Power in numbers … what energy market research tells us about the outlook for renewables and the flexibility of coal and gas
In a connected energy system where dispatchable sources are being replaced by flighty renewables, incumbents and backers of new technology are poring over a new source of market intelligence – because data is knowledge.
Ten years under the sun … the solar company that learnt to stay a step ahead
Melbourne-based Clean Technology Partners shares some wisdom gleaned from 10 years of trying to stay ahead in a relentless sector.
Against the odds, South Australia is a renewable energy powerhouse. How on Earth did they do it?
South Australia shows how good public policy can enable dramatic emissions reduction, even in a privately owned electricity system.
New inverter standard to manage ‘tripping’, allow more rooftop solar into the grid
A rule change from December will see inverters in new or upgraded rooftop PV systems meet regulations that encourage more solar.
Surging renewables will see early exit for coal: IEEFA
A report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis predicts some coal generators will become unviable as they are squeezed by high costs and falling revenues.
CEC and CER crack down on STC compliance
Installers who break the rules for claiming STCs are on notice, writes Robbie Nichols of the Clean Energy Council.
Ausgrid’s community battery strategy targets flexibility in the network
Ausgrid hopes its trial of community batteries in and near Sydney will be a first step in a major rollout of shared storage.
Network offers free EV top-ups to boost touring
A rollout of chargers available free-of-charge in weeny towns around Victoria will nudge the uptake of EVs, a new venture hopes.
Demand response … gigawatts waiting in the wings
There is vast potential for many energy users and all consumers to benefit as demand response is understood and better utilised, writes Marija Petkovic.
Ausgrid connects 267kWh Sydney community battery, the first of three
The Sydney network has committed to a trial to test whether community storage can settle voltage levels as demand for rooftop solar continues.
ARENA pushes EVs forward with $16.5m fast-charge funding boost
Fast-charging stations in major population centres will be delivered to set motorists’ minds at ease about the inevitable transition.
How hot-water batteries can soak up solar
A trial in South Australia will test the load-shifting potential of a virtual power plant of residential hot-water systems.
Demand for corporate PPAs rockets ahead in 2020 … but what comes next?
After a record year for corporate renewable PPAs in Australia, Chris Briggs assesses the prospects for 2021.
CEP.Energy plans world’s largest grid-scale battery in NSW
The 1.2GW battery is strategically located to ease the way for future renewables projects.
Networks gear up to manage EV demand on the grid
A trial to coordinate EV charging at 176 homes will test networks’ tolerance for increasing demand on the grid as the national fleet is upgraded.
Re-charged … EV batteries’ second life as C&I storage
Retired EV batteries packaged into C&I-scale storage solutions will appeal to owners of medium-sized PV systems who feel storage is beyond their budgets.
Hero in waiting … the clean catalyst that can knock out coal
A clean source of heat has the potential to extend the lifetimes of the thermal plants that deliver stability in the grid.
CitiPower ponders community battery rollout for Melbourne
The network is moving to pre-empt solar-related constraints with a plan that could see hundreds of storage assets connected by 2030.
How home batteries can solve the grid’s woes
Batteries may be expensive but modelling shows how residential storage can be a powerful force in steadying a grid in transition.
ARENA backs waste-to-energy plant in regional WA
A council-scale waste-to-energy plant in Western Australia will trial a technology that produces biofuel and biochar.
Gale force … pressure builds in the wind project pipeline
The project pipeline for wind farms around Australia is filling faster than ever before, writes Jeremy Chunn. Whether these future facilities will power the NEM or hydrogen exports, it’s clear that investors back the technology. But will the wind buildout be a breeze?
Solar reaches 20GW as rooftop PV grows 40% despite pandemic hit to economy
Last year saw record growth for rooftop solar installations, with 40% more systems installed than 2019. Australia now hosts about 20GW of PV capacity.
Big systems and big savings … solar installer profile
Customers who use a lot of electricity make great PV-and-storage customers, says Sydney Solar Electricity owner Chris Pond.
Focus sharpens on solar training
The solar sector – utility-scale and rooftop systems big and small – will see steady growth for at least the next two decades as coal is replaced. The institutions that train PV installers will be busier and more scrutinised than ever, writes Jeremy Chunn.
