Deakin University conducted a trial on a virtual energy network (VEN) that allows households and small businesses to buy and sell solar and battery power, involving 300 sellers and buyers from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. The project aims to create a more inclusive and flexible energy system in Australia, supporting the transition to net zero emissions by enabling people with solar power to sell their surplus energy and helping more Australians access clean energy. The initiative is supported by Energy Locals, Enosi's Powertracer software, and funded through Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, resulting in cheaper electricity rates and providing a pathway for consumers without solar panels.
Tag: New South Wales
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Australia’s hybrid projects serving as blueprint for global energy transition
Fluence, a US-based energy storage specialist, highlights Australia as a test bed for hybrid projects combining solar and battery storage behind a shared grid connection. The country's first large-scale solar-battery hybrid facility in New South Wales is setting the standard for future clean power models in the National Electricity Market (NEM). Data shows that all utility-scale solar projects committed in the NEM for 2027 and 2028 are paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS). Co-locating BESS with renewable generation is essential in Australia to ensure grid stability and reliability as renewable penetration increases. The risks associated with integrating solar and battery energy storage systems in Australia are primarily related to meeting Generator Performance Standards (GPS) set by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Fluence offers advanced system modelling and AI bidding software to mitigate these risks and ensure maximum value for customers. Long-term financial viability of these hybrid systems depends on technological innovation, market design, and operational excellence. Australia is seen as a global pioneer in testing and implementing solar and BESS models due to high levels of rooftop solar, a dynamic energy market, and supportive government policies. The country serves as a blueprint for the energy transition and provides a fertile ground for testing and proving the value of these systems at scale. Investors in Australia's renewable energy sector are seeking long-term policy certainty, stable revenue streams, and confidence in technology and partners. A clear national energy policy supporting renewables and energy storage is crucial. BESS technology is expected to rapidly evolve in the next five years, with advancements in system intelligence and software controls. Integrated BESS and solar assets are seen as key in meeting the energy demand from AI and data centers, supporting the growth of new industries and unlocking the full potential of a renewable-powered grid.
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Tony Parkes, the banker who replanted a rainforest
Tony Parkes dedicated three decades to restoring the Big Scrub rainforest in northern New South Wales, planting tens of thousands of trees and uniting various stakeholders in rainforest recovery efforts. The Big Scrub, once covering 75,000 hectares, had dwindled to just one percent remaining due to clearing and cattle grazing. Parkes' leadership in the Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy helped protect remnants, plant millions of trees, and make rainforest restoration a key part of the region's civic life. His approach involved bringing together landholders, scientists, donors, and volunteers to work towards a disciplined model of rainforest recovery. Parkes emphasized evidence-based conservation, genetic diversity, and resilience to climate change, leading to significant progress in restoring the landscape and preserving biodiversity.
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/tony-parkes-the-banker-who-replanted-a-rainforest/
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Australia’s biggest transmission project powers up
Transgrid has completed the EnergyConnect project in New South Wales, linking three state grids and integrating renewable energy zones into the national network. The project includes 700 km of new transmission lines, with the first stage already operational, adding 800 MW of transfer capacity. Despite challenges and cost overruns, EnergyConnect is expected to deliver significant benefits for consumers and help Australia achieve its climate change targets. Additionally, Transgrid is making progress on the HumeLink transmission project to connect Snowy 2.0 to the grid and planning for the delivery of the NSW section of the VNI West project, enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources and improving grid efficiency for a more sustainable and climate-friendly energy system.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/10/australias-biggest-transmission-project-powers-up/
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Australia’s biggest solar-battery hybrid project secures grid connection approval
Ark Energy has secured grid connection approval for the Richmond Valley solar farm and battery project in Australia, which will be the largest of its kind in the country. The project will feature 500 MW of solar capacity and 475 MW of battery power with 8 hours of storage, with the first phase including a 200 MW solar farm and a 275 MW/2,200 MWh battery energy storage system using lithium-iron phosphate technology. This approval will greatly contribute to electricity supply and grid stability in New South Wales and the National Electricity Market, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable and renewable energy solutions.
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Great Koala National Park tests whether protected forests can stay connected
Australia is planning a new Great Koala National Park in New South Wales to address the decline of koalas due to habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and climate change impacts. The park aims to provide connected habitat for koalas and other threatened species, emphasizing the importance of managing whole landscapes to ensure ecological connections and habitat functionality. Conservationists support the park proposal but warn of challenges such as logging pressure and weak enforcement, highlighting the crucial need for connectivity between forest remnants for species to move and adapt to changing conditions.
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Stand-alone solar and battery-powered level crossings deliver an Australian first for regional rail
Two new solar-powered level crossings have been unveiled as part of the Inland Rail freight rail link project in northern New South Wales, marking a significant advancement for the country's rail network. By utilizing solar and battery power, the project avoids the need for grid-connected electricity, reducing the impact on local communities and the environment. The Australian Rail Track Corporation plans to deploy more solar-powered systems along the alignment once Inland Rail becomes operational. The article also emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities, highlighting the need for adaptation strategies such as building seawalls and restoring wetlands.
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South Australia on path to 100 pct net renewables next year after Labor landslide and Liberal backflip
South Australia's Liberal government, which aimed for 100% net renewables, lost power to Labor in 2022 and was further weakened in the 2026 election due to indecision on net zero and the energy transition. Labor, now in charge, plans to achieve the 100% renewables target by 2027 through new wind and solar farms, batteries, and a connection to New South Wales. South Australia will become the first gigawatt-scale grid to reach this milestone using wind and solar as the sole renewable sources, supported by batteries and gas-fired generation. Additionally, the state is leading in consumer energy integration, attracting interest from energy-intensive industries and presenting a significant economic opportunity for the development of renewable resources and new industries.
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Pioneering community solar and battery project launches after “12 years of hard work”
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.
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From shuttered coal plant to gigascale battery: AGL begins commissioning of Liddell BESS
AGL Energy is set to commission a new 500 MW, 1000 MWh battery at the site of a shuttered coal plant in New South Wales by mid-year, with support from federal and NSW governments. The Liddell battery will help firm up the state's grid as more coal exits and renewable energy comes online, part of a trend of transforming coal generation sites into battery storage hubs in NSW. This transition reflects the need to move away from aging coal-fired power stations, with the aim of supporting reliable renewable energy for years to come. The milestone at Liddell coincides with a new policy from the Minns government regarding coal mining, highlighting the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.