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.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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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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How Australia’s most populous state can quit household gas, while also cutting electricity demand
Efforts to accelerate residential electrification in New South Wales should focus on implementing minimum efficiency standards for rental properties, phasing out inefficient appliance installations, and providing support for hard-to-upgrade households. By broadening policies to target electrification for renters and hard-to-upgrade dwellings while phasing out inefficient appliances, NSW can achieve significant consumer benefits and avoid negative impacts on electricity system reliability. The state's Gas Decarbonisation Roadmap and Energy Security Safeguard reforms present opportunities to support a balanced uptake of electrification and energy efficiency, with Victoria's experience showing significant consumer interest and a decline in residential gas consumption. Strategies like flexible electrification of hot water, particularly with heat pump systems, can help reduce residential gas consumption and electricity demand, while efficient electric appliances have lower running costs than gas appliances.
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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.
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“Brilliant economics”: Offtake deal seals delivery of Australia’s biggest solar-battery hybrid project
Renewable energy retailer Flow Power has signed a power purchase agreement with Octopus Australia's Blind Creek solar farm and battery project in New South Wales, one of the largest hybrid projects in Australia. The DC-coupled system allows solar to charge the battery directly, improving efficiency and enabling energy storage during low-price periods. The project aims to strengthen grid reliability, support the retirement of coal stations, and deliver renewables when needed to reduce peak price events. This pioneering solar hybrid initiative, backed by major investors, is set to revolutionize the energy market and contribute to a cleaner energy future in Australia by mid-2028.
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Powerful new rooftop solar panel promises system sizes “previously out of reach”
Chinese solar manufacturer Aiko has launched a new, high-powered solar panel approved by the Clean Energy Council for sale in Australia. The ABC 60-cell module offers up to 545 kW of generating capacity, enabling homeowners to maximize system capacity on small rooftops, especially as they incorporate batteries, EV charging, and other electric loads. This innovative panel not only increases output and energy yield but also has the potential to boost electricity revenue for commercial rooftops. Aiko's design reduces the number of modules required, resulting in cost and installation time savings for users looking to enhance their renewable energy solutions.
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Offshore wind installation tech promises to change logistics game, cut reliance on deep-water ports
Feederdock, a next-generation offshore wind installation solution developed by ONP Management and Renewable Resources International, splits installation across two vessels to accommodate turbines over 25 MW and foundations weighing 2,800 tonnes. This technology eliminates the need for deep-water ports, reducing constraints on offshore wind deployment, shortening construction schedules, and delivering cost savings. Energy Estate is supporting Feederdock's entry into the Australian and New Zealand markets, emphasizing the importance of creating an ecosystem for the industry to thrive and avoiding international vessel scarcity. A holistic approach is needed to support offshore wind projects, with the opportunity to subscribe to a daily newsletter for the latest clean energy news.