In a post-coal National Electricity Market, supporting solar and battery technologies can stabilize electricity prices. The optimized capacity mix includes utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and battery storage, with a focus on solar and BESS. Battery storage is modeled as an active participant, tracking behavior in real-time based on market conditions. An optimization framework is used to determine the optimal capacity mix, aiming to minimize total system cost while ensuring economic viability and reasonable prices for consumers. The analysis focuses on price formation, investment incentives, and the challenges of optimizing capacity mix in a highly renewable, post-coal system.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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World’s largest grid battery has been completed – in the oil capital of the world
A 7.8 gigawatt-hour battery energy storage system has been completed in Saudi Arabia, owned by Saudi Electricity Co. and with an offtake deal with National Grid SA. Sungrow manufactured over 1,500 PowerTitan 2.0 systems for the project, expected to meet the annual electricity needs of 400,000 households in Saudi Arabia. This project signifies the start of large-scale energy storage deployment in the Middle East, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.
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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.
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Germany backs Moll Batterien sodium-ion battery plant with over €22 million
Germany is investing over €22 million in public funding to support Moll Batterien's sodium-ion battery plant in Bavaria, part of a larger €103 million investment. Set to begin operations in 2026 with an initial capacity of 1 GWh per year, the project is expected to create 126 jobs and training positions. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and the European Union's European Regional Development Fund are the primary sources of public funding for this initiative.
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Neoen begins construction of another big battery, first in world to deploy Tesla Megablock technology
Neoen Australia has commenced construction on the Goyder battery project in South Australia, utilizing Tesla's new Megablock product to create a 226 MW, 866 MWh battery that will power BHP's Olympic Dam mining operations. This project is part of Neoen's efforts to lead in battery storage projects in Australia and contribute to the energy transition by lowering costs for grid-level storage by up to 40%. With planning approval for up to 900 MW of capacity and 3,600 MWh, the Goyder battery could potentially become part of Australia's largest hybrid project, integrating large scale solar and expanded wind farms. Neoen's projects, including the Goyder battery, are crucial in South Australia's aim to achieve 100% "net" renewables by 2027.
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Imaging tech to analyze sub-cells in tandem and triple junction PV devices
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have developed new imaging methods to measure losses in individual sub-cells of multi-junction solar cells, specifically perovskite-silicon tandem and perovskite-perovskite-silicon triple junction devices. The research team detailed the Suns-Voc and Suns-PL imaging methods for tandem cells, and used a combination of luminescence imaging and lock-in thermography for triple-junction cells. These methods provide insights into electric losses, selectivity losses, and resistive losses, making them valuable for quality assurance in production and research settings. Additionally, the effectiveness of these imaging techniques in analyzing the quality of electron and hole transport layers in solar cells is demonstrated, with the potential for application in other tandem and triple junction cell technologies, including III-V compound solar cells for space applications.
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Hyundai Motor Highlights WFP Partnership Achievements in Films on IONIQ 5’s Role in Sustainable Humanitarian Operations
Hyundai Motor Company has partnered with the UN World Food Programme to showcase the use of Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric vehicles in humanitarian operations in the Philippines and other countries. The deployment of IONIQ 5s, along with EV charging and solar PV infrastructure, aims to reduce emissions, achieve carbon neutrality, and support aid efforts. Hyundai Motor's donation of IONIQ 5 vehicles and support for energy efficiency initiatives demonstrate a commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable humanitarian activities, providing lower-emission mobility solutions, saving operating costs, and enabling more access to renewable energy for food-insecure communities in climate-affected locations. The EVs feature advanced technologies to ensure efficient and sustainable transportation of supplies, showcasing Hyundai's dedication to innovative and sustainable humanitarian solutions.
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Solar, wind and storage: stable prices, stable grid
Australia's rapid expansion of solar and wind energy has not increased wholesale electricity prices since 2016, making it a global renewable energy leader. Solar and wind are displacing coal and gas, meeting all growth in demand, with stable grid infrastructure and high rooftop solar adoption rates contributing to falling wholesale prices. Rooftop solar systems in Australia cost $6,000 and last 20 years, with an annual electricity output of 1200-1400 kWh per kW, driving widespread adoption at a low cost of 3 US-cents per kWh. All-electric solar homes in Australia have zero gas and petrol bills, with large energy storage options available, and the quick installation and high resilience of Australian rooftop solar systems make them a promising solution for climate experts.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/19/solar-wind-and-storage-stable-prices-stable-grid/
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AMEA Power and Kyuden partner with IFC for solar battery storage project in Egypt
AMEA Power, Kyuden International Corporation, and Hover Energy are leading the way in climate solutions with innovative projects and technologies. AMEA Power's 1GW solar PV plant in Egypt, in collaboration with IFC, aims to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions, creating over 4,000 jobs during construction. Hover Energy's AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM has won three awards for its contribution to rebuilding the grid for a more flexible and resilient energy future. These initiatives are crucial in the transition to renewable energy and cutting down CO2 emissions.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/amea-power-kyuden-partner-ifc/
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2025 Energy Year in Review: Solar and Storage Shine Through, Despite It All
In 2025, despite challenges from the Trump administration, clean energy in the United States showed significant progress. The US solar sector saw record-breaking installations, with Texas leading the way followed by California and Indiana. Solar generation and manufacturing capacity also experienced substantial growth. Energy storage installations increased by over 50%, with Texas, California, and Arizona leading the way. Overall, 2025 is projected to be the biggest year for clean power deployment in history, showcasing the potential of clean energy technologies in transforming electricity markets across the country. Solar is expected to overtake coal in some states, with commitments to clean energy goals from states like Maine and California. Affordability concerns are driving more people to recognize the benefits of solar and wind power, with decision makers and advocates pushing for policies to accelerate the transition to clean energy. Innovation, economies of scale, and international progress are making clean energy more attractive, highlighting the possibilities and long-term benefits of a clean energy economy.