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.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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Sparc hits production milestone at hydrogen pilot plant in Australia
Sparc Hydrogen, a joint venture involving Sparc Technologies, Fortescue, and the University of Adelaide, has successfully achieved sustained hydrogen generation at its pilot plant in South Australia using a photocatalytic water-splitting process powered by concentrated solar energy. This breakthrough technology eliminates the need for electrolyzers or electricity, positioning Sparc Hydrogen as a leader in direct solar-to-hydrogen production. The company aims to further optimize its technology for scalability and commercialization, with the potential to unlock low-cost green hydrogen production. With the global green hydrogen market projected to reach $1.4 trillion per year by 2050, this innovation could play a significant role in advancing climate solutions.
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Germany brings world’s first supercapacitor STATCOM online
Siemens Energy and TenneT have successfully installed the world's first supercapacitor-based grid-stabilization system in Mehrum, Germany. The SVC Plus FS system utilizes supercapacitors to provide instantaneous reserve and reactive power, eliminating the need for large fossil-fuel power plant generators. After over a decade of development and three years of construction, the system now operates fully automatically and remotely controlled. This groundbreaking project sets a new standard for the global energy transition, showcasing the potential of supercapacitors to revolutionize traditional grid-stabilizing functions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/15/germany-brings-worlds-first-supercapacitor-statcom-online/