Queensland's grid has reached 80% renewables, driven by solar power, wind, and hydro, despite heavy coal dependence. New projects are fueling the growth of renewables, with households and businesses embracing rooftop solar and batteries. The state government plans to continue burning coal for another two decades, but grid scale batteries are being built throughout the state. Meanwhile, NSW has a slightly higher coal capacity but posted new battery storage records, indicating a shift towards cleaner energy solutions.
Tag: NSW
-
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.
-
Last panel goes up at first solar-battery hybrid project to connect to Australia’s main grid
Australia's first large-scale solar-battery hybrid facility, the Quorn Park Hybrid Solar facility in western NSW, has been completed with the installation of its final panel. The project combines 80 MW of PV generating capacity with a 20 MW, 40 MWh battery, connected to the main grid, aiming to deliver clean energy to power around 45,000 homes in NSW annually. By storing solar energy during the day and dispatching it during evening peaks, the facility is expected to strengthen grid reliability and marks a milestone in Australia's transition towards advanced hybrid renewable energy projects.
-
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.
-
Australia’s most advanced renewable grid is its most secure, but NSW must scramble as it nears “no coal” scenario
South Australia is leading the way in renewable energy with a 75% share of wind and solar, making it the most secure state grid in Australia. The state has successfully transitioned away from coal-fired power stations and has implemented innovative solutions such as the Tesla big battery and synchronous condensers. South Australia is on track to reach 100% net renewables and will be able to run its grid without gas plants. However, other states like NSW and Victoria are facing challenges with the closure of aging coal-fired generators and are scrambling to secure replacement capacity for critical grid services. AEMO warns of potential risks and the need for further action to ensure system stability in the future. The closure of coal-fired power plants in Australia, such as the one in NSW, is expected to lead to a "credible no coal scenario" by 2031/32. Similar closures are planned in Victoria and Queensland in the coming years. The transition to a high renewable grid is essential for Australia to meet its 2030 and 2035 climate targets. AEMO warns that new investments and reforms are needed to maintain system security during this transition, including utilizing renewable energy sources like rooftop solar. Industry and governments are working together to manage the transition points and ensure system security.
-
Big solar grabs record 30.6 pct share of Australia’s main grid, before being shunted aside by rooftop PV
Large scale solar farms in Australia have reached record shares on the main grid, but are now being overshadowed by rooftop PV causing curtailment during the day. To address this issue, new large scale solar projects are incorporating integrated batteries to store excess energy for evening peaks. Australia's first solar hybrid plant in Cunderdin is feeding power into the grid during evening peaks, with more solar-hybrid projects to follow. Large scale solar in NSW reached record shares, marking progress towards a cleaner energy grid.