Two of the biggest solar and battery hybrid projects in Australia, Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap, have reached financial close with the backing of 14 lenders. These projects will provide 600 MW of solar and 600 MW and 2,400 MWh of battery storage to help power aluminium smelters and refineries in Queensland as part of Rio Tinto's plan to transition to green energy and storage by 2029. The federal government's Capacity Investment Scheme is supporting the projects, which are crucial for reaching renewable energy targets and improving reliability as aging thermal generation retires. Edify is also developing the Hill wind farm in South Australia and the Jinbi solar farm in Western Australia, with strong community support and a focus on creating up to 800 jobs during construction, local procurement, and skills training. The financing package for these projects is a first for Australia and will set a foundation for future renewable energy projects, leaving a positive legacy in the region through a community benefits program.
Tag: Western Australia
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State creates $1.4 billion fund to connect more wind and solar ahead of coal power exit
Western Australia's Labor government is establishing a $1.4 billion Clean Energy Fund to facilitate the transition from coal to renewables by the end of the decade. The fund will support network extensions like the Clean Energy Link (CEL) – East, enabling the integration of more wind and solar projects into the grid. This initiative is expected to add 3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and generate 800 local jobs during construction. The state government is fast-tracking the replacement of coal with new battery projects, wind farms, and grid expansions, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources.
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Huge wind component of massive hybrid renewables project joins queue for federal green tick
A 2 gigawatt hybrid wind, solar, and battery storage project in Western Australia's Mid West region, the Tathra wind farm, is undergoing federal environmental assessment after securing state approvals. Developer SynergyRED aims to combine up to 1,000 MW of wind, 500 MW of solar, and 500 MW of battery energy storage to maintain affordable and reliable electricity supply. Efforts are being made to minimize impacts on fauna habitat in the mainly agricultural project area. Additionally, Synergy is expanding its battery capacity with the Collie battery, increasing total big battery capacity to over 800 MW and nearly 3,200 MWh, marking a significant step towards clean energy solutions.
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“Boots on the ground:” Site works begin at Neoen’s first 6-hour big battery
Construction has commenced on Neoen Australia's Muchea Battery project in Western Australia, incorporating 252 Tesla Megapack 2XL units to create a 164 MW, 905 MWh battery connected to the South-West Interconnected System grid. This marks Neoen's third storage asset in WA, generating 70 new jobs during construction. The six-hour battery will enhance grid stability and supply power during evening peaks, showcasing a notable progression in battery technology for climate solutions experts to consider.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/boots-on-the-ground-site-works-begin-at-neoens-first-6-hour-big-battery/
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“Transformational:” Offshore offtakers spur progress on huge Nullarbor renewables hub
The Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) in Western Australia's Nullarbor is a proposed 70 gigawatt wind, solar, and hydrogen project with significant interest from Japanese and Korean companies in green ammonia production. The first stage is set to come online by 2033, with 6 gigawatts of wind and solar generating around 330,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. The overall goal is to produce up to 3.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen and up to 28 million tonnes of green ammonia each year. Currently undergoing approval processes, the project aims to make a final investment decision in 2029, showcasing a major step towards sustainable energy solutions.
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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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Massive 2 GW wind, solar and battery project lands all state planning approvals in breathtaking four months
The Tathra project in Western Australia, consisting of 140 wind turbines and a 500 MW solar farm, has received state planning approval with minimal conditions. The environmental regulator waived the wind element through, recommending mitigation efforts to address impacts on threatened flora and fauna. Synergy, the developer, plans to refer the project to the federal environmental process before starting construction. Additionally, Synergy is adding a MWh battery at Collie, increasing their total big battery capacity to over 800 MW and nearly 3,200 MWh, contributing to clean energy solutions in their efforts to replace coal power stations with renewable energy sources.
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Australian solar innovator 5B wins biggest order yet to help power Kalgoorlie’s giant “super pit” gold mine
Australian solar innovator 5B has secured its largest order yet to supply solar components for a major renewable energy and battery project in Western Australia's Goldfields region, led by Northern Star Resources. The project will combine wind, solar, and battery storage to power mining operations, with 5B's prefabricated Maverick PV units reducing installation time and costs. The company received funding from the Solar Sunshot program to scale up production and lower costs, making the project a blueprint for modern, cost-effective, and clean mining energy systems. Northern Star's Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) operations will be powered by a hybrid renewables project, with solar accounting for 70% of electricity demand, and a vanadium flow battery proposed to address the grid's vulnerability. Zenith Energy will build, own, and operate the project under a 25-year power purchase agreement, with AVESS Energy showing interest in delivering the battery system.