The Goulburn Community Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia, has been completed and will soon start generating power for its 288 local investors. Led by the Goulburn Community Energy Co-operative, the project features a 1.4 MW solar farm and a 4 MWh battery, showcasing the potential of community energy projects in the shift towards clean energy. Despite facing challenges, the project received support from the community, local government grants, and partnerships with companies like Trina Solar. Additionally, a new solar farm in Goulburn, Australia, led by Smart Commercial Solar, is set to power 500 homes with advanced clean-energy technology components from Trina Solar. Both projects highlight the accessibility and benefits of community-owned renewable energy solutions in the fight against climate change.
Tag: Australia
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Edify Energy awards EPC contracts for 1.8 GW of solar and storage in Australia
Renewables developer Edify Energy has awarded DT Infrastructure the EPC contracts for two massive solar and battery energy storage projects in Queensland, Australia, totaling 900 MW of solar and 900 MW/3,600 MWh of battery storage. The use of grid-forming inverter technologies will enhance power network stability and resilience. These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the National Electricity Market and support the transition towards an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy future. Construction is set to begin soon with a target delivery and operations date of 2028, showcasing a major step towards climate solutions in the renewable energy sector.
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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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Vena Group and InCommodities sign $142m battery deal
In a $200m agreement, Vena Group has partnered with InCommodities to establish the Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System in New South Wales, Australia. This initiative is designed to enhance grid stability in response to the increasing expansion of renewable energy generation in the region. The BESS will play a crucial role in utilizing surplus solar power to supply approximately 280,000 homes with electricity. InCommodities' investment demonstrates a long-term dedication to the Australian energy market and supports the growing emphasis on renewable investment and strengthening critical grid infrastructure.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/vena-group-incommodities-142m-battery-deal/
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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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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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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.
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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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Port pitching for offshore wind hub says turbine trade could more than double its shipping traffic
The Port of Hastings in Victoria is set to become Australia's first offshore wind hub, doubling its shipping traffic and supporting the state's renewable energy goals by 2040. The Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal project, facing environmental concerns, aims to deepen water depth to accommodate offshore wind vessels and create thousands of jobs. With the potential for an additional 200 vessel visits per year, the project is seen as a key opportunity for the port's growth and the advancement of renewable energy in the region, contributing to a sustainable future.