The shift to renewable energy in regional Australia is met with opposition, but community energy projects like the Manilla Solar Project offer a different approach by involving locals in governance and financing. These projects can bridge polarized communities and provide agency and benefits to residents, filling the "missing middle" in Australia's renewable energy transition. The importance of community energy projects is highlighted, with success stories in countries like Denmark, Germany, and the United States. The UK's Local Power Plan serves as a model for supporting community and local energy projects, emphasizing the need for community participation in energy projects to be embedded in policy and system planning for trust and resilience. Eleanor Buckley advocates for Australia to adopt a similar approach to support mid-scale community energy projects.
Tag: Australia
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Renewed government commitment to ACCU Scheme reforms welcomed, focus now must turn to delivery, scalability and investment certainty
The Department of Climate Change released a progress report on the ACCU Scheme reforms, focusing on governance, transparency, and integrity. The Carbon Market Institute supports the government's commitment to reform and emphasizes the need for clear implementation plans with timelines. Ongoing systemic issues, such as scalable methods for industry participation and carbon abatement, require urgent attention. The ACCU Review implementation is crucial for improving Australia's carbon crediting mechanism and supporting at-source decarbonization policies. The CMI looks forward to further progress on the implementation of recommendations.
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Marinus Link and wind farm revival helps green bank smash six-month investment record
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) in Australia invested a record-breaking $6.1 billion in clean energy projects in the second half of 2025, focusing on initiatives like the Marinus Link transmission project, wind energy, natural capital, First Nations communities, transport, infrastructure, property, and climate tech innovation. The federal government provided additional funding for large-scale renewable energy projects, including wind projects like Aula Energy's Carmody's Hill project. Despite attempts to limit investments in wind and solar projects and include gas investments, the CEFC's contributions to renewable energy projects, transmission projects, green loans, EVs, and home electrification are crucial in Australia's race to achieve net zero emissions and combat climate change.
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First stage of Australia’s second-biggest battery starts commercial operations in the Sunshine State
The first stage of the Supernode battery in Australia, developed by Quinbrook and managed by Origin Energy, has commenced commercial operations, with plans to expand to a 780 MW, 3,074 MWh capacity to support Queensland households. Origin has secured contracts for 100% of capacity across Stages 1 and 2, showcasing the crucial role of battery storage in the energy transition. The project serves as a model for large-scale storage supporting power system evolution, emphasizing the use of local labor and equipment. Additionally, the article offers a daily newsletter for clean energy news, attracting over 28,000 subscribers.
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Moves afoot to bring balcony solar to Australia, and new wave of products has batteries included
Efforts are underway in Australia to enable renters and apartment dwellers to install solar and battery systems on their balconies, following examples from Europe, India, South Korea, and Utah. The main challenge lies in changing regulations to ensure safety and compliance with electrical standards, with testing being conducted on balcony batteries for backup power during outages. Various organizations and governments are working to overcome legal and regulatory barriers to make plug-in balcony solar and batteries a reality in Australia. Advocates are pushing for regulatory changes to make balcony solar more accessible, highlighting benefits such as running critical devices during power cuts and tapping into dynamic tariff pricing. Despite challenges like outdated technology and conservative committees, there is potential for government intervention to drive progress towards clean energy solutions in Australia.
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State owned utility’s third big battery officially opened, and is “re-rated” to be the biggest in Australia
Synergy has opened the Collie battery, the largest battery project in Australia with 2,400 MWh of storage capacity, as part of a transition away from coal-fired generators by the end of the decade. This battery will capture wind and solar energy to power homes when needed, contributing to a renewable energy mix. The town of Collie now hosts the two biggest batteries in Australia, solidifying its role in powering Western Australia's electricity system with clean energy solutions.
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Danish giant lodges EPBC referral for first of its two Gippsland offshore wind projects
Danish offshore wind developer Orsted has applied for the 2.8 GW Gippsland 1 project off the coast of Victoria, Australia, as part of the state's plan to transition to renewables and reach a 95% renewables target by 2035. The project involves installing up to 200 turbines and laying export cables over 90-120km in three to four years, with feasibility studies expected to be finished by the end of 2027. Challenges include the project's location 56km offshore, which makes cabling plans more costly and complicated. Multiple permissions are required, including EPBC approval, federal licenses, state environmental approval, and planning approval, with community concerns focusing on protecting coastal and marine areas, coexistence with commercial fishing, and understanding Indigenous values. Orsted emphasizes the importance of addressing these themes in their project development to ensure successful implementation.
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A grid with no smokestacks: Octopus snaps up biggest battery project and solar hybrid in push to replace coal
Octopus Australia, a leading clean energy investment company, has acquired two major battery projects in Australia – one in NSW and the other in Queensland, with large-scale storage capacity and solar-battery hybrid systems. The company aims to replace coal with clean energy solutions like solar, wind, and batteries, positioning themselves as a key player in the renewable energy market. Octopus plans to build a "ring of batteries" around Sydney and remains optimistic about the market in Queensland. They prioritize local community involvement, job creation, and building long-term relationships while continuing to grow their portfolio and deliver on their promises in the renewable energy sector.
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Australian renewables exceed 50% of power supply in Q4
Renewable generation in Australia reached over 50% in the fourth quarter of 2025, leading to lower wholesale power prices and improved grid reliability during extreme weather events. Batteries played a key role in stabilizing energy supply, with record levels of battery output. The Cheaper Home Batteries scheme has spurred rapid battery installations, supporting the growth of renewable energy infrastructure. The transition to a low-cost, clean, firmed renewables powered energy system is crucial for grid reliability, as coal power becomes more unreliable. The unstoppable energy system transformation is highlighted by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, with renewable energy capacity additions surpassing nuclear additions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/02/australian-renewables-exceed-50-of-power-supply-in-q4/