Australia has seen a surge in consumer-led energy storage with over 400,000 batteries installed in the past 10 months, totaling 11.2 GWh of storage capacity. The Cheaper Home Batteries program by the Australian government has been successful in promoting the adoption of rooftop solar and cleaner energy systems. Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen highlighted the positive impact of the program on reducing energy bills and supporting the grid. The initiative offers up to 30% discount on battery installation costs, with a tiered scheme based on battery size to encourage households to choose the right-sized battery. The program aims to deploy over 2 million batteries by 2030, contributing to a cleaner and more reliable energy system in Australia.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Australia’s biggest solar battery hybrid projects lock in finance in landmark deal to power heavy industry
Two of the biggest solar and battery hybrid projects in Australia, Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap, have reached financial close with the backing of 14 lenders. These projects will provide 600 MW of solar and 600 MW and 2,400 MWh of battery storage to help power aluminium smelters and refineries in Queensland as part of Rio Tinto's plan to transition to green energy and storage by 2029. The federal government's Capacity Investment Scheme is supporting the projects, which are crucial for reaching renewable energy targets and improving reliability as aging thermal generation retires. Edify is also developing the Hill wind farm in South Australia and the Jinbi solar farm in Western Australia, with strong community support and a focus on creating up to 800 jobs during construction, local procurement, and skills training. The financing package for these projects is a first for Australia and will set a foundation for future renewable energy projects, leaving a positive legacy in the region through a community benefits program.
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Solar will be largest power generator in “much changed” world by 2032, but battery storage is the big mover
Solar energy is projected to become the world's largest generator of electricity by 2032, driven by falling prices, battery storage, and electrification. The BloombergNEF New Energy Outlook for 2026 highlights the shift towards renewable energy and electricity-led era, emphasizing the importance of electrification, particularly in the transportation sector. BNEF forecasts that solar will become the largest zero-carbon source by the end of the decade and the single largest source of power generation by 2032. The report also underscores the need for significant global low-carbon investment to transition to cleaner energy systems, with a focus on achieving a Net Zero Scenario by 2050 through the deployment of viable technologies at scale and at a lower cost than fossil fuel alternatives.
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EVs equipped with vehicle-integrated PV could cover up to 80% of their electricity needs
A research project led by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has shown that vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) can significantly reduce strain on power grids, especially in the logistics sector with high electricity demands. Passenger cars in Central Europe could generate up to 55% of their electricity needs through onboard solar generation, while in Southern Europe, this could rise to 80%. VIPV systems have the potential to reduce charging costs, decrease the need for external charging infrastructure, and lower electricity demand from the European grid by 15.6 TWh by 2030 if all new vehicles sold between 2024 and 2030 were equipped with VIPV.
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Neighborhood Battery Combined With Solar & EV Chargers
Community solar power and battery projects, like the one in Clifton Hill, Australia, are expanding access to clean electricity for renters, apartment dwellers, and EV drivers. By utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, these projects not only reduce strain on the electricity network but also lower power prices. Electric vehicles play a crucial role in the transition to clean energy by storing electricity to support homes and grids, offering a sustainable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles that rely on dirty fuels.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/18/neighborhood-battery-combined-with-solar-ev-chargers/
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EU households could save over €2,200 a year by electrifying homes and transport – report
Transitioning from gas boilers to heat pumps and combustion engines to electric vehicles in the EU could save households around €2,220 a year, equivalent to almost two years of free heating. This analysis emphasizes the significant financial benefits of switching to cleaner energy sources, showcasing the potential for cost savings for consumers. By investing in these climate solutions, households can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also enjoy substantial savings on their energy bills. This shift towards cleaner energy sources is crucial for both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity in the long term.
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Ethiopia Leads EV Revolution In Africa
Ethiopia is leading the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa, with over 115,000 EVs on its roads, accounting for 8% of all cars. The country's shift towards EVs is driven by high fuel prices, shortages, and a ban on importing internal combustion engine vehicles. Ethiopia aims to reduce reliance on imported fuel, strengthen energy security, and promote green policies by increasing the number of EVs and doubling power generation through renewable sources. Despite challenges with charging infrastructure in rural areas and concerns about battery durability and depreciation, the transition to EVs in Ethiopia is seen as a way to reshape energy usage and benefit the country as a whole.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/17/ethiopia-leads-ev-revolution-in-africa/
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A detailed look at offshore wind in the US and globally
President Trump's decision to halt offshore wind projects in the U.S. contradicts the global trend of embracing offshore wind as a clean energy solution. Despite this, the U.S. has three operational offshore wind farms and more in development, with China leading the world in offshore wind capacity. Projects like Vineyard Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are crucial for producing clean energy and saving customers money on electricity bills. The financial impact of halting these projects includes a $10 billion loss in jobs and investments, as well as missed energy savings for ratepayers. Offshore wind development has brought $25.5 billion in investments to the U.S. and supports 18,000 jobs in the industry.
https://apnews.com/article/offshore-wind-energy-climate-trump-b8be5561c56d8932ef97fcbec9062fe1
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14 New EV Chargers To Be Installed In Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is expanding its public EV charging infrastructure with 14 new chargers at seven sites, adding to the existing 24 ports in the city. The move to electrification is seen as crucial in addressing climate change impacts and rising gas prices. The total cost for the new chargers is estimated at $217,297.08, making them affordable for the city. Electric vehicles can be charged with clean, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal, aligning with Aspen's 100% renewable energy goal and supporting the transition away from fossil fuels.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/17/14-new-ev-chargers-to-be-installed-in-aspen-colorado/
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“Remarkable milestone:” Bowen says home battery installations continue to surge, pass 400,000
Energy and climate minister Chris Bowen celebrates the success of the federal government's home battery rebate scheme, with over 400,000 installations in just over 10 months. Home batteries are helping to lower wholesale electricity prices and reduce the use of gas and coal during nighttime hours, with smaller batteries now favored over larger ones. The surge in home batteries and rooftop solar installations, highlighted by the CER's executive general manager Carl Binning, will help Australia meet its renewable energy target by 2030. To stay updated on clean energy news and support independent media, readers can subscribe to the free daily newsletter from Renew Economy and consider making donations or becoming regular supporters.