The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a surge in electricity demand driven by air conditioning due to climate-driven heatwaves and rising temperatures, but renewable energy generation, particularly in solar investment, is also on the rise. Overshooting the 1.5 °C temperature target is now inevitable, but there is potential to meet cooling needs with solar energy in regions like India, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Africa. The World Energy Outlook outlines scenarios for future energy demand and generation mix, with the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario aiming to limit warming to below 1.5°C by 2100 through widespread deployment of CO2 removal technologies. Renewable energy, especially solar PV, is driving global growth towards a more efficient and secure energy system, urging fossil fuel importing countries to transition faster to avoid raising global temperatures and increasing energy demand through inefficient fossil fuel use.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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Home-grown quest to make “silver-free” and ultra-low cost solar wins another $25m in federal funding
SunDrive, an Australian solar manufacturing company, has received $25 million in federal funding to scale and commercialize its copper-based PV technology, aiming to lower the cost of solar installation by 20-30% compared to competitors. The funding will support the company's collaboration with manufacturers to take its technology to a commercial scale and upgrade its facility, accelerating the adoption of copper-based solar cells. SunDrive's silver-free alternative addresses the rising cost and demand for silver in the industry, delivering a scalable mass-production solution with the support of Arena and partners. This development is crucial for the next generation of solar cell technology, offering more sustainable and cost-effective solutions to meet the urgent climate challenges.
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Andrew Forrest says real zero is already the “winning business case” in three key fossil fuel guzzling industries
Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest is championing the concept of "real zero," which involves completely eliminating fossil fuels with zero-carbon alternatives. His company, Fortescue, is investing billions to achieve real zero by 2030, focusing on decarbonizing its operations through technologies like wind, solar, and electric vehicles. Battery-electric long-haul trucks (BETs) are projected to reach cost parity with diesel equivalents by 2026, with total cost expected to be 15-22% lower by 2030. Green hydrogen-based steel production in Japan and green ammonia for fertilizer production in India are also showing promising cost competitiveness with fossil routes. Eliminating fossil fuels makes solid commercial sense, as renewables are now the cheapest source of power, and the Real Zero approach is the winning business case for sustainability.
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New solar and battery hybrid project sets ball rolling on environmental approvals after CIS tender win
The Corop solar farm in Victoria, a new solar and battery hybrid project, has been chosen as a winner in a federal government tender. With 440 MW of solar PV and 800 MWh of battery storage, the project will span 1,100 hectares of farmland and include 1.19 million solar panels and 208 BESS containers. Since 2019, the project has been undergoing public consultation and has been referred for environmental assessment. This innovative project showcases the potential for large-scale renewable energy solutions to help combat climate change.
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Wind hits record share of 150 pct of state demand, as fossil energy shrinks to just 1.5 pct of total generation
South Australia has achieved remarkable new records in renewable energy, with wind energy hitting a new peak share of 149.6% of state demand. The state has been running at an average of 75% wind and solar over the past year and aims to reach 100% "net" renewables by 2027. Battery storage is also playing a significant role in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, with 31.2% of demand being met by batteries at peak times. The state's increased capacity on interstate transmission lines and new big battery projects under construction are further contributing to the growth of renewable energy. A world-first trial by AEMO using battery inverters to run big grids with no synchronous generation showed promising results, setting records for renewables share, curtailment levels, and battery charging load on Sunday.
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World’s biggest isolated grid hits new peak of 89 per cent renewables, led by rooftop solar
Western Australia's South West Interconnected System has reached a record high of 89% renewables, led by rooftop solar, with plans to retire coal generators by 2029 and fill the gap with new wind and solar capacity. The grid is supported by large batteries to balance supply and demand, with the federal government seeking bids for 1.6 GW of new capacity. Winners will be announced in March or April next year, and support for independent media like Renew Economy is encouraged to promote accurate information and climate solutions. Giles Parkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Renew Economy, is highlighted as a journalist with over 40 years of experience dedicated to supporting climate solutions through independent media.
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Victoria fast-tracks approval of major solar battery hybrid project, and new big battery in Latrobe Valley
The Victoria government has approved two major renewable energy projects, including a large solar-battery hybrid and an expansion of an existing battery in the state's coal heartland. The Meadow Creek solar farm will combine a 332 MW solar facility with a 250 MW, 1,000 MWh battery, while the Tramway Roads battery will be a 300 MW, 1,200 MWh project owned by Eku Energy. These projects are part of Victoria's push towards reaching 95% renewables by 2035, with a focus on solar battery hybrids to address cost increases and planning issues facing wind energy projects. The Meadow Creek project has faced community concerns but has addressed issues such as fire risk, water management, and visual impact through consultations with stakeholders. Giles Parkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Renew Economy and The Driven, provides the latest clean energy news through their free daily newsletter.
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Man behind Australia’s most powerful battery named one of Time’s climate titans, with Pope and King Charles
Nick Cater, CEO of Akaysha Energy, has been named one of Time Magazine's Climate100 for his role in building the Waratah Super Battery, the most powerful battery in Australia. The battery is acting as a "shock absorber" to help fill gaps created by coal closures. Carter emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support for climate solutions and advocates for a global carbon platform and market. Akaysha is involved in building several battery projects in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria to address energy storage challenges and contribute to resolving climate issues. Supporting independent media like Renew Economy can help promote accurate information on climate solutions.
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New energy innovators emerge as the big winners from stunning success of battery rebate scheme
The federal government's battery rebate scheme has been a success, with over 105,000 new installations and 2 gigawatt hours of storage in four months. SigEnergy and Amber are emerging as winners in the market, offering lower cost technology and smart controls for consumers. Both companies are focusing on combining solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, and vehicle-to-grid technology to meet consumer needs. The growth in battery storage through federal rebate schemes is exceeding expectations, with around one in five rebate recipients signing up for retail offerings like Amber's. Plans are in place for V2G technology to become more widespread by 2030, potentially leading to many households becoming grid independent.