Renewable Energy
30th April 2024
Emissions projections show NSW needs to redouble climate efforts to meet targets
The latest emissions projections for NSW confirm the need for further action to meet reduction targets. The updated NSW Emissions Dashboard indicates an expected 44% to 50% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030, and 65% to 70% by 2035. These projections are presented as a range to account for long-term uncertainty across various sectors. This update revises the previous figures downward, reflecting the challenges in decarbonization efforts across sectors.
7th May 2024
Boosting renewable energy zones in NSW
The Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in New South Wales received a significant boost with the introduction of new access schemes and storage investment. These New access schemes are part of the NSW Government’s plan to coordinate and encourage renewable energy, aiming to expedite the integration of REZs with the energy grid. Access rights are now available in the Central-West Orana REZ near Dubbo and the South West REZ around HAY locations, providing assurance for renewable energy sector investors. These rights establish limits on the number of generation and storage projects that can connect to the network infrastructure in each zone.
https://www.energytodaymag.com.au/boosting-renewable-energy-zones-in-nsw/
20th May 2024
Funding for the improvement of hydrogen technology in NSW
The Australian Government has announced a significant investment in Hysata, a company based in Illawarra in NSW, that specializes in high-efficiency green hydrogen electrolyzers. This $15 million investment, facilitated by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), is part of a larger $172 million expansion plan at Hysata's Port Kembla facility. The aim is to achieve gigawatt-scale production of green hydrogen, which is considered a crucial fuel for decarbonizing heavy industries. This increased efficiency would translate to reduced energy usage and lower costs for green hydrogen production.
https://www.energytodaymag.com.au/hydrogen-tech-receives-funding-boost/
27 May 2024
1. Eraring Power Station will continue to generate electricity.
The New South Wales Government and Origin Energy to extend the operation of the Eraring Power Station until August 2027. This extension aims to ensure a smooth transition from coal-fired power to renewable energy, maintaining a reliable electricity supply for homes, businesses, and industry. The agreement is designed to guarantee a minimum electricity supply until the new expected closure date of August 2027, addressing energy reliability risks identified in the latest AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator)analysis. The temporary extension of Eraring will provide the necessary time to develop renewable energy, storage, and network infrastructure projects to replace the power station.
https://www.energymagazine.com.au/eraring-power-station-operations-extended-by-two-years/
Australia's first nuclear power plant is projected to be operational by 2040 and could require an investment of AS$17 billion - says Report
The partnership for nuclear energy in Australia has emphasized two main points: cheap electricity and the potential for deployment within a decade. However, CSIRO's (Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation,NSW) latest GenCost report contradicts both of these claims, making it more difficult for the Coalition to sell the idea of nuclear power plants to Australians. The CSIRO suggests that a first nuclear plant, based on a set of generous assumptions, would not deliver power before 2040 and could potentially cost over $17 billion.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-22/nuclear-power-double-the-cost-of-renewables/103868728
11 June 2024
NSW greenlights AS$ 207.6 mln Green Hydrogen Hub
New South Wales Government has approved a AU$ 207.6 million green hydrogen hub at Kooragang Island in the Hunter. The project, led by Origin Future Fuels, is a significant step in the state’s renewable sector. The hub will initially provide around 55 megawatts of electrolyser capacity by 2026 and plans to scale up to over 1 gigawatt over the next decade. The green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis, will serve as a feedstock in industrial processes and a fuel source in the transport sector. The hub will primarily supply Orica’s nearby ammonium nitrate manufacturing facility and is expected to save more than 52,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually from Orica’s facility.
https://www.energytodaymag.com.au/nsw-greenlights-207-6m-green-hydrogen-hub/
12 June 2024
Launch of NSW's largest long-term storage facility
New South Wales has launched a large energy storage tender to support steady and reliable energy supply. The aim is to transition to renewable energy, reduce emissions, and meet net zero targets. The tender offers financial support for up to 1 gigawatt of projects that can release energy into the grid for at least eight hours, equivalent to the daily energy consumption of around 505,000 households. This will bring NSW closer to its target of 2 gigawatts of new long-duration storage by 2030. Possible options for this type of storage include pumped hydro, batteries, compressed air storage, and other similar technologies.
https://www.energytodaymag.com.au/nsw-launches-largest-long-duration-storage-tender/
Boosting renewable energy zones in NSW
The Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in New South Wales received a significant boost with the introduction of new access schemes and storage investment. These New access schemes are part of the NSW Government’s plan to coordinate and encourage renewable energy, aiming to expedite the integration of REZs with the energy grid. Access rights are now available in the Central-West Orana REZ near Dubbo and the South West REZ around HAY locations, providing assurance for renewable energy sector investors. These rights establish limits on the number of generation and storage projects that can connect to the network infrastructure in each zone.
https://www.energytodaymag.com.au/boosting-renewable-energy-zones-in-nsw/
