In April, Queensland led in wind, solar, and battery output, with a notable increase in wind energy generation. The state also achieved a record-breaking month for big batteries, with over 100 GWh discharged by utility-scale battery energy storage systems. Australian utility PV and wind assets collectively generated 4.7 TWh, marking a 24% increase from the previous year. Gas generation across the National Electricity Market decreased by 49%, showcasing the ongoing trend of batteries displacing gas during the evening peak.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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Dominion to open nation’s biggest offshore wind farm next year
Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the largest in the U.S., is moving forward with nine turbines already in the water and plans to have all 176 turbines operational by June 2027. Despite a temporary halt by the Trump administration, construction resumed in January, and the project's estimated cost was reduced to $11.4 billion after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs. Virginia ratepayers are expected to save $5 billion in fuel costs during the first decade of operations, highlighting the significant economic and environmental benefits of this renewable energy initiative.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/dominion-to-open-nations-biggest-offshore-wind-farm-next-year/
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18 EV Fast Chargers Running On 100% Renewable Electricity Installed In Germany
Eighteen new EV fast chargers capable of charging up to 400 kW have been installed in Germany, running on 100% renewable electricity, providing a clean energy source for fully electric vehicles. Diesel emissions, linked to premature deaths in Europe, highlight the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles for cleaner air. EVs can also be integrated into virtual power plants and charged with home solar power, offering sustainable transportation solutions. For more information, listeners can contact the podcast or sign up for CleanTechnica's newsletters featuring cleantech stories and updates on sustainable solutions.
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Dominion upbeat on offshore wind as cost estimate eases, sales rise
Dominion Energy is prioritizing the completion of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the largest wind farm in the US, by June 2027. The project is 75% complete with 9 out of 176 turbines installed, with an estimated capital budget of $11.4 billion and expected fuel savings of $5 billion over 10 years. Dominion's focus on transmission and distribution infrastructure, along with the growth in data center capacity, is driving significant regulated investment needs. Additionally, Dominion's Virginia territory will see an increase in gas generation, solar, and energy storage spending, with more opportunities for regulated capital deployment in the early 2030s. A new Virginia law requires Dominion to petition for 20 GW of energy storage projects by 2040, up from 3 GW by 2035, which will be reflected in the company's capital update next year.
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Santa Marta May Be a Game-Changing Moment
The First Conference On Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia brought together 57 countries to discuss how to leave behind fossil fuels as the primary driver of climate change. The head of the International Energy Agency stated that the war in Iran has broken fossil fuel markets beyond repair, leading countries towards renewable energy sources. The conference focused on learning from various sectors, including businesses and Indigenous peoples, to disentangle economies and societies from fossil fuels. France released a national roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, while companies like BYD and Fortescue showcased initiatives for zero emissions. The conference emphasized the importance of individual and national actions for stronger climate action. The potential impact of the COP31 conference in November, particularly focusing on the economic power of the "coalition of the willing" countries, including California, was also discussed. These countries account for 30% of global fossil fuel consumption, and withdrawing their buying power could accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. A follow-up conference is planned for February 2027. The concept of "climateflation" and the connection between climate change impacts and cost of living expenses were highlighted, along with the importance of renewables for stability and sovereignty. Information on upcoming events, training opportunities, and job openings in the climate and environment sector was also provided. Applications for fellowships with Pulitzer Center, Chips Quinn Reporter Fellowship, Quanta Magazine, and ProPublica were mentioned, along with a call to support Covering Climate Now.
https://coveringclimatenow.org/from-us-story/santa-marta-may-be-a-game-changing-moment/
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TotalEnergies, Nextnorth begin 440MWp solar project in Philippines
TotalEnergies and Nextnorth are collaborating on a 440MW solar power plant in the Philippines, expected to be operational by late 2027. This project, with a $300m investment, will generate 13.5TW-hours of electricity over two decades, with over half of it being sold to commercial and industrial users to reduce carbon emissions. The remaining electricity will be supplied to the national grid under the Philippines Government's Green Energy Auction Programme. Nextnorth, focusing on clean energy projects, aims to support the country's energy transition and economic growth, making this the largest international financing endeavor for a solar project in the Philippines.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/totalenergies-nextnorth-begin-440mwp-solar-project/
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Türkiye’s COP31 presidency and IEA join forces on clean energy push
Türkiye's COP31 presidency, in partnership with the International Energy Agency, is working to accelerate the global clean energy transition in response to the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war. The focus is on areas such as energy supply, electrification, and green industrialization, with an emphasis on expanding clean cooking solutions in developing countries and promoting waste recycling to reduce emissions. The IEA is organizing a summit in July to improve clean cooking access for Africans. Meanwhile, COP31 aims to address the lack of funding for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and supporting clean energy development outside of China, Europe, and the US. The presidency is prioritizing cutting emissions from garbage and developing a new mechanism to match climate projects with financing to ease access to funding for climate solutions.
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Renewables growth cut Spain’s electricity bills by 24.2% over the past two years
A new report from Positive Money reveals that Spain and Portugal have significantly reduced their exposure to gas price volatility by 53% in the past three years, thanks to the expansion of renewable energy. The study underscores how renewable energy is reshaping electricity prices in Europe, decreasing reliance on gas and mitigating vulnerability to volatile energy markets. The report also highlights the European Union's continued dependence on imported fossil fuels, leaving it susceptible to price shocks and geopolitical instability. Additionally, the report emphasizes the economic incentives for energy storage investments driven by low midday prices and higher evening peak prices, signaling the growing importance of energy storage technologies in the transition to a more sustainable and reliable energy system amidst shifting market dynamics.
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In a first, fusion company applies for US grid connection
Commonwealth Fusion Systems, the first developer of nuclear fusion technology, has applied to connect their planned power plant to the PJM Interconnection grid in Virginia. This move aims to demonstrate the feasibility of delivering low-carbon electricity to customers by the early 2030s. The application process, expected to take four to six years, is the initial step towards integrating the 400-megawatt fusion power plant into the grid. PJM will conduct grid simulation models to ensure the project can reliably provide electricity, marking a significant advancement in the development of fusion technology for sustainable energy solutions.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/in-a-first-fusion-company-applies-for-us-grid-connection/
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Construction starts on US’ first utility-scale advanced NPP
TerraPower is constructing the Natrium plant, Kemmerer Unit 1, the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the US, featuring a sodium-cooled fast reactor with an integrated molten salt-based energy storage system for increased energy output as needed. Part of the US Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, the Natrium plant aims to serve as a blueprint for future plants globally, providing steady base output and quick ramp-up during peak demand, offering a unique and innovative addition to America's energy infrastructure.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/construction-starts-on-us-first-utility-scale-advanced-npp/