Queensland achieved a new record of 79.5% instantaneous renewables plus storage share of consumption on May 31, 2026, surpassing the previous high of 78.4% in April 2026. This increase was attributed to the use of batteries, exports, and curtailment to manage the midday surplus, showcasing the growing importance of storage in NEM operations. Despite being the most coal-dependent grid in Australia, Queensland's transition towards higher renewable energy usage is evident. The significant increase in battery share of consumption highlights the state's progress towards a more sustainable energy future.
Category: Other Energy
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California — Lowest Wholesale Electricity Prices in USA
California has achieved the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the US, with no blackouts since 2020, thanks to the success of solar, wind, and water power. WindWaterSolar has met over 100% of the California ISO grid's electricity demand for an average of 4.9 hours a day in 2026, showcasing the potential of renewable energy. Despite high retail electricity prices for other reasons, the abundance of cheap wholesale electricity from sources like sunshine, wind, and water is a key factor in keeping prices low. This renewable energy success in California is a significant win for clean energy solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/30/california-lowest-wholesale-electricity-prices-in-usa/
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The Hydrogen Stream: JCN launches hydrogen-powered backhoe loader
Climate solutions experts are seeing a surge in hydrogen-powered initiatives worldwide, with companies like JCB, Syntholene, and Ohmium International leading the way in developing sustainable energy solutions. From hydrogen buses in Italy to large-scale electrolyzer projects in Rotterdam, the shift towards green hydrogen is gaining momentum. Collaborations between companies like Lhyfe and Strabag in Germany and InSolare Energy in India are further driving the adoption of hydrogen technology. Additionally, the University of Canterbury in New Zealand joining Hydrogen Europe Research signifies a growing global network of universities and research organizations dedicated to advancing climate solutions.
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California regulators approve major Bay Area battery development
The California Energy Commission has approved a 400-megawatt battery project in Alameda County, emphasizing the state's commitment to renewable energy goals and grid reliability. The project, known as the Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System, will store excess solar electricity during the day and discharge it at night, aligning with the state's clean energy objectives. This utility-scale battery project is a crucial component of Governor Newsom's efforts to decarbonize the grid and integrate renewables, showcasing the significance of energy storage in advancing climate solutions in California.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/california-regulators-approve-major-bay-area-battery-development/
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Tesla batteries to power up in landmark Australian energy storage project
German power company RWE has been approved to operate Australia's first eight-hour battery energy storage system using Tesla Megapack batteries. This innovative solution will help improve grid stability and reliability, as well as support the integration of renewable energy sources. The project highlights the growing importance of energy storage in transitioning to a more sustainable energy system. Experts in climate solutions should take note of this development as a successful example of utilizing battery storage technology to support the transition to a low-carbon future.
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State locks in six renewable energy zones after final round of nips, tucks and rethinks
Victoria has declared five onshore renewable energy zones and one shoreline zone to increase its share of battery-backed wind and solar energy to 65% by 2030 and 95% by 2035. The final design includes zones in South West, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Western, and North West, with the Central North zone still under consideration. Changes were made to the South West and Central Highlands zones based on environmental concerns and land availability. The Gippsland region will host both onshore and shoreline renewable energy zones, with the latter connecting offshore wind farms to the grid. The government considered feedback but not all requests were implemented. The zones aim to balance community concerns with developer interests, utilize strong wind and solar resources near existing transmission lines, exclude areas of high biodiversity value, facilitate the transition away from coal-fired power stations, and ensure better coordination of renewable energy projects. VicGrid is also working on developing guidelines for the next Victorian Transmission Plan to meet the state's transmission and renewable energy generation needs.
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Battery storage key to solar project bankability in Africa
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for solar project bankability in Africa, focusing on delivering flexible, dispatchable power for long-term value creation in the energy transition. Key factors for successful projects include credible counterparties, clear dispatch frameworks, and robust engineering structures. Strategies for scaling commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage projects in Africa involve long-term financing, standardized contracts, and risk mitigation techniques to attract private capital. Challenges include financing constraints, currency risks, and the need for innovative financing models like power support agreements. The African storage market is growing, with over 31.8 GWh of projects under development, emphasizing the importance of credible partners, bank guarantees, and effective project management to address collection risks.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/28/battery-storage-key-to-solar-project-bankability-in-africa/
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“World first” power-beaming breakthrough, as laser tech wirelessly electrifies robot for 24 hours
A New Zealand-founded, Australia-based company, Aquila Earth, has set two world records by powering a moving warehouse robot for 24 hours straight using a laser to beam electricity through space via infrared light. The laser delivered a steady 4 kilowatts of wireless electricity to the robot, allowing it to travel 25 kilometers on light alone. Aquila Earth's CEO, Ruby Jones, envisions a future where drones and robots can be powered indefinitely without relying on battery technology. The company's power beaming technology has the potential for commercialization, offering a new solution for autonomous machines to operate continuously without the need for frequent recharging. Aquila is also working on making laser technology for sending and receiving electricity more economically feasible, with plans to target commercial laser power by 2027 through partnerships with drone companies aiming for long-lasting flights.
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The Methane Opportunity Is Now
Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, continue to rise despite its short lifespan in the atmosphere, posing a significant threat to global warming. However, there is hope in reducing methane emissions, particularly in the oil and gas industry, with existing technology and no net cost to emitters. Countries like Canada, Nigeria, and Colombia are making progress in curbing methane emissions, which could lead to health and economic benefits while also being a key step towards achieving net zero emissions. Additionally, advancements in geothermal energy and bipartisan efforts to reinstate clean energy tax credits signal a potential shift towards sustainable practices and combating climate change on a larger scale.
https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/the-methane-opportunity-is-now/
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Environmental News Network – A New Method to Unlock Vast Lithium Stores
Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly way to extract lithium, a critical mineral in high demand for electric vehicles and clean energy sources. The new method uses a temperature-sensitive solvent to extract lithium directly from brines found in deposits worldwide, allowing for more efficient extraction even from low concentrations and contaminated sources. This innovation could shorten processing time, unlock untapped reserves, and reduce environmental impact in the production of lithium for clean energy technologies.
https://www.enn.com/articles/78019-a-new-method-to-unlock-vast-lithium-stores