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.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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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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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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Offshore wind turbines create all-you-can-eat havens where some fish can double in size
A new study found that offshore wind farms can lead to larger fish species and increased complexity in the oceanic food chain due to the rough surfaces of turbine monopiles and submarine cables providing new habitats for marine organisms. The presence of wind turbines created a different marine environment with positive attributes, such as increased biomass of benthic fish and sessile organisms colonizing the structures. Additionally, the wind farm acted as a no-take zone, serving as a marine protected area for commercially targeted species and contributing to a more stable, diverse, and functionally intact ocean life compared to areas without turbines. While there are risks associated with exploration and construction, the study suggests that wind farms can have positive impacts on marine ecosystems by providing new habitats and increasing food availability for marine life.
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Korea drops secures grid connection approval for its first big battery in Australia
Hanwha Energy Australia's 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system in southeast Queensland has received grid connection approval, aiming to store surplus solar energy and support 15,000 households during peak demand. The project will provide critical grid services, enhancing Queensland's grid resilience and supporting renewable energy growth for a more sustainable power system. Additionally, Hanwha Energy Australia is actively involved in other clean energy projects across Australia.
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Awendio Solaris plans multi-gigawatt solar manufacturing hub in Canada
Awendio Solaris plans to invest CAD 1 billion in a solar manufacturing facility in Montreal, Quebec, targeting the Canadian and US markets. The facility will create 1,000 jobs and produce up to 5,000 MW of solar cells and modules per year using n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact technology with a fully North American supply chain. Operations will be powered by Quebec's hydroelectric grid and on-site solar generation, with support from First Nations groups and research partnerships with local universities. Additionally, Hydro-Québec plans to deploy up to 3 GW of solar capacity by 2035, starting with a 300 MW solar tender and offering financial incentives for residential and commercial solar installations. These initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to Canada's clean energy transition and economic growth.
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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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First solar-battery hybrid on Australia’s main grid is energised, and ready to send PV into evening peaks
The first large scale solar-battery hybrid power plant on Australia's main grid, Quorn Park, has been energised and is ready to send solar power into evening demand peaks. This facility combines an 80 MW solar farm with a 20 MW, 40 MWh battery, allowing for solar to be stored and fed into the grid during peak demand times. Solar-battery hybrids are seen as a solution to provide reliable and cost-effective support to the grid, meeting the evolving needs of communities and accelerating the energy transition. Solar battery hybrids are becoming increasingly popular in the green energy transition, with Chris Bowen naming 20 winners of a 6.5 gigawatt CIS tender, making them a key technology for clean energy solutions.
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38 Coastal, Remote, & Island Communities To Pursue Energy Reliability via Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project
The Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) is supporting various coastal, remote, and island communities across the United States in addressing their unique energy challenges. Through strategic energy planning, communities are working on projects to strengthen energy systems against extreme weather events, explore new local generation options, and design microgrids for outage protection. The program focuses on improving energy efficiency, lowering costs, incorporating renewable energy sources, and aligning with traditional values. ETIPP continues to expand its regional presence and assist communities in developing reliable and affordable energy systems to enhance resilience and security.
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Amea Power begins construction on 1 GW/600 MWh solar-plus-storage plant in Egypt
Amea Power has secured financing and begun construction on Africa's largest single-site hybrid renewable facility in Egypt, integrating 1 GW of solar PV with 600 MWh of BESS and expected to be operational by June 2026. Located in the Aswan Governorate, the project is a key part of Egypt's clean energy journey, enhancing energy security, supporting local employment, and contributing to national development. The project's financing, led by the IFC and involving international partners, highlights the growing momentum towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.