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.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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Two Microgrids With Solar Power Being Developed For Tribal Community In California
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and OATI are partnering to develop two microgrids for the tribal community in Northern California, bringing renewable energy onto tribal lands for energy independence and cost reduction. The project includes a 4.5 MWac solar power array and 21 MWh battery energy storage system, with funding from the California Energy Commission and FEMA. The microgrid will power on-reservation facilities and sell excess electricity to the grid, providing resiliency and substantial energy cost savings for the Paskenta community. This initiative will allow Paskenta to self-generate a significant amount of electricity, leading to significant cost savings and a more sustainable energy future.
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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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Prototyping Data Tools With AI, A Case Study: Solar + Battery Atlas
Ember, an independent energy think tank, has utilized artificial intelligence to develop the Solar + Battery Atlas, showcasing the cost-effectiveness of 24/7 solar power in many regions worldwide. The tool analyzes 5,000 locations and demonstrates that solar and batteries can reliably supply over 80% of annual electricity demand for the majority of people, with costs competitive at under $100/MWh for most. This opportunity is particularly significant in areas with weak power systems, where solar and battery systems can already outcompete planned fossil generation. By leveraging AI to accelerate the creation of data tools, Ember aims to provide policymakers and investors with the necessary insights to advance the clean energy transition and make informed decisions in the energy sector.
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ICE Partners with ERT to Launch ICE GreenTraceTM its New Environmental Registry Technology Service
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. has launched ICE GreenTraceTM, a technology service for carbon credit registries, which Winrock International's Environmental Resources Trust has migrated its leading carbon crediting programs ACR and ART to. This migration involved transferring over two and a half decades of GHG emission reduction and removal credits, aiming to leverage ICE's financial market infrastructure to scale carbon markets and meet the demands of institutional investors globally. The section discusses the record number of environmental contracts traded on ICE in 2025, totaling over $1 trillion in notional value, highlighting ERT's programs that issue high-quality CO2 emission reduction credits and promote forest protection through ART. Additionally, ERT has developed a carbon crediting standard for the electric power sector to incentivize emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement goals, addressing potential risks related to climate change and its impact on ICE's operations outlined in their SEC filings.
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How massive subsidies helped drive a 90% collapse in solar costs
China has heavily subsidized its solar power-related manufacturing industries, investing $17.4 billion from 2010 through 2024, while OECD countries have only invested $3.9 billion over the same period. The price of electricity generated by solar panels has dropped by more than 90% during this time. In 2024, China supported over 500 gigawatts of output, with the U.S. and Europe deploying nearly $150 billion worth of solar power. Solar was the most subsidized industry, with $21 billion representing almost a fifth of the total value over the 2010 to 2024 period. The article also emphasizes the urgent need to address the pressing challenge of managing a warming climate that poses significant harm to humanity, with Americans dying from coal and gas air pollution as a result of solar panel bans, contributing to a global death toll climbing to millions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/22/the-worlds-magical-21-billion-investment/
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Chinese scientists unveil cable-supported mounting system for large-scale PV on complex terrain
Researchers have developed a cable-supported photovoltaic structure (CSPS) for solar projects on challenging terrain, overcoming limitations of traditional ground-mounted PV structures. Inspired by bridge aerodynamics, the system splits a single cable truss into two parallel trusses to enhance torsional load-resisting mechanism. Key design parameters include cable sags, truss height, and cable pretensions, influencing structural behavior and stiffness. The system configuration improves torsional mode frequency and critical flutter wind speed, with added components like purlins and braces enhancing stiffness and vibration control. The study validated the proposed two-parallel cable truss system as a structurally efficient and aerodynamically robust solution for large-span CSPS designs in high-wind environments, providing a practical design framework for future large-scale solar infrastructure in challenging terrain environments.
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Southeast Asia Has 5 Proposed Subsea Power Cable Projects By 2040 — But The First Link It Needs Is Governance
The technical case for subsea power cables connecting Southeast Asia's electricity systems has been established, with a focus on governance arrangements evolving alongside regional electricity integration. ASEAN's cross-border electricity ambitions will require stronger regional planning, cost allocation approaches, and coordination across the maritime domain. The region aims to more than double its interconnector capacity by 2040, benefiting from abundant renewable energy resources and the potential to reduce fossil fuel imports through subsea cables. Addressing gaps in regional planning, cost allocation, and navigating territorial waters will be crucial for successful implementation of cross-border subsea interconnection projects in ASEAN. The article discusses the need for governance arrangements to support the development of cross-border energy infrastructure in the ASEAN region, particularly focusing on the ASEAN Power Grid Generation and Transmission Planning function. It highlights the importance of coordination in planning, regulation, financing, and maritime governance for the success of subsea power cable development, drawing lessons from Europe's experience in evolving governance frameworks for energy infrastructure. The ASEAN region already has foundational institutions in place, such as the ASEAN Centre for Energy, HAPUA, and the APGCC, but there is a need to strengthen governance arrangements to support regional electricity integration.
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India Needs 10 GWh of Battery Storage Now to Stop Coal’s Inflexibility Wasting Clean Power
India's coal-based power plants are struggling to ramp down during midday solar surges, leading to renewable energy curtailment. Ember's analysis shows that around 10 GWh of battery storage is needed to absorb surplus energy and prevent curtailment. The lack of flexibility in the grid, with coal providing most of the reserves, is causing renewable curtailment to accommodate coal plants operating at their minimum technical loads. Without sufficient storage and flexibility, curtailment of clean electricity will continue to rise as solar capacity grows in India. The article discusses the increasing curtailment of solar and wind energy in India due to the lack of storage solutions, highlighting the need for battery storage projects to absorb surplus generation and provide downward reserves. It recommends allowing grid charging during solar surplus hours to reduce curtailment, lower system stress, and improve flexibility, emphasizing the importance of correcting the current framework to unlock the next phase of India's renewable energy growth. The Khavda project in Gujarat is cited as a successful and quick deployment model for battery storage projects.
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JinkoSolar achieves 34.82% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
Chinese PV module manufacturer JinkoSolar recently achieved a power conversion efficiency of 34.82% for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, certified by China's Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology. This breakthrough, credited to innovations in core technologies, marks progress in the industrialization of next-generation perovskite tandem technology. Longi currently holds the world record for perovskite-tandem solar cell efficiency at 34.85%, achieved in partnership with Soochow University. These advancements in efficiency are crucial for the development of more effective and sustainable solar energy solutions.