02/12/2024
A bold step toward a hydrogen future: South Australia’s innovative move to 100% hydrogen-powered gas turbines
South Australia is making a significant advancement in renewable energy with a groundbreaking agreement secured at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The state has partnered with ATCO Australia and global tech leader GE Vernova to create a world-first innovation—enabling gas turbines to run on 100% renewable hydrogen. The potential benefits of hydrogen extend beyond electricity generation. The fuel can be used in a variety of sectors, including transport, industry, and heating, providing a versatile solution to the energy challenges of the future. With this project, South Australia is laying the foundation for a hydrogen economy that could help decarbonise multiple sectors, contributing to the country’s wider efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2024/11/21/a-bold-step-toward-a-hydrogen-future-south-australias-innovative-move-to-100-hydrogen-powered-gas-turbines/
25/11/2024
South Australia may provide financial support for gas-fired power plants
South Australia proposes a "Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism" that includes existing and future gas generators, despite the federal government's exclusion of fossil fuels from its Capacity Investment Scheme. The state aims to reach 100% net renewables by 2027 but faces challenges with long-duration storage, leading it to consider gas-fired generation as a solution to ensure reliability and resilience.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australia-may-underwrite-gas-generators-in-new-plan-to-back-up-100-pct-net-renewables-target/
Gas lobby hoorays South Australia capacity payment plan as clean energy industry fears backward step
The Australian gas lobby has welcomed a proposal by the South Australia state government to create a new capacity payment scheme that would include existing and future fossil fuel generators, but the renewables industry has labelled it a backward step. The state is already at more than 70% wind and solar and needs long-duration back-up, but the eligibility of gas generators to the scheme has sparked controversy. The gas lobby supports the scheme, while the renewables industry argues it is a step backwards and that more emphasis should be placed on demand-side measures and clean firming capacity.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/gas-lobby-hoorays-south-australia-capacity-payment-plan-as-clean-energy-industry-fears-backward-step/
19/11/2024
Australia’s biggest battery projects in SA by connection and storage capacity
As Renew Economy reported, the size of big battery projects in Australia is increasing significantly, with the country's first big battery at Hornsdale in South Australia being dwarfed by the scale of the battery projects now under construction, such as the Collie battery being built by Hornsdale owner Neoen, which has nearly 20 times the storage capacity. However, the Collie battery does not even make the list of the top 10 battery projects currently proposed for Australia's main grids, either in terms of connection capacity or storage capacity.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/graph-of-the-day-australias-biggest-battery-projects-by-connection-and-storage-capacity/
14/11/2024
Investing in energy equity for South Australia
Social housing tenants will get energy bill relief through the storage and timely use of cheaper and cleaner solar energy with the launch of the Edwardstown and Magill Community Batteries. The Community Batteries for Household Solar program empowers communities to share in the renewable energy transformation, whether they have rooftop solar or not. The Australian Government is rolling out more than 420 community batteries across the country, with the first two 405 kWh battery energy storage systems installed in Edwardstown and Magill by the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining. These batteries will see eligible 600 SA Housing Trust households save around $550 a year through a retail tariff 25% below the Default Market Offer in SA, with around 10,000 SA Housing Trust tenants ultimately benefiting from the tariff reduction.
https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/home/news/latest/investing-in-energy-equity-for-south-australia
20 October,2024
Construction underway on first 300MWh battery in massive solar and storage hub
Australia, in the first stage of a proposed $2 billion series of solar and storage projects being built in the region by Canadian renewables developer Amp Energy. Amp is developing the Bungama Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as part of the Renewable Energy Hub of South Australia, which will include a total of 640MW of battery storage and 1.4GW of solar farms across Bungama, Roberstown and Whyalla. Amp has selected Finish group Wärtsilä to supply the Bungama BESS and provide a long-term service agreement for the 150MW/300MWh big battery. Enerven has been appointed as balance of plant contractor for the project. Amp is committed to supporting South Australia achieve its ambitious net 100 per cent renewable energy target by 2027. The projects are expected to help propel South Australia beyond its target of net 100 per cent renewables.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/construction-underway-on-first-300mwh-battery-in-massive-solar-and-storage-hub/
3/09/2024
South Australia to enshrine 100 pct net renewable target in law as BHP looks to double smelting capacity
The South Australian government plans to legally establish its ambitious 100% net renewable energy target, while mining giant BHP aims to double its refining and smelting capacity in the state. With over 70% of its local demand already met by wind and solar energy, the state is a global leader in renewable energy. Furthermore, it has expedited its target to achieve 100% net renewables from 2030 to 2027, coinciding with the completion of a new transmission link to New South Wales.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australia-to-enshrine-100-pct-net-renewable-target-in-law-as-bhp-looks-to-double-smelting-capacity/
South Australia to enshrine 100 pct net renewable target in law as BHP looks to double smelting capacity
The South Australia Labor government is to enshrine its world-leading 100 per cent net renewable energy target into law, as mining giant BHP looks to double its refining and smelting capacity in the state.The state is already a world leader with more than 70 per cent of its local demand met by wind and solar, and it recently accelerated its target of 100 per cent net renewables from 2030 to 2027, when a new transmission link to NSW will be completed.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australia-to-enshrine-100-pct-net-renewable-target-in-law-as-bhp-looks-to-double-smelting-capacity/
Regional Migration Settings discussion paper will be presented to regional business owners.
The Australian Government's Migration Strategy has introduced a new vision for Australia's migration system. This strategy includes a policy roadmap with 8 key actions, as well as over 25 new policy commitments and areas for future reform. As part of the Migration Strategy, the Department of Home Affairs is dedicated to evaluating regional migration settings and the Working Holiday Maker program to ensure that migration supports development objectives in regional Australia and does not contribute to the exploitation of migrant workers.
https://sabusinesschamber.com.au/news/regional-migration-settings-discussion-paper-to-be-presented-to-regional-business-owners
.$1.5 million funding boost for South Australia's community centres
The new funding, initiated by Minister for Human Services Nat Cook, acknowledges the important work of community centers in organizing programs and activities that help strengthen local communities. One-off grants will be available to support community centers that are not already funded through the existing Community and Neighborhood Development Program run by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Eligible centers can apply for grants of up to $30,000 each in the Grants SA 2024-25 Community Centers Round, which is now open for applications.
https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/$1.5-million-funding-boost-for-south-australias-community-centres
South Australia is preparing for an aging population in the future.
South Australia's planning system has once again been recognized as the top-performing system in the nation. It has been ranked number one in the Retirement Living Council's national planning report card, excelling across four key pillars: legislative framework, efficiency, clarity, and progressive planning.
https://www.premier.sa.gov
08/08/2024
The energy retailer responsible for the shared renewables collective has collapsed amidst recent market turmoil.
Australia's electricity market instability has led to the closure of Maximum Energy, a small retailer with a focus on renewables. The company, which had around 800 customers, has gone into liquidation, and its customer base has been divided among the three major electricity generation and retail companies. The Australian Energy Regulator issued a notice last Friday, stating that Maximum Energy Retail Pty Ltd (trading as Circular Energy) was suspended from trading as of midnight on August 02 due to its failure to comply with electricity wholesale market settlement requirements.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/energy-retailer-behind-shared-renewables-collective-collapses-amid-fresh-market-turmoil/
South Australia’s hopes of reaching world-first 100 pct net renewables by 2027 hit new hurdles
The unexpected delay in Australia's largest transmission project could have broader implications beyond the transition from coal in NSW. It may also pose challenges for South Australia in achieving its newly expedited goal of reaching 100% net renewable energy by 2027. South Australia already boasts the world's highest share of wind and solar in a gigawatt-scale grid, with a 75% share in the past 12 months. Its target of achieving 100% net renewables (meaning it will still import and export power with other states) by 2030 was recently brought forward to 2027.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australias-hopes-of-reaching-world-first-100-pct-net-renewables-by-2027-hit-new-hurdles/
29/07/2024
Australia's most successful grid-scale battery developer reinvents itself"
One of the most fascinating aspects of the green energy transition in recent years has been the rapid growth in the battery storage sector. The best developers have slowly uncovered the multiple uses that can be applied in the grid. Battery storage is often referred to as the Swiss Army Knife of the grid because, unlike virtually any other grid asset, it has the speed and flexibility to perform multiple tasks, from storing and time-shifting solar energy to acting as a peaking plant, addressing frequency control, and providing other grid services such as inertia, system strength, and network support.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/you-have-to-be-creative-why-australias-most-successful-grid-scale-battery-developer-reinvents-itself/
South Australia has achieved a new wind and solar energy record as it makes significant progress towards its fast-tracked goal of reaching 100% renewable energy.
South Australia has achieved a new record for wind and solar output as the state progresses towards its accelerated target of reaching "net" 100% renewable energy. The combined output of wind and solar reached a new peak of 3,143.3 MW, according to GPE NEMLog, a data provider. This surpasses the previous peak of 3,106 MW set just a few days earlier. The state government recently announced that the target of "net" 100% renewables has been fast-tracked to 2027, three years ahead of the original 2030 timeline, in acknowledgment of the significant progress of wind, solar, and battery projects already under construction or committed.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australia-hits-new-wind-and-solar-record-as-it-surges-towards-fast-tracked-100-pct-renewable-target/
AEMO warns of reliability risks in mainland Australia due to energy transition challenges.
The Australian Energy Market Operator is warning of “reliability gaps” without the ‘timely’ delivery of more transmission and energy infrastructure. Millions of Australians are at risk of experiencing electricity blackouts unless there is an "urgent" improvement in energy and transmission infrastructure, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator. This warning comes as delays accumulate in green energy projects and traditional power sources go offline.
https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/aemo-warns-of-reliability-risks-across-mainland-australia-as-energy-transition-stumbles/news-story/dcd1b4b084a64f19c93bb0a4337b4b22
Delays identified in South Australia's largest wind project as compensation claims support Neoen's earnings.
French renewable and storage developer Neoen has reported delays in one of its flagship wind projects, along with decreases in revenue and profits in the first half. These declines are largely attributed to new projects transitioning from merchant prices to fixed price contracts. Neoen’s half-year presentation reveals that the first stage of the 412-megawatt (MW) Goyder South wind project in South Australia, which is the largest in the state, is now expected to reach commercial operations date (COD) in early 2025, instead of the previously advised last quarter of 2024.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/delays-flagged-for-south-australias-biggest-wind-project-as-damages-claims-prop-up-neoen-earnings/
23/07/2024
Businesses get moving on reducing plastic waste
The South Australian Government has allocated $100,000 to support the expansion of the Fleurieu Milk Company’s innovative milk keg initiative, aimed at reducing the use of plastic milk containers in cafes and restaurants. The introduction of reusable milk kegs and glass bottles has significantly decreased the number of plastic milk cartons utilized in the local hospitality industry, resulting in a reduction of 128,000 plastic bottles since its launch in October last year.
https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/businesses-get-mooving-on-reducing-plastic-waste
22/07/2024
Climate impact corporation announces 410GW Renewbale hydrogen projects in SA.
Climate Impact Corporation (CIC), a prominent international developer of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects, has announced plans to develop two 10GW green hydrogen projects in central Australia using its own renewable hydrogen production modular technology. This announcement is supported by CIC's collaboration with GE Vernova to create self-contained modules that produce zero-carbon hydrogen. The implementation of these projects is facilitated by CIC's secure equipment supply chain, including onshore manufacturing of equipment.
https://australianmanufacturingnews.com/climate-impact-corporation-announces-10gw-renewable-hydrogen-projects-in-south-australia-and-northern-territory/
16/07/2024
South Australia has secured federal funds to become the first grid in the world to achieve 100% net wind and solar energy.
South Australia has locked in federal funding to ensure that it becomes the first non-hydro grid in the world to reach 100 per cent net renewables.The funding deal – through what’s known as a Renewable Energy Transformation Agreement – means that the federal government will underwrite a minimum one gigawatt of new wind and solar generation capacity and another 400 MW (1,600 MWh) of storage – to ensure it meets its target of 100 per cent net renewables by 2027.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australia-locks-in-federal-funds-to-become-first-grid-in-world-to-reach-100-per-cent-net-wind-and-solar/
09/07/2024
Nuclear power should be included in the energy debate.
Nuclear technology offers the best environmental outcome compared to other generation technologies. However, many individuals in the environmental movement are opposed to nuclear power. This opposition is not based on environmental concerns, but rather stems from the lingering influence of the 1960s antinuclear weapons movement and the alignment of some green activists with the commercial interests of the renewables lobby. Alternatively, it may be due to blindly conforming to party political positions.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/why-nuclear-power-must-be-a-part-of-the-energy-debate/news-story/dc0502b685cd014eb52424d3334decdf
Booming 3D printing sector utilising recyclable hard plastics
UNSW Smart Centre Founder and Director Professor Veena Sahajwalla discusses the transformation of hard plastic rubbish from computers and other electronics into usable stock for the growing 3D printing sector in an interview with Sky News Australia. She also mentions the new partnership between the University of New South Wales and Renew IT, an IT asset management firm, and highlights the issue of obsolete equipment ending up in landfills when they reach the end of their life.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/booming-3d-printing-sector-utilising-recyclable-hard-plastics/video/b8f26be1bb2fe8b600e07224599d6f9b
02/07/2024
Port Augusta in South Australia is being considered as one of the potential sites for nuclear by Federal Opposition Leader
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has proposed seven sites for the construction of nuclear reactors, if their government comes to power in next year federal elections. Under the plan, existing coal-fired power plant sites would be repurposed for nuclear reactors in Liddell and Mount Piper (NSW), Loy Yang (Vic), Tarong and Callide (Qld), Port Augusta (SA), and Collie (WA). “The first two reactors would come online in 2035 – 37,” Mr Dutton stated.
https://sabusinesschamber.com.au/news/port-augusta-among-proposed-sites-for-nuclear-reactors-if-coalition-wins-2025-election
