Australia’s Clean Energy Transition: Key Developments in Renewables, Storage, and Policy

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News and Analysis for the Clean Energy Economy

Featured Articles

Bids for Australia’s Biggest Wind and Solar Tender Close on Tuesday. Will It Be the Last?
Giles Parkinson – Feb 17, 2025
The closing of bids for what may be Australia’s largest wind and solar tender raises questions about its future viability.

NSW Green Bank Targets Batteries, Pumped Hydro, and VPPs to Fill Gaps in Transition from Coal
Giles Parkinson – Feb 14, 2025
The newly established green bank in New South Wales aims to focus on large-scale and community batteries, pumped hydro, and virtual power plants to facilitate the energy transition.

Surge in Solar, Wind, and Battery Investment Sets Pace for 82% Target. Can Australia Keep It Up?
Sophie Vorrath – Feb 12, 2025
Investment in renewables is ramping up, but the question remains whether Australia can sustain the momentum.

Latest Updates

Big Battery Begins Exporting Power to the Grid Near Victoria’s “Rhombus of Regret”
Sophie Vorrath – Feb 18, 2025
A new large battery in north-west Victoria has started supplying energy to the grid, enhancing grid stability and accommodating new renewable sources.

Researchers Successfully Recycle Perovskite Solar Cells Using Water-Based “Green Solvent”
Rachel Williamson – Feb 18, 2025
Scientists in Sweden have achieved a remarkable feat by recycling 99% of a perovskite solar cell using a green method involving water, salts, and acid.

Saudi Arabia Signs World’s Largest Battery Storage Deal with China’s BYD
Rachel Williamson – Feb 18, 2025
BYD will deliver five large battery storage projects to Saudi Arabia as the nation strives to meet its renewable energy objectives.

Giant Four-Hour Battery Project Proposed Next to New England Solar Farm
Sophie Vorrath – Feb 18, 2025
Plans for a 1,600 MWh battery project adjacent to an existing solar farm are currently seeking federal environmental approval.

Commentary

Remarkable Photos Highlight the Illogical Placement of Snowy’s Hunter Gas Power Plant
Ted Woodley – Feb 18, 2025
Recent images illustrate the poorly planned location of Snowy Hydro’s Kurri Kurri gas plant, which requires extensive storage facilities and cannot provide consistent power output.

Fossil Fuel Subsidies Now Exceed $A2 Trillion in G7 Countries
As the energy landscape evolves, big batteries are emerging as a significant player in evening peak demands, surpassing gas in importance.

“We’re Going to Miss the Bus” If We Wait for Nuclear, Says New Chief Scientist
Concerns grow over waiting for nuclear energy solutions as the urgency for renewable energy escalates.

Podcasts

SwitchedOn Podcast: Alan Pears on Fixing Australia’s Energy System
Feb 17, 2025
Insights on how to improve the current energy system.

Energy Insiders Podcast: Are Renewables Back on Track?
Feb 14, 2025
Discussion on the current state and future of renewable energy.

SwitchedOn Podcast: Renewables Must Fit Communities, Not the Other Way Around
Feb 12, 2025
Exploring the integration of renewable energy into local communities.

Key Insights

1. Australia’s Most Coal-Dependent State Takes Title of World’s Most Volatile Electricity Market
   New research reveals that an Australian state has the most unstable electricity market globally, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

2. Australians Want Renewables to Replace Coal but Underestimate the Timeframe
   A new survey indicates widespread support for transitioning from fossil fuels, yet many are unaware of the imminent shutdowns of coal plants.

3. Floating Solar Technology Set to Harvest Clean Power and Water in Australia
   Innovative agreements are paving the way for the implementation of floating solar technology in Australia.

For more updates and detailed articles, visit our main site.
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