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.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
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Business Provides Over 50 EV Chargers Onsite For Employees
Packsize, a company in Salt Lake City, has implemented over 50 onsite EV chargers for its employees, resulting in a 30% EV adoption rate among staff. This initiative not only serves as an employee perk but also supports employee retention and company performance. Electric vehicles are beneficial for the environment and human health due to their lack of carbon emissions and toxic air pollution. Packsize's founder's initial focus on reducing harmful air pollution led to the installation of a 200 kW solar power system to generate electricity for the chargers. It is crucial to consider the source of electricity when charging EVs to minimize environmental impact, as some chargers may contribute to pollution by using electricity from coal and natural gas power plants.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/19/business-provides-over-50-ev-chargers-onsite-for-employees/
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China’s new five-year plan deepens shift toward focus on renewables system
China's 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes clean electricity as a key driver of economic growth, aiming to meet incremental electricity demand with incremental clean power generation while peaking fossil fuel consumption. The plan includes a "new energy system" concept that expands beyond wind and solar to include hydropower, offshore wind, nuclear, and more, with non-fossil energy expected to account for 25% of total energy consumption by 2030. Aligning renewable energy policy with wider industrial and regional development strategies, the plan sets targets for wind and solar capacity doubling by 2035, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration to combat climate change.
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“Grow your own and buy local”: Networks seek change and flexibility to manage a 100 pct renewable grid
Andrew Bills, chair of Energy Networks Australia, is advocating for regulatory change and more flexibility for homes and their power assets to support the transition towards 100% renewables in Australia. South Australia is on track to become the first gigawatt-scale grid in the world to reach 100% "net" renewables, with a significant amount of rooftop solar capacity. The networks are looking to become distribution system operators (DSOs) to better integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, incentivizing customers to be flexible with their energy usage. Households are upgrading their systems and trialling home energy management technologies to reduce load, starting with EVs. The focus is on creating a marketplace for participants to bid for response to network constraints, with regulatory and policy changes necessary to support this transition towards a more efficient energy market dominated by clean energy resources.
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Vena Group and InCommodities sign $142m battery deal
In a $200m agreement, Vena Group has partnered with InCommodities to establish the Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System in New South Wales, Australia. This initiative is designed to enhance grid stability in response to the increasing expansion of renewable energy generation in the region. The BESS will play a crucial role in utilizing surplus solar power to supply approximately 280,000 homes with electricity. InCommodities' investment demonstrates a long-term dedication to the Australian energy market and supports the growing emphasis on renewable investment and strengthening critical grid infrastructure.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/vena-group-incommodities-142m-battery-deal/
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Europe’s first 110MW data centre microgrid launches in Dublin
Pure DC and AVK have launched Europe's first large-scale on-site data centre microgrid in Dublin, Ireland, designed to provide dispatchable power during early development phases. The microgrid includes three interconnected 30MW energy centres blending combined heat and power with heat recovery, battery energy storage system integration, rainwater harvesting, and future hydrogen blending. This innovative system supports AI-driven data centre demand, hybrid grid-renewable operations, and potential district heating links, addressing power shortages for hyperscale cloud and AI facilities. Positioned as a model for the energy-as-strategic-asset approach in the data centre industry, this project showcases sustainable solutions for reliable and efficient power generation.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/europes-first-110mw-data-centre-microgrid-launches-in-dublin/
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As Fossil Fuel Costs Rise, Renewable Energy And Storage Shine
Renewable energy and energy storage are dominating new utility-scale power generation capacity in the US, providing opportunities for energy consumers to buffer against fossil fuel price spikes. New York and New Jersey are leading the way in developing robust renewable energy profiles, with a focus on incentives for homeowners and innovative projects like floating solar power plants. Virtual power plants are being utilized to coordinate demand and supply among small devices, helping utilities avoid costly new gas plant construction. States like Massachusetts are setting ambitious targets for offshore wind projects and new solar and storage capacity by 2035, aiming to achieve significant savings through renewable energy initiatives. Despite uncertainties surrounding factors like natural gas costs and federal energy policy changes, US states are continuing to promote renewable energy transitions with incentives for energy storage, virtual power plants, and new wind and solar projects.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/17/as-fossil-fuel-costs-rise-renewable-energy-storage-shine/
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New Jersey announces 355-MW storage procurement, solicits 645 MW more
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved incentives for three transmission-connected battery energy storage projects totaling 355 MW, with plans for an additional 645 MW of standalone storage or solar-plus-storage. This fulfills the state's goal of procuring 1 GW of bulk energy storage by summer and 2 GW by 2030, with projects set to participate in PJM Interconnection's capacity auction next year. The projects, located at operating or retired fossil power plants, aim to save ratepayers over $169 million by moderating wholesale electricity prices during peak demand. New Jersey's push for energy storage is driven by strong market fundamentals and high capacity prices, with support from political leadership and plans to use funds from the regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program for ratepayer bill credits.
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Dennis Schroeder / Department of Energy 16 Mar 2026 UN Climate Chief in Brussels: fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, but renewables turn the tables UN Climate Speech
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasizes the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependency on national security, sovereignty, and economies, advocating for a shift to renewable energy for a more cost-effective, secure, and sustainable solution. Europe has a unique opportunity to lead in climate action and attract investment by embracing green growth, transitioning away from fossil fuels, upgrading grids, and supporting the Emissions Trading Scheme. The EU has been driving ambition at COPs and urges continued support for the process, with significant commitments made at COP30 and plans to continue progress at COP31 in Türkiye. Companies are coming to COPs to secure agreements that tackle the climate crisis and benefit their bottom lines, while the EU is building new partnerships to invest in value chains in partner countries and strengthen alliances for peace and prosperity in the face of climate change.
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“Brilliant economics”: Offtake deal seals delivery of Australia’s biggest solar-battery hybrid project
Renewable energy retailer Flow Power has signed a power purchase agreement with Octopus Australia's Blind Creek solar farm and battery project in New South Wales, one of the largest hybrid projects in Australia. The DC-coupled system allows solar to charge the battery directly, improving efficiency and enabling energy storage during low-price periods. The project aims to strengthen grid reliability, support the retirement of coal stations, and deliver renewables when needed to reduce peak price events. This pioneering solar hybrid initiative, backed by major investors, is set to revolutionize the energy market and contribute to a cleaner energy future in Australia by mid-2028.