiest shipping corridors in Europe and plans to build offshore wind farms to support maritime electrification. The concept of "energy islands" as hubs for offshore power transmission is discussed, with estimates of 17 terawatt-hours of electricity needed for battery-powered vessels. This transition could save €2 billion in oil imports and reduce marine gas oil emissions. The Port of Roenne sees itself as well-positioned to contribute to the infrastructure needed for maritime electrification, including ferry and cruise vessel charging. Energy Island Bornholm is seen as a valuable opportunity to understand future maritime energy needs and support the wider transition to clean energy in Europe's shipping corridors.
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Sulfur battery innovator clears key milestone to commercialisation – and to compete with li-ion
Gelion, an Australian energy storage innovator, has achieved a key milestone in its sulfur battery technology, demonstrating stable cycling and high energy density performance in coin cells. This advancement brings the technology closer to commercialization and competitiveness with lithium-ion batteries, offering advantages such as operating at high temperatures without air-conditioning, dischargeable to zero volts, and being more energy dense and longer-lasting than lead-acid batteries. The company has raised funds, acquired patents, and formed partnerships to further develop its sulfur battery technology for applications in e-aviation, electric mobility, and stationary storage. This development has the potential to revolutionize energy storage in various industries, including automotive, industrial, and consumer technology, making it a promising solution for a sustainable future.
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Memo to LNP: AEMC says slowing renewables, sweating coal, a recipe for 20 pct power price hike
The latest report from the Australia Energy Market Commission (AEMC) shows that electricity prices are set to fall by 5% over the next five years due to the increase in renewable energy resources, but delays in wind generation and transmission projects could lead to a 20% increase in household electricity prices after 2030. The AEMC warns against prolonging the life of coal-fired power stations, as it could add up to 5% to prices. Transitioning to wind energy can lower costs and reduce reliance on expensive gas generation, with the potential to reduce electricity prices by 10% by 2035. The AEMC recommends better coordination of consumer energy resources, doubling rooftop solar by 2035, and a nationally consistent regulatory framework for renewable energy to lower costs and reduce network investment.