Efforts to accelerate residential electrification in New South Wales should focus on implementing minimum efficiency standards for rental properties, phasing out inefficient appliance installations, and providing support for hard-to-upgrade households. By broadening policies to target electrification for renters and hard-to-upgrade dwellings while phasing out inefficient appliances, NSW can achieve significant consumer benefits and avoid negative impacts on electricity system reliability. The state's Gas Decarbonisation Roadmap and Energy Security Safeguard reforms present opportunities to support a balanced uptake of electrification and energy efficiency, with Victoria's experience showing significant consumer interest and a decline in residential gas consumption. Strategies like flexible electrification of hot water, particularly with heat pump systems, can help reduce residential gas consumption and electricity demand, while efficient electric appliances have lower running costs than gas appliances.
Tag: Victoria
-
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.
-
Offshore wind project says it’s “fully prepared” as it heads into full environmental assessment
The Blue Mackerel offshore wind farm project in Gippsland, Victoria has advanced to the next stage of federal environmental assessment, involving the installation of up to 70 wind turbines 10 km off the coast. The project aims to minimize environmental impacts and address community concerns about visual impact, with the developer committed to delivering a scientifically rigorous environmental impact statement. This project is crucial in transitioning the state and national grid off coal, highlighting the importance of renewable energy solutions in combating climate change.
-
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.
-
Last of 1,500 steel towers in Australia’s largest transmission project erected finally erected
Australia's largest energy transmission project, EnergyConnect, has reached a major milestone with the completion of over 1500 steel towers across NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. Despite delays and cost blowouts, the project aims to connect the power grids of three states, supporting Australia's renewable energy and emissions targets. Workers are assembling and erecting towers weighing between 20,000kg to 60,000kg, suspended 65m off the ground. Scheduled for completion by late 2026, EnergyConnect will accelerate Australia's renewable energy transition and strengthen the national grid.
-
Flow Power reaches financial close on its first stand-alone big battery, in Victorian coal country
Australia renewables company Flow Power has secured financing for its largest project to date, the Bennett's Creek Battery in Victoria's Latrobe Valley. The 100MW and 223MWh battery energy storage system will be located near the site of the former Hazelwood coal plant, aiming to pair long-term solar and wind power purchase agreements with large-scale storage for a reliable renewable energy supply. Construction will be completed in 2028, with a focus on community benefit initiatives and innovative retail offerings, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.
-
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.
-
New solar and battery hybrid project sets ball rolling on environmental approvals after CIS tender win
The Corop solar farm in Victoria, a new solar and battery hybrid project, has been chosen as a winner in a federal government tender. With 440 MW of solar PV and 800 MWh of battery storage, the project will span 1,100 hectares of farmland and include 1.19 million solar panels and 208 BESS containers. Since 2019, the project has been undergoing public consultation and has been referred for environmental assessment. This innovative project showcases the potential for large-scale renewable energy solutions to help combat climate change.
-
Man behind Australia’s most powerful battery named one of Time’s climate titans, with Pope and King Charles
Nick Cater, CEO of Akaysha Energy, has been named one of Time Magazine's Climate100 for his role in building the Waratah Super Battery, the most powerful battery in Australia. The battery is acting as a "shock absorber" to help fill gaps created by coal closures. Carter emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support for climate solutions and advocates for a global carbon platform and market. Akaysha is involved in building several battery projects in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria to address energy storage challenges and contribute to resolving climate issues. Supporting independent media like Renew Economy can help promote accurate information on climate solutions.
-
Victoria fast-tracks approval of major solar battery hybrid project, and new big battery in Latrobe Valley
The Victoria government has approved two major renewable energy projects, including a large solar-battery hybrid and an expansion of an existing battery in the state's coal heartland. The Meadow Creek solar farm will combine a 332 MW solar facility with a 250 MW, 1,000 MWh battery, while the Tramway Roads battery will be a 300 MW, 1,200 MWh project owned by Eku Energy. These projects are part of Victoria's push towards reaching 95% renewables by 2035, with a focus on solar battery hybrids to address cost increases and planning issues facing wind energy projects. The Meadow Creek project has faced community concerns but has addressed issues such as fire risk, water management, and visual impact through consultations with stakeholders. Giles Parkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Renew Economy and The Driven, provides the latest clean energy news through their free daily newsletter.