Large scale solar farms in Australia have reached record shares on the main grid, but are now being overshadowed by rooftop PV causing curtailment during the day. To address this issue, new large scale solar projects are incorporating integrated batteries to store excess energy for evening peaks. Australia's first solar hybrid plant in Cunderdin is feeding power into the grid during evening peaks, with more solar-hybrid projects to follow. Large scale solar in NSW reached record shares, marking progress towards a cleaner energy grid.
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Blue State Steps Up To Save Farmers With Solar Power
New Jersey has launched a Dual-Use Pilot program to demonstrate the benefits of agrivoltaics, combining solar power and farming to maximize land use efficiency and provide new revenue streams for farmers. Rutgers University is leading the initiative, aiming to install 200 megawatts of solar power on farmland. Despite challenges like navigating state incentives and land conservation regulations, the program could lead to more farms adopting solar power in New Jersey. The state's innovative approach to solar development, including rooftop capacity and emerging trends like gas station and balcony solar, is helping progress towards renewable energy goals. Dual-use solar power offers a promising solution to support farmers and generate additional revenue while addressing the shrinking farm size in New Jersey.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/23/blue-state-steps-up-to-save-us-farms-with-solar-power/
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Huge 105 turbine wind project and four-hour big battery seeks green tick to link into VNI West
Equis has proposed the construction of a wind farm and battery energy storage system in New South Wales, featuring 105 large turbines and a 600 MW/2400 megawatt-hour battery. The project aims to connect to the National Electricity Market via a new transmission line in the South West Renewable Energy Zone, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, Equis has returned to Australia with a new portfolio of wind and big battery storage projects across four states, backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan. The battery projects include the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, Calala BESS, Koolunga BESS, and Lower Wonga BESS, along with wind farms like Bell Bay and Jackson North. Plans are in place to support new renewable energy generators in the region despite delays in the transmission line project.
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First Fixed-Bottom Offshore Wind Project Auctions In The Philippines Secured
The Philippines is making a strong commitment to building a commercial offshore wind industry, with a focus on fixed-bottom technology. The Green Energy Auction Program Round 5 (GEA-5) is set to release the country's national pipeline by the end of the year, positioning the Philippines as a rising force in Asia's clean energy transition. The auction, focused on 3.3 gigawatts of fixed-bottom capacity, aims to move projects into construction sooner and deliver utility-scale clean power with fewer technical uncertainties. The strategy supports the country's push for dependable renewable generation and long-term energy security and climate goals. The government's structured approach and clear roadmap have the potential to make the Philippines one of the fastest advancing offshore wind markets in Asia, attracting global capital and supporting local industry growth.
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Colombia seeks to speed up a “just” fossil fuel phase-out with first global conference
24 countries, including major fossil fuel producers like Australia and Mexico, have backed a global conference in Colombia next April to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. The conference aims to bring together governments, experts, industry leaders, and Indigenous people to develop a roadmap for a fair phase-out of fossil fuels, considering national circumstances and supporting workers and vulnerable communities. This initiative demonstrates growing support for a just transition away from fossil fuels, with a focus on promoting diversified economies and addressing the existential threat of rising sea levels. Colombia's 2026 conference is seen as a step towards international cooperation to tackle the climate crisis, emphasizing a time-bound plan to curb fossil fuel production and use, end new licensing and subsidies, and mobilize finance for developing countries.
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BYD Gets About Twenty Patents a Day, Adding up to 50,000 Technologies Already Authorized
BYD Philippines is a vertically integrated conglomerate with a strong focus on electric vehicles, solar energy, and battery technology. The company's extensive patent portfolio and deep vertical integration allow for control over supply chain and costs, ensuring quality and value for customers. BYD's Blade Battery and e-Platform 3.0 showcase advancements in safety, performance, and integration of key components. Additionally, the company's involvement in solar energy and battery storage systems further solidifies its position as a leader in clean energy solutions, offering a comprehensive approach to zero-emission energy solutions across various sectors.
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World’s largest foldable rooftop PV system comes online in Switzerland
A 3.6 MW foldable rooftop solar installation has been inaugurated at a wastewater treatment plant in Switzerland, making it the largest of its kind globally. The system spans treatment basins, allowing the site to serve dual purposes of wastewater treatment and solar power generation. The project is expected to produce 3 GWh of electricity per year, with most of it consumed on-site. The folding-roof technology, derived from Swiss cable car engineering, automatically retracts during extreme weather events for protection. This innovative project demonstrates a pragmatic and effective way to advance the energy transition, utilizing existing space intelligently for economic efficiency and climate protection.
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Sodium-ion battery storage for ultra-low temperatures
Researchers from Purdue University have developed a sodium-ion battery pouch cell that can operate reliably at temperatures as low as -100 C, achieving specific energy levels of 96 Wh/kg at room temperature, 74 Wh/kg at -25 C, and 46 Wh/kg at -50 C. The battery was tested with renewable energy sources like wind and solar, showing stable performance in both laboratory and field conditions. This sodium-ion battery technology is considered a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium compounds. The research paves the way for sustainable battery energy storage systems in harsh climates and space applications, with potential for solar energy storage in extreme conditions like deep-space missions or cold climates. Scientists are now exploring other solar cell and battery combinations for extreme environments, such as high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with sustainable battery chemistries.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/18/sodium-ion-battery-storage-for-ultra-low-temperatures/
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New Sodium-Ion Batteries Threaten The US Coal Recovery Plan
Peak Energy, a US startup, is leading the way in sodium-ion battery technology, offering advantages over lithium-ion systems in terms of cost, supply chain security, scale, and safety. Partnering with Jupiter Power, they are set to build the world's largest sodium-ion battery energy storage system, delivering a 720-megawatt system in 2027. This development comes as coal power plants in the US face challenges from falling costs of renewable energy and energy storage systems, leading to scheduled retirements. The shift towards cleaner energy sources is driven by factors such as grid conditions, rising electricity demand, and the need for more reliable and cost-effective energy solutions, highlighting the potential for reliable and economical energy storage systems to support the transition to renewable energy in the US.
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Australia’s most renewable grid sets spectacular new wind record as it awaits word on COP hosting bid
South Australia broke records for wind output and renewable energy share, reaching 155.1% of local demand, with an average share of 75% wind and solar aiming for 100% net renewables by 2027. New projects and battery storage are helping achieve this goal, reducing curtailment and reliance on fossil fuels. The state's transition to higher renewable shares and strong exports depends on storage, load-shifting, and additional transfer capacity. Join over 28,000 others in subscribing to the latest clean energy news from Giles Parkinson, founder of Renew Economy.