energy storage Archives - Energy Source & Distribution https://esdnews.com.au/tag/energy-storage/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:55:50 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 AVESS inks vanadium flow battery demo deal with Atlantic https://esdnews.com.au/avess-inks-deal-atlantic-vanadium-to-demonstrate-vanadium-battery/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:53:00 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=43462 Australian energy storage solutions business AVESS Energy has inked an agreement with vanadium developer Atlantic Vanadium to demonstrate its 50kW/250kWh vanadium flow battery (VFB) prototype. AVESS will demonstrate its VFB […]

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Australian energy storage solutions business AVESS Energy has inked an agreement with vanadium developer Atlantic Vanadium to demonstrate its 50kW/250kWh vanadium flow battery (VFB) prototype.

AVESS will demonstrate its VFB prototype at Atlantic’s world-class Windimurra Vanadium Project, located 670km north of Perth and 80km from Mount Magnet, Western Australia.

Related article: AVESS to build vanadium flow battery plant in South Korea

The demonstration will integrate AVESS’ VFB prototype and solar PV into an existing disconnected microgrid to power non-essential loads on the Windimurra Vanadium Mine campsite.

Close-up of AVESS Energy vanadium flow battery interior
AVESS Energy’s vanadium flow battery prototype

The Atlantic partnership signifies a transformational opportunity for AVESS to validate its VFB technology with a proven vanadium developer while cementing AVESS’ position in the Australian mining sector and growing its VFB market share.

The two businesses will now work towards regulatory approvals and definitive agreements.

AVESS Energy managing director Young Yu said, “We are grateful for this opportunity to showcase our VFB, and we look forward to growing our partnership with Atlantic.

Related article: AVESS rebrands, reveals five-hour vanadium flow battery

“The deployment of our 50Kw/250Kwh VFB at Windimurra represents a significant milestone for AVESS Energy.

“This exciting partnership is another step towards the development of the local vanadium supply chain.”

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Sodium-ion batteries to spark renewable energy revolution https://esdnews.com.au/sodium-ion-batteries-set-to-spark-a-renewable-energy-revolution/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 21:00:33 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=43221 But a new way to firm up the world’s electricity grids is fast developing: sodium-ion batteries.

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By Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University

The extent to which renewables should dominate Australia’s energy grids is a major issue in science and politics. Solar and wind are clearly now the cheapest form of electricity. But limits to these technologies can undermine the case for a renewables-only electricity mix.

The challenges posed by solar and wind generators are real. They are inherently variable, producing electricity only when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing. To ensure reliable energy supplies, grids dominated by renewables need “firming” capacity: back-up technology that can supply electricity on demand.

Some, including the Albanese government, argue gas-fired generators are needed to fill the gap. Others, such as the Coalition, say renewables can’t “keep the lights on” at all and Australia should pursue nuclear energy instead.

But a new way to firm up the world’s electricity grids is fast developing: sodium-ion batteries. This emerging energy storage technology could be a game-changer—enabling our grids to run on 100% renewables.

Related article: Sodium ion batteries could be a game-changer

Sodium-ion batteries: pros and cons

Energy storage collects excess energy generated by renewables, stores it then releases it on demand, to help ensure a reliable supply. Such facilities provide either short or long-term (more than 100 hours) storage.

At present, lithium-ion batteries are the primary storage technology but are best for short-term storage. Sodium-ion batteries are now almost ready to fill the long-term storage gap.
As the name suggests, sodium-ion batteries contain sodium (symbol Na), an element found in salt. The technology involves the movement of sodium ions between positive and negative poles, which creates a charge.

The technology used in sodium-ion batteries is similar to that of lithium-ion batteries. In fact, as others have noted, factories currently producing lithium batteries could easily and cheaply move to sodium batteries.

And sodium is a far more abundant material than lithium, and potentially cheaper to extract.

Some types of lithium mining require a lot of water and energy and have led to local pollution, such as in South America’s alpine lakes. The pollution issues are far fewer, however, in Australian hard-rock lithium.

Lithium processing plant in Western Australia
A lithium processing plant in WA

The recycling and disposal of lithium batteries is challenging—though much easier than recycling carbon from fossil fuels.

In terms of performance, sodium batteries hold their charge for much longer than lithium batteries.

But as with any technology, sodium-ion batteries present challenges. Sodium ions are bigger and heavier than lithium ions. This means the batteries are less energy-dense than their lithium counterparts, and so require more space and material to store the same amount of charge.

This is improving, however. According to one analysis, the energy density of sodium-based batteries in 2022 was equal to that of lower-end lithium-ion batteries a decade earlier.
And ongoing research and development means their energy-density continues to increase.

Getting to market

As with all promising technologies, a key question for sodium-ion batteries is when they might become widely commercialised.

To answer that, we may look to recent analysis based on a method developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It suggests sodium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly competitive on cost – and so may enter the global market as early as 2027.

The analysis suggested sodium-ion batteries would soon match the cost of using gas-fired power as a firming energy source.

Similarly, an assessment by the United States energy department in September last year found sodium-ion batteries are “expected to adopt a significant market share by 2030”.

It said the technology could become a competitive replacement for lead-acid or lithium-iron phosphate batteries in both small-scale vehicle electrification and “behind-the-meter” applications such as backing up home solar panel systems.

A lab researcher holding a full-cell sodium-ion battery pouch (sparc)
A researcher holding a full-cell sodium-ion battery pouch (University of Wollongong)

The analysis found current and planned manufacturing of sodium-ion batteries was concentrated in China and Europe, and several large battery producers were “projecting large-scale manufacturing facilities in the near future”.

They include Chinese electric motor vehicle company BYD, which has reportedly started constructing a sodium-ion battery facility in Xuzhou.

In Australia, United Kingdom-based battery company Faradion installed small stationary modules in Victoria’s Yarra Valley in 2022.

Related article: Swedes spruik ‘best-in-class’ 160Wh/kg sodium-ion battery

Keeping our options open

A recent plan by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) suggests coal-fired power will be phased out by 2035. But the plan suggests a significant amount of gas will remain in the grid.

The AEMO analysis did not look at the potential for long-duration energy storage to compete with gas. However, the development of technologies such as sodium-ion batteries suggests we should question AEMO’s assumed need for gas in future.

Disruptive innovations grow quickly and exponentially. We need only look to the annual growth rates for existing clean energy technologies such as solar (29%), wind (14%), electric vehicles (54%) and battery storage (52%).

The Climate Change Authority is currently assessing Australia’s potential technology transition and emission pathways as we head towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Within the review’s scope is to examine which technologies may be deployed in each sector to support emissions reductions.

The potential of sodium-ion batteries suggests policies put forward by the authority should not lock in polluting options for the electricity sector, such as gas-fired power. Cleaner alternatives are likely to be commercial in a few years—and the stability of our climate depends on planning for them.

Disclosure statement: Peter Newman received funding from the Australian Government to attend IPCC author meetings over the past 15 years.

Republished from The Conversation under Creative Commons

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NSW at risk of ‘diluting’ long-duration energy storage plan https://esdnews.com.au/nsw-warned-against-diluting-long-duration-energy-storage-plan/ Wed, 03 Jul 2024 23:54:55 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=43002 New South Wales’ electricity system will be at risk if the government dilutes its own planning for long-duration electricity storage, the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Australian […]

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New South Wales’ electricity system will be at risk if the government dilutes its own planning for long-duration electricity storage, the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Australian Solar Thermal Energy Association (AUSTELA) have warned in a submission paper.

NSW’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is considering changing its definition of long duration storage from eight hours to four hours to help meet legislated targets to have 2GW at 16GWh of storage by 2030.

Related article: Neoen to build first long-duration battery in Western Australia

ASTRI and AUSTELA have expressed concern that the change would disincentivise the construction of 12-hour-plus storage technologies, which are critical to ensuring the reliability and affordability of NSW’s electricity system as coal is phased out.

ASTRI and AUSTELA advocate consideration of concentrated solar thermal power and storage (CSP) systems, where mirrors capture the sun’s heat and store it in molten salt. The stored heat can then be used, on demand, as required to drive a turbine which generates power, typically for around 15 hours but up to 24 hours in some formats.

ASTRI director Dominic Zaal said his organisation and AUSTELA had made a joint submission to the department expressing caution against the proposal to redefine long-duration storage because of the risk it posed to the system, and because changing the definition of LDS would not resolve the challenges that NSW is facing.

Closeup of mirrors facing the sun at CSIRO's solar thermal research facility
Mirrors facing the sun at CSIRO’s solar thermal research facility

“The problem for New South Wales is that in the next decade, three of the four remaining coal-fired power stations will close, and that removes around 70% of the system’s capacity,” he said.

“Coal generators cover the overnight electricity market and they are the safety net for renewables’ reliability events. When you build renewable storage to replace coal, four-hour battery systems are not enough and do not resolve the issue.”

Zaal said the shift in focus away from long-duration intraday storage to short duration battery storage was a false economy.

“While it might help to meet a short-term target, it will ultimately end up costing consumers more because you end up with over investment in short duration storage, at the expense of the longer duration storage the system actually needs. In essence, you pay to defer the problem, but not to actually fix it.

Related article: Muswellbrook Pumped Hydro named critical infrastructure

“The obvious renewable technologies to cover the retired coal assets in NSW are pumped-hydro and CSP.

“According to CSIRO’s Renewable Energy Storage Roadmap, they are the long-duration intraday storage options that are cheaper than battery at eight hours, and they have between 12 and 24 hours of storage. They also produce power from synchronous/turbine technology, meaning solar thermal and pumped-hydro offer stability services to the system operator.”

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Townsville to get local renewable energy zone pilot https://esdnews.com.au/townsville-to-get-local-renewable-energy-zone-pilot/ Tue, 25 Jun 2024 21:00:17 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=42895 A Local Renewable Energy Zone (LREZ) will be established in Townsville in North Queensland to help the community generate more renewable energy, store it and share it locally across the […]

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A Local Renewable Energy Zone (LREZ) will be established in Townsville in North Queensland to help the community generate more renewable energy, store it and share it locally across the electricity infrastructure that already exists.

Working hand-in-hand with Energy Queensland’s local network-connected batteries, LREZs will allow the benefits of renewable energy to be shared amongst all customers, especially those who haven’t been able to invest in solar power, for one reason or another.

Related article: Caloundra to get local renewable energy zone pilot

That includes renters, vulnerable customers and those who live in unit complexes.

The LREZ will work by allowing households with rooftop solar to transfer the energy they generate during the day into local batteries, to be transferred back to additional households during the night time, when the sun isn’t shining, but energy usage is at its peak.

That means households that have not previously had access to cheaper electricity generated through rooftop solar will now be able to access the benefits.

The Queensland Government will fund $40 million for the Townsville LREZ pilot project which will see the deployment of up to 8.4MW/18.8MWh of battery storage and support up to an additional 2.8MW of solar PV, and 0.9MW of demand management.

The benefits will be shared across residential and commercial customer sites in Townsville, starting from January 2025.

This is one of two LREZ projects funded in the Queensland Government State Budget, following the announcement of the Caloundra LREZ.

The funding includes $3 million to optimise the size of behind the meter customer assets such as solar PV, batteries, home energy management systems and dynamic connections for the Townsville LREZ pilot project.

Related article: Queensland pumps $26 billion into renewables race

Energy Queensland has also received the go-ahead for another 18 local network-connected batteries which will play a major role in the transition to help deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy for future generations.

Locals can register their interest to participate here.

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Nectr and Tesla team up to deliver energy storage solutions https://esdnews.com.au/nectr-and-tesla-team-up-to-deliver-energy-storage-solutions/ Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:28:35 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=42847 Australian electricity retailer Nectr has joined with leading home battery manufacturer Tesla to deliver home energy storage solutions and new plans to help lower household power bills. Related article: Nectr […]

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Australian electricity retailer Nectr has joined with leading home battery manufacturer Tesla to deliver home energy storage solutions and new plans to help lower household power bills.

Related article: Nectr inks renewables deal with Cumberland Council

Tesla’s Powerwall2, is now part of the suite of home batteries offered as part of Nectr’s solar and battery bundles. In addition, Nectr has now launched Nectr Evolve—a virtual power plant (VPP) that represents the next evolution of clean, green, and sustainable energy solutions for Australian homeowners.

Nectr Evolve is an ecosystem of multiple solar and battery systems across various homes on Nectr’s VPP plans, to create a network that can efficiently store, and distribute renewable energy. It also optimises the efficiency of home batteries and trades unused energy during times of peak demand to contribute to a more stable and cleaner grid system.

Coupling Nectr Evolve’s VPP plans—Nectr BEEyond and Nectr Plan BEE—with compatible home batteries, owners can benefit from more affordable energy and support Australia’s energy network. With a broader suite of home batteries available under Nectr Evolve, homeowners have greater flexibility to choose a system that suits their storage needs.

Nectr managing director Tae Hong Kim said, “With Nectr, Australian homeowners have access to a wide array of high-quality solar and battery products such as Tesla’s Powerwall2, financing options and choices of VPP plans for existing or new battery systems.

Related article: Community housing tenants invited to join Tesla VPP in SA

“Now that Australia’s most popular battery storage brand is on board with Nectr, we aim to help more homeowners understand how VPP technologies, such as Nectr Evolve, can make energy more affordable and contribute to the nation’s broader shift to renewable energy.”

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RayGen gets $20 million Breakthrough Victoria investment https://esdnews.com.au/raygen-gets-20-million-breakthrough-victoria-investment/ Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:35 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=42159 Independent investment company Breakthrough Victoria is investing $20 million in renewable energy storage firm RayGen Resources to enable the state’s transition towards clean sources of energy. RayGen’s innovative solar PV […]

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Independent investment company Breakthrough Victoria is investing $20 million in renewable energy storage firm RayGen Resources to enable the state’s transition towards clean sources of energy.

RayGen’s innovative solar PV and thermal water-based energy storage solution is crucial to supporting the increasing penetration of intermittent renewable energy and the removal of fossil fuels-based energy. Its technology achieves 70% round-trip efficiency, which is significantly higher than other electro-thermal storage technologies on the market.

Related article: Project profile: RayGen Power Plant Carwarp

RayGen uses proprietary photovoltaic solar modules that generate nearly 2,000 times more power than traditional photovoltaic systems under a concentrated beam of sunlight. Combined with their thermal water-based storage system, which uses heat captured from water that is used to cool the modules, RayGen has developed a world-leading, high- efficiency, low-cost long-duration energy storage solution.

RayGen’s solar technology has been operating at a test facility in Newbridge, Victoria, since 2015. Its flagship solar and storage project, which consists of 4MW solar and 3MW/50MWh (17 hours) storage, is located in Carwarp, Mildura.

RayGen also manufactures its proprietary solar modules in Victoria. A new, 170MW per annum manufacturing facility is being commissioned in Hawthorn East.

Breakthrough Victoria joins RayGen’s existing strategic investors SLB, Equinor Ventures, AGL Energy, Photon Energy Group, Chevron Technology Ventures and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), who participated in the company’s 2021 Series C investment round.

Breakthrough Victoria CEO Grant Dooley said, “We are investing in RayGen Resources because they focus on what Victoria needs—sustainability, scale and local manufacturing. Their innovative energy storage technology will help us better transition to renewable energy.”

Related article: RayGen gets $10 million federal funding injection

RayGen Resources CEO Richard Payne said, “We’re delighted to be working with Breakthrough Victoria. We’re a Victorian-born company with global ambitions for dispatchable renewable energy generation and advanced manufacturing. Grant and the broader team at Breakthrough Victoria are natural partners for us as we embark on our growth journey and mission to accelerate the transition to renewable energy with our innovative technology.“

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MGA Thermal gathers steam with $5.7M funding boost https://esdnews.com.au/mga-thermal-gathers-steam-with-5-7m-funding-boost/ Tue, 16 Apr 2024 23:19:43 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=42105 Australian clean energy company MGA Thermal has closed an additional $5.7 million in funding, taking its recent round total to approximately $14 million, to prove the scale and industrial capabilities of […]

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Australian clean energy company MGA Thermal has closed an additional $5.7 million in funding, taking its recent round total to approximately $14 million, to prove the scale and industrial capabilities of its thermal energy storage systems.

Related article: MGA Thermal secures $8.25m in investment drive

This round was supported by returning investors including Main Sequence, Melt Ventures and new investor JEKARA. The funding brings its total funds and grants raised to date to approximately $28.8 million.

MGA Thermal’s fundraising extension generated strong support from existing investors, validating the company’s cutting-edge Miscibility Gaps Alloy (MGA) Thermal Blocks and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system for industrial applications.

Towards the end of 2023, MGA Thermal initiated the commissioning process for its demonstration unit to evaluate the capabilities and boundaries of the technology. During this phase, areas for improvement were identified, leading the company to temporarily pause operations to address them.

MGA Thermal CEO Mark Croudace said, “This was a valuable learning opportunity that will ultimately strengthen our TES system development. We’ve gained insights that will help accelerate our progress as we prepare to resume commissioning of our demonstration unit.

“MGA Thermal remains at the forefront of clean energy innovation and large-scale energy storage. Our mission and intention of revolutionising the renewable energy landscape has never been stronger, and with the continued support of our investors and partners, we remain on track to reach our next business milestone of commercial-scale operations and energy output.”

Investment from this latest raise will support MGA Thermal’s next phase of testing to reinstate and prove the scale of its TES system and produce sufficient high-pressure, high-temperature clean steam for rising industrial demand.

Following its completion, the demonstration unit will be a world-first example of MGA Thermal’s TES technology in operation. The closed-loop system will showcase the future of renewable thermal energy, commencing with the charging of renewable electricity into MGA Thermal’s storage blocks before discharging clean steam production.

“We have continued working with numerous industrial partners and clients over the last six months which cannot solely rely on solar, wind and renewable energy sources to meet their decarbonisation goals,” Croudace said.

Related article: ARENA backing supercharges MGA Thermal storage

“We’re excited to realise the next phase of our partnerships through the implementation of an onsite MGA Thermal TES system to supply ongoing clean-steam and energy storage capabilities.”

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First community battery for NSW South Coast goes live https://esdnews.com.au/first-community-battery-for-nsw-south-coast-goes-live/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 21:00:11 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=42052 Endeavour Energy has launched the first community battery on the New South Wales South Coast, marking a significant milestone in connecting more renewables to the grid while creating cost benefits […]

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Endeavour Energy has launched the first community battery on the New South Wales South Coast, marking a significant milestone in connecting more renewables to the grid while creating cost benefits for customers.

Related article: Endeavour launches Bungarribee community battery trial

The community battery, one of 54 currently being rolled out across the Endeavour Energy network, will ensure residents can rely on a more sustainable, resilient and cost-effective power supply.

Endeavour Energy general manager future grid and asset management Colin Crisafulli said, “Endeavour Energy has been providing power to this region for more than 100 years, and as part of the energy transition we are excited to deliver clean, green storage to the South Coast of NSW.

“The Shell Cove community battery will help customers save on household electricity costs and reduce their household carbon footprint. Community batteries will also help to lower costs for customers across our entire region by improving the efficiency of the network.”

Crisafulli said the Shell Cove battery was the second of many community batteries currently being installed in the Endeavour Energy region with a further eight being delivered in the Campbelltown, Kiama, Liverpool, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly areas.

Additionally, a further 44 batteries are being rolled out across the Endeavour Energy network over the next 18 months as part of the Commonwealth Batteries for Household Solar Program. A further 32 are proposed.

Origin Energy will provide the platform for customers to participate in the battery trial. Origin will also orchestrate the energy stored in the battery, including dispatch to the wholesale market, and work with Endeavour Energy to support electricity demand management.

Related article: ARENA reports huge demand for community batteries

Residents living within the Shell Cove trial area are invited to register their interest now at Endeavour Energy.

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ZEN proposes 1GW Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project https://esdnews.com.au/zen-proposes-western-sydney-pumped-hydro-project/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 21:00:08 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=42055 ZEN Energy is proposing to turn degraded coal industry land at Nattai on the escarpment above Lake Burragorang into a 1GW pumped hydro project, delivering on-demand electricity to the equivalent […]

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ZEN Energy is proposing to turn degraded coal industry land at Nattai on the escarpment above Lake Burragorang into a 1GW pumped hydro project, delivering on-demand electricity to the equivalent of 500,000 homes and businesses.

Sydney’s biggest water storage source, Lake Burragorang, is slated to be home to the Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project, which ZEN says will be able to store and supply up to eight continuous hours of ‘firming’ energy.

Related article: EDF to co-develop Dungowan pumped hydro project

Located 24km away from Warragamba Dam and drinking water treatment, the project will also be mostly underground: pumping water from Lake Burragorang through tunnels to a reservoir located on the former coal industry land. When demand is high, water is released to drive underground turbines and send renewable power into the electricity grid.

Coal was mined from the Burragorang Valley from 1930 to 1992 and the project site was used as a coal washery, operated by Burragorang Valley Coal, until 2001 and since then undergone rehabilitation. The Dunbier family, which owned the company, is now partnering with ZEN to turn the site’s fossil fuel past into being part of the state’s clean energy future.

Numerous studies, consultation and co-design with Traditional Owners, local residents and other stakeholders will now occur. If all approvals and a social licence are secured, construction could begin in 2027 and be operational by 2031.

Artist's impression of the Western Sydney Pumped Hydro scheme
Artist’s impression of the Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project proposed by ZEN Energy

Initial studies have established that the project would have no detrimental impact on water quality or cause any change to water levels in Lake Burragorang, including no flooding of the shoreline and surrounding natural environment. This was critical to securing WaterNSW’s approval for ZEN to progress the project.

“The vast water reserves of Lake Burragorang can supply Sydneysiders with clean drinking water and clean, renewable energy as well,” ZEN CEO Anthony Garnaut said.

“Large-scale energy storage projects like Western Sydney Pumped Hydro are key to keeping the lights on and energy prices in check in NSW as our coal-fired power stations age and retire over the next decade.”

Related article: Pumped hydro: a vital part of Australia’s renewable energy storage solution

Consultation with key stakeholders, particularly Traditional Owner representatives has already begun.

“ZEN is committed to, and looking forward to, sharing and shaping the project design and its benefits with locals, Traditional Owners, Wollondilly Council, and other interested and important stakeholders,” Garnaut said.

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Human hair transformed into renewable energy storage https://esdnews.com.au/human-hair-transformed-into-renewable-energy-storage/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:39:13 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=42015 A Charles Sturt University research team has unlocked the power of human hair as the key ingredient to develop sustainable energy storage solutions and eliminate biowaste. Research Fellow in the […]

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A Charles Sturt University research team has unlocked the power of human hair as the key ingredient to develop sustainable energy storage solutions and eliminate biowaste.

Research Fellow in the Charles Sturt University Rural Health and Research Institute, Dr Amandeep Singh Pannu, working with Professor Muhammad J A Shiddiky, has discovered how to turn human hair into graphite to then be used in lithium-ion batteries.

“There is an ever-rising demand for more energy production and countries are trying to switch to renewable sources,” Dr Singh said.

“However, to make that switch, one needs sustainable ways to store such energy, and hence there is an urgent need to manufacture high-energy density storage materials in a sustainable manner.

“Graphite is a key material used as a negative terminal for lithium-ion batteries and its production is concentrated in a few countries, causing the material to suffer from supply chain and geo-political issues which affect the whole energy storage industry down-stream.”

Dr Singh added that producing graphite in a sustainable way from waste on demand, and locally in Australia, will hugely benefit our national energy sector.

Additionally, as the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles increases, the need for lithium-ion batteries follows. However, Dr Singh said producing graphite to be used in these batteries can be polluting, requiring harsh chemicals, such as Hydrofluoric acid (HF).

“One eco-friendly, carbon-rich source that is abundant and readily available everywhere is human hair,” he said.

Male researcher wears turban, lab coat and blue nitrile gloves in laboratory with equipment (hair)
Research Fellow in the Charles Sturt University Rural Health and Research Institute, Dr Amandeep Singh Pannu

“It’s an incredibly clean source right through the entire process with very minimal pollutants or negative outputs.”

Sustainable Salons, a for-purpose organisation dedicated to diverting salon waste from landfill, collects hair clippings from salons and pet groomers across Australia and New Zealand.

Since 2020, Sustainable Salons co-founder Paul Frasca has been supplying hair clippings for Dr Singh to conduct his research.

“We envision a future where hair transcends its conventional status as waste and emerges as a sustainable resource of immense potential,” Frasca said.

“What sets hair apart is that it is an infinite resource—hair is constantly growing!

“The prospect of harnessing hair to power our electric vehicles demonstrates that a sustainable future is limitless when we embrace the circular economy.”

Using human hair as a form of sustainable energy has already been proven effective in Dr Singh’s prior research, where it was transformed into hair-derived carbon dots.

“We have essentially been able to fabricate flexible light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are used in so many technological products today, but instead of heavy metals the active material is ingeniously derived from discarded strands of human hair,” he said.

“This could totally revolutionise how we achieve emission reduction goals in the future.”

Further information on the research can be found here.

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ZEN secures funds to start Templers Battery in SA https://esdnews.com.au/zen-energy-secures-funding-to-start-templers-battery/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:56 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=41842 Australian-owned ZEN Energy has successfully secured funding from Stonepeak to facilitate the construction of the second largest energy storage project in South Australia’s electricity network. Related article: EnergyAustralia planning new […]

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Australian-owned ZEN Energy has successfully secured funding from Stonepeak to facilitate the construction of the second largest energy storage project in South Australia’s electricity network.

Related article: EnergyAustralia planning new grid-scale battery in SA

Stonepeak, through its portfolio company Peak Energy, a platform dedicated to the development of renewable assets across Asia Pacific, has announced an up to AU$70 million investment into ZEN Energy’s Templers Battery Energy Storage System.

Templers BESS, located 60km north of Adelaide in South Australia, is a 111MW/291MWh battery energy storage system that, when completed, will be the second largest system by energy stored in South Australia.

ZEN Energy CEO Anthony Garnaut said, “Templers BESS is a key milestone in ZEN’s significant growth and marks our first substantial asset, in the state where we started.

“The South Australian Government, through committing to a long-term contract with a renewable retailer has enabled this significant investment in further stabilising the supply of renewable, affordable energy into South Australia.

Related article: Construction starts on 500MW Collie Battery in WA

“Stonepeak and Peak Energy’s commitment to ZEN will enable us to continue to bring more renewable assets to the grid in South Australia.”

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Renewables make up almost 40% of Australia’s electricity https://esdnews.com.au/renewables-make-up-almost-40-of-australias-electricity/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:50:20 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=41774 A new report shows renewables now account for nearly 40% of Australia’s total electricity supply at 39.4%, while figures for generation capacity added were strong at 5.9GW. Record-breaking investment in […]

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A new report shows renewables now account for nearly 40% of Australia’s total electricity supply at 39.4%, while figures for generation capacity added were strong at 5.9GW.

Record-breaking investment in utility-scale storage and booming results for rooftop solar are among the new data published in the Clean Energy Australia 2024 report.

Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton said renewables had now reached a critical tipping point in the Australian energy mix.

“We’ve reached a major milestone following 12 months of profound change as industry and governments at all levels continue to work together with a renewed focus on a timely transformation of our energy system,” Thornton said.

Related article: Australia’s emissions drop thanks to increase in renewables

“Renewables comprised 39.4% of Australia’s total generation in 2023, an increase of 9.7% in a single year. This is a major increase from 2017, when the share of Australia’s total renewable generation was just 17%.

“2023 was also a significant year for construction and new financial commitments to utility-scale storage. Twenty-seven battery projects are under construction, up from 19 at the end of 2022.

“Investment stands at a massive $4.9 billion, up from $1.9 billion in the year prior.”
2023 also saw rooftop solar continue to shine brightly, with 3.1GW of new capacity added to Australia’s energy system. In total, 337,498 households and businesses around Australia installed rooftop solar, up from 315,499 in 2022.

“Rooftop solar accounted for 28.5% of all renewable generation nationally over the past year. This is a testament to its success in driving additional value and lowering energy bills for over one in three Australian households and small businesses,” Thornton said.

Sun shines on tiled roof with solar panels (ausgrid microgrid)
Image: Shutterstock

While the past year’s figures indicate some encouraging progress for Australia’s clean energy transition, a significant downturn in investment, particularly in large-scale generation projects, remains an issue for the sector.

No new financial commitments to utility-scale wind projects occurred in 2023, while seven new financial commitments for utility-scale solar projects totalling 921MW of capacity were recorded, down from 10 projects totalling 1.5GW at the end of 2022.

“Several announcements and policy initiatives led by the Commonwealth throughout the year have already sent a strong signal about the importance of a timely energy transition to the national interest, addressing several major challenges including cost of living, emissions reduction and energy security,” Thornton said.

“We are more determined than ever to continue to build and maintain the strong investment in our clean energy future that we need, overcome the barriers holding back a substantial pipeline of new opportunities and navigate the most consequential transformation of Australia’s economy in a generation.”

Related article: Large-scale renewables investment ‘safest bet’ for supply

Report highlights

Key statistics from the Clean Energy Australia 2024 Report show:

  • Renewables account for 39.4% of Australia’s total electricity supply.
  • 5.9GW of new renewable generation capacity added in 2023.
  • 2.8GW of new large-scale renewable generation capacity completed construction and was added to the grid.
  • The rooftop solar sector added 3.1GW of new capacity from 337,498 households and small businesses.
  • 27 utility-scale batteries under construction at the end of 2023, accounting for a total of 5GW/11GWh combined capacity, up from 19 totalling 1.4GW/2GWh of capacity in 2022.
  • $4.9 billion in new investments in large-scale storage during 2023, up from $1.9 billion in 2022.
  • No new financial commitments to utility scale wind projects in 2023, compared to six in 2022.
  • 7 new financial commitments to large-scale solar projects for a combined 921MW, down from 10 projects and 1.5GW in 2022.

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AVESS rebrands, reveals five-hour vanadium flow battery https://esdnews.com.au/avess-rebrands-reveals-five-hour-vanadium-redox-flow-battery/ Sun, 18 Feb 2024 23:36:30 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=41467 Perth-based AVESS has rebranded as AVESS Energy to support the company’s positioning as an energy storage solutions company powered by vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB). Related article: Vanadium electrolyte manufacturing […]

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Perth-based AVESS has rebranded as AVESS Energy to support the company’s positioning as an energy storage solutions company powered by vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB).

Related article: Vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility opens in WA

The rebranding to AVESS Energy closely follows the company’s successful commissioning of a 50kW VRFB in Perth on January 19, 2024, signifying the Australia-first manufacture of a commercial-scale single-module VRFB.

AVESS Energy is preparing its 50kW VRFB for commercial demonstrations in the mining sector.

AVESS Energy managing director Young Yu said, “Our rebrand to AVESS Energy supports a deeper decarbonisation purpose to provide sustainable, safe, and efficient VRFBs to the energy, mining, and utility sectors.

“The name AVESS Energy represents the capabilities, expertise, and insights that our team brings to Australia’s energy storage mix.

“We understand the complexities and language of energy, mining, and utilities, and our new branding brings us in closer alignment with these sectors.

Related article: Horizon Power purchases vanadium flow battery

“The rebranding also speaks to our mission to provide a local downstream VRFB solution to some of Australia’s most complex energy storage problems,” Yu said.

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Horizon CEO appointed to Energy Vault board of directors https://esdnews.com.au/horizon-ceo-appointed-to-energy-vault-board-of-directors/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:55:31 +0000 https://esdnews.com.au/?p=40987 Grid-scale energy storage solutions firm Energy Vault has announced the appointment of Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin to the company’s board of directors. Unwin replaces Zia Huque, general partner of […]

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Grid-scale energy storage solutions firm Energy Vault has announced the appointment of Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin to the company’s board of directors.

Unwin replaces Zia Huque, general partner of Prime Movers Lab, which led Energy Vault’s Series C investment round.

Related article: Spotlight On: Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin

Unwin is recognised as a dynamic leader within the energy and renewables sectors, and was recently named one of Western Australia’s most influential business leaders in Business News’ Power 500.

Energy Vault chair and CEO Robert Piconi said, “We are excited to welcome Stephanie, who brings to our Board a strong track record of dynamic, results-driven leadership in the energy and renewables sector.

“As we continue to accelerate deployments of Energy Vault’s suite of short, long and ultra-long energy storage solutions across the globe, we are engaging in significant growth opportunities in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Stephanie’s energy sector experience regionally, combined with her operating experience and track record of leading large enterprises through growth and transformational phases, is recognised in the industry.

Related article: Energy Vault to build BESS at Meadow Creek Solar Farm

“On behalf of the board of directors of Energy Vault, we look forward to partnering with Stephanie and her future contributions to our Board as we continue to execute our global growth plans.”

Energy Vault develops and deploys utility-scale energy storage solutions designed to transform the world’s approach to sustainable energy storage. The company’s offerings include proprietary gravity-based storage, battery storage, and green hydrogen energy storage technologies.

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