Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Australia

  • Janus Battery Swap Trucks Show The Way

    CleanTechnica has highlighted CATL's joint venture to introduce electric truck swap infrastructure to Europe, with turnkey solutions for swap stations and batteries. Janus Electric in Australia has developed a method of converting overhaul-ready five-year-old diesels to electric propulsion, offering a cost-effective path to electrification for fleet owners. Converting a diesel to electric is much cheaper than manufacturing a new electric truck, about a quarter of the cost. Battery swap employing a Battery as a Service (BaaS) model reduces costs and risks for fleets, with old battery packs sold to the second use market as they age. Janus swap takes about four minutes and does not require grid upgrade, offering advantages over fixed battery electric trucks. The section discusses the advantages of slow-charged swap trucks compared to fixed battery trucks, including reduced grid demand, lower charging costs, extended battery life, and grid support. Janus Electric CEO Ben Hutt highlights the importance of their technology for immediate use cases without waiting for national charging infrastructure. The article mentions that swap trucks can use fast charge infrastructure, reducing the need for interoperability during infrastructure buildout. Janus Electric is rapidly expanding and offering an easy upgrade path to fleet owners looking to transition from diesel trucks.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/01/janus-battery-swap-trucks-show-the-way/

  • From crisis to capability: Lessons from Denmark on how to quit fossil fuels

    Australia has strong wind and solar resources, investor interest, and a net zero ambition, but needs to accelerate its clean electricity transition. Denmark's energy transition, where renewable power generation rose from 3% to over 80% from 1990 to 2020, serves as a useful reference point. Australia can learn from Denmark's community participation in wind projects and policy durability to reduce risk for investors. The importance of reducing process risks in clean energy projects to attract investors is highlighted, with Denmark's streamlined permitting approach for offshore wind as a model for Australia to follow. Sustained investment in skills, research, manufacturing capability, and collaboration across industries is emphasized to create a domestic clean energy industry, with the suggestion that Australia can learn from Denmark's example of turning crisis into opportunity by making the transition to clean energy more investable and buildable through clearer project pipelines and better collaboration across the value chain.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/from-crisis-to-capability-lessons-from-denmark-on-how-to-quit-fossil-fuels/

  • Green iron is Australia’s largest opportunity for future economic prosperity. Green steel is the way in

    The iron and steel industry, a major contributor to global emissions, is facing challenges in decarbonization progress, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Government support is crucial for capital flows into decarbonization efforts, as seen in Australia's Future Made in Australia policy aiming to kickstart green iron and steel production. Australia has the opportunity to accelerate its ambition in low- and zero-emissions steel value chains by investing in electric arc furnaces and supporting renewable energy capacity. Coordinating a strategy for decarbonizing the steel industry and mobilizing private capital is essential for driving emissions reduction and safeguarding downstream jobs in a decarbonizing economy.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/green-iron-is-australias-largest-opportunity-for-future-economic-prosperity-green-steel-is-the-way-in/

  • Neoen doubles size of big battery in Australia’s biggest renewable energy hub

    Neoen is doubling the size of its Goyder battery in South Australia to 454 MW and 1,814 MWh, as part of a major renewable energy hub, to support the state's transition to 100% net renewables by next year. The longer duration batteries will help minimize pricing events and support the energy system's resilience, with Neoen winning contracts with the state government and BHP for firming capacity. Additionally, a megablock battery technology project is being built in Shanghai, highlighting the increasing importance of battery storage in Australia's clean energy future. Neoen, in partnership with Tesla and UGL, is proud to be involved in the state's rapid transition to renewables, with this being their 12th battery project with Tesla in Australia, showcasing the dedication of the team and partners in the renewable energy sector.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/neoen-doubles-size-of-battery-in-australias-biggest-renewable-energy-hub/

  • Wholesale power prices plunge as renewables surge, batteries boom, and gas hits 23-year low

    Wholesale electricity prices in Australia's main grid dropped significantly in the June quarter, with a nearly 50% decrease attributed to increased renewable energy output, reduced coal production, and low gas generation. The Australian Energy Market Operator highlights record renewable generation and growing battery storage as key factors reshaping the energy market. Grid-scale batteries are storing excess solar energy for evening peaks, leading to lower electricity prices. Despite some challenges like severe wind droughts and transmission constraints, South Australia saw a surge in wholesale power prices due to high prices commanded by gas and diesel generators. The grid is evolving rapidly with increased daytime demand driven by factors like home battery charging and data center load, with battery storage often setting wholesale prices lower than gas.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/wholesale-electricity-prices-plunge-as-renewables-surge-batteries-boom-and-gas-power-hits-23-year-low/

  • Tallest turbines and longest blades arrive in Australia for 300 km road trip to Pilbara wind site

    Fortescue is set to revolutionize its operations in Australia by introducing the tallest wind turbines with 89-meter long blades at its first wind farm in the Pilbara. Supplied by Envision Energy, these turbines will stand at 188 meters high, utilizing Nabrawind's "self lifting" tower technology to maximize wind exposure. By early 2028, Fortescue aims to complete its "green grid" transformation, transitioning from diesel-fueled mining equipment to electric alternatives such as excavators, water trucks, graders, dozers, loaders, and eventually giant haul trucks. This shift towards renewable energy sources marks a significant step towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the mining industry.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/tallest-turbines-and-longest-blades-arrive-in-australia-for-300-km-road-trip-to-pilbara-wind-site/

  • Retail giant begins EV charger rollout at up to 30 store locations across Australia

    Coles and Evie Networks have partnered to install electric vehicle charging stations at up to 30 locations across Australia in the next two years, with the first site already launched at Coles Middle Camberwell in Melbourne. This initiative aims to make EV charging more convenient for customers while they shop, recognizing the importance of EV infrastructure in meeting changing customer needs and the shift towards electric vehicles. Customers can access the charging sites through the Evie app, allowing them to view charger availability, start a charging session, and manage payment. This partnership highlights a step towards sustainable transportation solutions and the integration of EV infrastructure into everyday consumer experiences.

    https://thedriven.io/2026/07/27/retail-giant-begins-ev-charger-rollout-at-up-to-30-store-locations-across-australia/

  • Battery boast: Australia dodges global gas price shock with help of storage and renewables

    Australia's success in using firmed renewables has helped reduce wholesale electricity prices by 30% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, contributing to a decline in prices and negative prices in certain states. Globally, renewables are on track to surpass coal generation this year, with a forecasted growth of more than 8% in 2026. The report predicts a significant increase in the deployment of renewables, driven by industrial expansion, electric vehicles, air conditioning, heat pumps, and data centers. To integrate variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar PV, grid modernization, system flexibility, and efficient infrastructure use will be crucial as global electricity consumption is projected to reach 30,700 terawatt hours in 2027.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/battery-boast-australia-dodges-global-gas-price-shock-with-help-of-storage-and-renewables/

  • CIS shows how energy policy can deliver for First Nations. ESEM can build on this progress

    The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) in Australia has shown that government market design can influence investment behavior in renewable energy projects, incentivizing developers to engage with First Nations communities. The Electricity Services Entry Mechanism (ESEM) aims to provide investment certainty for services needed in the transition to renewable energy, with a focus on separating non-financial outcomes, such as First Nations participation, from the competitive auction process. It is crucial for the ESEM to align with Australia's First Nations Clean Energy Strategy to ensure early engagement, genuine partnership, and respect for the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, recognizing First Nations as partners, participants, and rights holders in the clean energy transition. Policy choices made now will impact how benefits of the clean energy transition are shared in the future.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/cis-shows-how-energy-policy-can-deliver-for-first-nations-esem-can-build-on-this-progress/

  • Australia sees record surge in solar, wind and battery projects

    In the 2025/26 financial year, AEMO reported a record level of new solar, wind, and battery projects entering the National Electricity Market, totaling 9.1 GW / 12.9 GWh of new generation and storage capacity across 34 projects reaching full output, more than double the previous year. Battery projects, including hybrid solar-plus-battery projects, dominated the connections pipeline. Despite challenges in the delivery pipeline causing delays, AEMO highlighted strong performance in supporting Australia's energy transition.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/20/solar-wind-and-battery-projects-surge-to-record-high/