Industrial businesses in Australia are increasingly turning to electric thermal energy storage (eTES) combined with solar power to reduce their reliance on gas boilers, with the support of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena). Companies like Visy are planning to significantly cut gas use at their facilities by implementing eTES and solar power, which not only reduces costs but also simplifies infrastructure by eliminating the need for a grid connection. Despite challenges in accessing demand data, there is potential for these systems to effectively reduce pollutants and CO2 emissions. The recent contract signed between MGA Thermal and Tronox in Western Australia for a feasibility study indicates progress in the adoption of clean energy solutions in the fight against climate change.
Tag: Australia
-
Rooftop solar meets 99.9% of South Australia electricity demand
Rooftop solar in South Australia set a new winter record by meeting 99.9% of electricity demand, with batteries charging at above-average rates to absorb excess renewable electricity. The National Electricity Market also saw a new winter minimum operational demand record. Australia leads the world in rooftop PV penetration, with 41% of premises hosting systems. The AEMO stressed the importance of a dynamic power system to ensure a secure and reliable energy supply during the accelerating energy transition.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/09/02/rooftop-solar-meets-99-9-of-sa-electricity-demand/
-
“Complex and innovative:” Compressed air energy storage project cleared to support blackout-prone grid
The world-first 200 MW Silver City Energy Storage project in Broken Hill, New South Wales, by Hydrostor has received grid connection approval for its Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage technology. The project aims to replace diesel generators, provide backup power during outages, and strengthen energy security in the region. Despite regulatory challenges, the project has secured funding, approvals, and support to move forward, with long-term benefits including energy security, new investment, jobs, and economic activity. The project will involve long-duration energy storage to support Australia's increasing renewable generation, creating over 700 jobs during construction and having enough capacity to supply energy to more than 80,000 homes for a day.
-
Australian manufacturer plans 500 MW perovskite-silicon tandem solar module factory
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is funding a project at the University of Sydney to develop more durable Si-perovskite tandem solar cells, aiming to improve solar energy conversion rates from 25% to 40%. The research team has achieved 30% efficiency on small and large areas, passing industry standard tests. Unison Solar Energy will collaborate during the commercialization stage. Additionally, Unison Solar Energy is partnering with Australian research institutions to establish gigawatt-scale production of advanced solar products in Australia, part of a $105.6 million funding round to support research and development initiatives in solar technology. The goal is to deliver affordable, high-quality Australian-made solar products to families, focusing on achieving ultra low-cost solar through innovation across the entire value chain.
-
From diesel shackles to solar sovereignty: How Australia can help unlock a renewable Pacific
The Pacific Islands Forum is addressing the region's heavy reliance on imported diesel and the economic impact of global oil shocks, with around 80% of energy supply coming from imported oil leading to high costs and significant GDP spending. While the Pacific has not invested in clean energy technologies at the same rate as other small island states, transitioning to solar power and electric vehicles presents a significant economic opportunity. By shifting to renewable energy sources, the region could save $700 million annually, redirecting funds towards local economies and essential services, aiming to become the world's first fully renewable-powered region. Tuvalu is seeking international support for its renewable energy goals, with the Pacific region needing 2.2 gigawatts of new renewable generation and 8,800 megawatt-hours of battery storage, requiring increased financial support of $US650 million annually. Australia can lead by supporting energy transition finance, funding the Pacific Resilience Facility, and phasing out fossil fuel exports, highlighting the significant economic opportunity of transitioning to renewable energy for the Pacific region.
-
Wind giant gets green light to plug batteries into turbines, build Australia’s first grid-scale wind-storage hybrid
Goldwind Australia has received approval to co-locate batteries with three-quarters of the turbines at a wind farm in New South Wales, marking Australia's first grid-scale hybrid wind and battery project. The project will include 53 turbine locations with battery energy storage systems, providing a 222.6 MW rated BESS with an installed energy storage capacity of 1,063 MWh. This approval is a significant milestone for the Australian renewables transition, as more projects are combining PV and battery storage to improve grid stability and optimize performance. Co-locating battery storage with wind turbines can lower infrastructure costs, make longer duration storage competitive, enable direct storage in the battery during low market prices, support weak grid connections, and provide black-start capability in case of a blackout. The DC-coupled BESS design by Goldwind allows for efficient storage capability while utilizing existing construction footprints, offering benefits such as reduced costs, increased revenue potential, and better grid integration.
-
Rooftop solar record tumbles as battery rebate drives 1 GW of new installs over just three months
In the second quarter of 2026, rooftop solar installations in Australia reached a new record of 1 gigawatt, with many systems being paired with batteries through the Cheaper Home Batteries scheme. Home battery installations also saw a record high, with over 111,000 approved batteries installed. This surge in consumer energy resources is impacting the grid by lowering wholesale prices and decreasing grid demand. Furthermore, large-scale solar investment hit a record high in the quarter, indicating a significant acceleration in the transition towards renewable energy solutions.
-
Carbon farming is an opportunity for Australian farmers and regions, not a land grab
Carbon projects in Australia are creating new opportunities for farmers, regional communities, and land managers by bringing investment into agriculture, diversifying farm income, supporting jobs, and delivering environmental benefits. These projects encompass a variety of practices such as soil carbon management, improved grazing, regeneration, and plantation forestry. A credible and high-integrity ACCU scheme is essential for ensuring genuine, measurable, and lasting climate outcomes. Carbon projects can provide diversified income, improved cash flow, and greater resilience for landholders while complementing traditional food and fibre production. Additionally, these projects contribute to regional economic development, create jobs, and strengthen biodiversity outcomes by restoring vegetation, improving soils, and protecting waterways. Active land management, including controlling pests and invasive species, managing fire risk, and maintaining land according to project commitments, is crucial for restoring Australia's degraded rangelands. Carbon markets can incentivize environmental stewardship by putting a value on carbon projects that deliver climate and biodiversity benefits. Private capital is driving investment in Australian agriculture through carbon farming, with the Safeguard Mechanism creating a market signal for emissions reduction. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation can help de-risk investments and attract private capital for projects that deliver measurable climate and environmental outcomes. Carbon farming is seen as an investment in the future of Australian agriculture and regional economies, rather than a land grab.
https://carbonmarketinstitute.org/2026/08/28/carbon-farming-opportunity/
-
Gina Rinehart’s flagship mine supplying EVs is operating at an average 93 pct renewables so far this year
Remote mining operations in Australia, such as Mt Weld, Bellevue gold mine, and Kathleen Valley mine, are achieving high levels of renewable energy integration, with some reaching between 80-90% renewables. Zenith Energy, which operates these hybrid power projects, emphasizes that these systems can maintain reliable supply in demanding environments, challenging the perception that high-renewable energy systems cannot support energy-intensive industrial operations. The success of these remote mining operations demonstrates the technical and commercial feasibility of high-renewable energy systems in Australia, broadening the discussion on what is achievable across the wider economy. Despite initial skepticism, the Mt Weld rare earths mine, owned by Lynas Rare Earths and backed by Gina Rinehart, is operating at an average of 93% renewables, exceeding expectations. The hybrid power plant at the mine combines wind, solar, battery, and diesel systems, resulting in cost savings, increased efficiency, and reduced emissions. Lynas sees future markets for its rare earths in electric vehicles, industry electrification, and wind turbines, showcasing the potential for high renewable shares in a larger grid and the promise of technologies like grid forming inverters for grid stability.
-
‘Watershed moment’: Australia launches first offshore wind auction
Australia has recently launched its first offshore wind auction, a significant step forward for renewable energy in the country. Despite previous delays, the auction for offshore wind farms is now in progress, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demonstrating strong support for renewable energy and offshore wind projects. This development signals a promising shift towards sustainable energy solutions in Australia's efforts to combat climate change.