Australian solar innovator 5B has secured its largest order yet to supply solar components for a major renewable energy and battery project in Western Australia's Goldfields region, led by Northern Star Resources. The project will combine wind, solar, and battery storage to power mining operations, with 5B's prefabricated Maverick PV units reducing installation time and costs. The company received funding from the Solar Sunshot program to scale up production and lower costs, making the project a blueprint for modern, cost-effective, and clean mining energy systems. Northern Star's Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) operations will be powered by a hybrid renewables project, with solar accounting for 70% of electricity demand, and a vanadium flow battery proposed to address the grid's vulnerability. Zenith Energy will build, own, and operate the project under a 25-year power purchase agreement, with AVESS Energy showing interest in delivering the battery system.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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Solar and wind reach 100% of demand in biggest isolated grid
Solar and wind energy sources have successfully met 100% of the energy demand in the largest isolated grid, showcasing the potential of renewable energy in meeting electricity needs. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of transitioning to clean energy sources to combat climate change. The milestone underscores the importance of investing in and expanding renewable energy infrastructure to achieve a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
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First of 800 new towers erected for Australia’s most expensive transmission project to date
Construction has commenced on the $4.9 billion HumeLink transmission line in New South Wales, Australia's most expensive transmission project, connecting the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro scheme and enabling the utilization of wind and solar capacity in the region. Upon completion, HumeLink will contribute an extra 2,200 MW of on-demand energy to the grid, delivering over $1 billion in net benefits to Australian households and businesses. The project is set to create up to 1,600 construction jobs and support local economies, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the fight against climate change.
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Solar and wind reach 100 pct of demand in biggest isolated grid, as batteries allow it to keep its thermals on
Western Australia's isolated grid achieved 100% of demand with solar and wind energy, supported by growing battery storage. The state's high levels of rooftop solar and variable renewables are driving the green energy transition, with coal generators expected to retire by the end of the decade. South Australia is also making progress towards 100% renewables, aiming for "net" renewables by 2027. As the grid transitions, alternative solutions like synchronous condensers and grid forming inverters are being considered to ensure stability. The ultimate goal is to achieve 100% renewables without the need for traditional generators, emphasizing the importance of preparing for a coal-free grid by 2031.
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South Australia averages 100 pct wind and solar over week, 90 pct over last 28 days
South Australia has achieved over 100% net renewables in the past week and over 90% renewables in the last 28 days, with a mix of wind and solar power. The state aims to reach an average of 100% "net" renewables by 2027, aided by new transmission links and a growing number of big batteries. The completion of a new link from NSW and the use of battery grid forming inverters will allow the grid to run without gas generators, ensuring 100% renewables at times. The state's renewable energy capacity is set to increase with the operation of the Goyder wind farm.
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Construction kicks off on major upgrade of transmission links to host renewables and clear path for coal exit
Construction has begun on the Clean Energy Link – North project in Perth's northern suburbs, the largest investment in Western Australia's electricity transmission infrastructure in over a decade. The project includes major upgrades to the northern section of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) to facilitate the addition of renewable energy resources, doubling capacity in some sections and enabling the flow of wind and solar energy. This project is part of the state government's plan to exit State-owned coal by 2030 and make Western Australia a renewable energy powerhouse. The North project is set to be completed by the end of 2027, creating over 400 jobs and contributing to the state's transition towards clean energy solutions.
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Australia’s most advanced renewable grid is its most secure, but NSW must scramble as it nears “no coal” scenario
South Australia is leading the way in renewable energy with a 75% share of wind and solar, making it the most secure state grid in Australia. The state has successfully transitioned away from coal-fired power stations and has implemented innovative solutions such as the Tesla big battery and synchronous condensers. South Australia is on track to reach 100% net renewables and will be able to run its grid without gas plants. However, other states like NSW and Victoria are facing challenges with the closure of aging coal-fired generators and are scrambling to secure replacement capacity for critical grid services. AEMO warns of potential risks and the need for further action to ensure system stability in the future. The closure of coal-fired power plants in Australia, such as the one in NSW, is expected to lead to a "credible no coal scenario" by 2031/32. Similar closures are planned in Victoria and Queensland in the coming years. The transition to a high renewable grid is essential for Australia to meet its 2030 and 2035 climate targets. AEMO warns that new investments and reforms are needed to maintain system security during this transition, including utilizing renewable energy sources like rooftop solar. Industry and governments are working together to manage the transition points and ensure system security.
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Big batteries overtake big solar in the world’s largest isolated grid
In Western Australia, the latest utility scale battery additions have boosted total capacity to 1,385 MW and 5,367 MWh, surpassing daily utility scale solar contribution. Battery penetration on the WEM often exceeds 20% of evening peak dispatch, targeting periods of low rooftop solar energy generation and coinciding with peak demand. Renewable energy consistently exceeds a minimum of 20% penetration on W.A.'s WEM, highlighting the need for more wind power to meet night-time demand.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/big-batteries-overtake-big-solar-in-the-worlds-largest-isolated-grid/
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SwitchedOn podcast: Renewable construction boom can help fix regional housing crisis
Australia is poised to construct more renewable infrastructure in the next decade than in the previous three combined, with the challenge of housing construction workers in towns already experiencing a housing crisis. RE-Alliance's report proposes that worker accommodation can serve as a community benefit, with developers considering options such as refurbishing aged-care homes and transforming workforce villages into suburbs. The energy transition offers a unique opportunity for positive change in regional communities, highlighting the potential for sustainable solutions to address both the housing crisis and the need for renewable infrastructure.
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All 212,296 panels installed at state’s first 100 pct publicly owned hybrid solar and battery project
Victoria's first state-owned solar and battery hybrid project, the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham, has completed installation of all PV modules and accepted delivery of a transformer. The $370 million project includes a 119 MW solar farm and 100 MW, 200 MWh big battery, creating local jobs and renewable energy infrastructure. Once operational, it will generate enough power for around 51,000 homes and be one of Australia's first publicly owned utility-scale renewable energy projects.