Enabled by Horizon Power’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), Smart Connect Solar has been completed ahead of schedule, enabling the regional energy provider to achieve its strategic goal of ensuring there are zero customer refusals when connecting rooftop solar by 2025.

Related article: Smart Connect Solar technology expands to Broome

The program has now been expanded to all towns in Horizon Power’s service area. The technology is providing thousands more households and businesses, in Horizon Power’s service area, with the opportunity to install rooftop solar and access the benefits of renewable energy.

Smart Connect Solar has delivered critical technical capabilities enabling Horizon Power to remove solar hosting capacity constraints. Previously, the number of solar installations had to be limited to ensure the security and reliability of power supply.

DERMS technology analyses weather patterns, power system conditions and renewable energy resources and uses this data to coordinate power flows to ensure the electricity network can operate safely and reliably at all times—maximising renewable energy output and benefits for Horizon Power’s customers.

In addition to rooftop solar, DERMS will enable Horizon Power to safely and reliably integrate and balance energy across customer energy resources like batteries and electric vehicles.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “Horizon Power established the strategic goal of zero customer refusals when connecting rooftop solar by 2025, to solve the technical challenges preventing customer access to rooftop solar.

Related article: Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar expands to NWIS

“Achieving this goal creates more customer choice to participate in renewable energy and ways to reduce energy bills. The advanced DERMS technology underpinning Smart Connect Solar will also improve the safety and stability of our systems as they evolve to incorporate greater levels of clean energy.

“We are proud to have completed the roll-out of Smart Connect Solar ahead of schedule, so that thousands of additional customers can reap the benefits of renewables, including reduced energy bills, earlier than expected.”

The post Horizon Power completes Smart Connect Solar roll-out appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

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.

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.”

The post AVESS inks vanadium flow battery demo deal with Atlantic appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Plans are progressing for the delivery of a new high-capacity common use transmission line to link renewable energy generation in the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area with Karratha and major Pilbara industry players.

Related article: Rio Tinto reveals plans for 80MW solar farm in Pilbara

Traditional Owners, the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation—who have formed an alliance for the project that is part of a working group with the state government—are continuing to work alongside Perdaman, Woodside, and Yara Pilbara on the groundbreaking development.

The project has the potential to be the first in the state to attract concessional finance from the Commonwealth’s Rewiring the Nation fund, up to $3 billion of which has been allocated to WA.

It is anticipated the Maitland-Karratha-Burrup line will provide the template for future common use renewable infrastructure to support the region’s decarbonisation.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said, “Development of the planned Maitland-Karratha-Burrup line represents the first major step in decarbonising the Pilbara and will help drive my Government’s plans to make WA a green energy powerhouse.

Related article: GHD named engineer for WA’s Pilbara Green Link

“This project has strong potential to unlock additional job-creating opportunities on the Burrup Peninsula, while meeting growing demand for clean, reliable energy.

“With support for Traditional Owners and industry, this project has strong potential to create quality local jobs, build better regions and deliver economic growth that benefits all Western Australians.”

The post Plans progress on Pilbara’s first major transmission line appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Publicly owned energy company Stanwell is partnering with Tesla and Yurika to build the giant 300MW/1200MWh system capable of supplying energy into the grid for up to four hours.

Related article: Queensland Government doubles capacity of Stanwell battery

The mega battery project will include 324 lithium-ion Tesla Megapack 2XL units which will be transported on trucks to site and craned into place.

The project was recently supercharged with a $448.2 million funding boost from the Queensland Government’s Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Job Fund, with the Premier and Energy Minister announcing in May it’s capacity would be doubled.

Work has also reached the halfway mark on Stanwell’s first dispatchable energy (storage) project, the $514 million Tarong mega battery project, part of what will be the Tarong Clean Energy Hub.

Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said, “Dispatchable energy assets like our Stanwell and Tarong big battery projects are critical as we transform our energy system.

“The big batteries will play a crucial role in the energy transformation by stabilising energy supply from clean renewable sources, meaning they’ll be able to be charged by sources like wind and solar and pumped back into the grid during periods of high demand.

Related article: CS Energy switches on Chinchilla Battery in Queensland

“This will ensure affordable and reliable electricity for our commercial and industrial customers in Queensland and the Eastern Seaboard.

“They are a key piece of our commitment to achieving 5GW of energy storage by 2035 and highlights Stanwell’s vision for a sustainable and innovative energy future.”

The post Work begins on Stanwell Battery near Rockhamptopn appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

CS Energy worked with Tesla and Downer to deliver the Chinchilla Battery, which is the first operational project in the Kogan Clean Energy Hub.

Related article: Forensic report blames CS Energy for Callide C explosion

The project has undergone a comprehensive commissioning program to test the battery under a range of operating conditions, ensuring it operates safely and reliably.

“Getting the Chinchilla Battery ready for commercial operation has taken a large effort from many people and teams across our entire business, from the team at site who will operate and maintain the asset to our traders in Brisbane who will dispatch its output into the grid,” CS Energy CEO Darren Busine said.

“This project, along with our other projects planned for the Kogan Clean Energy Hub, shows that CS Energy is here for the long term in the Western Downs community.”

Related article: Construction begins on Akaysha’s Brendale Battery

The Chinchilla Battery comprises 80 Tesla Megapack 2 systems. It uses lithium iron phosphate (also known as lithium ferro phosphate [LFP], or LiFePO4) batteries, which are the safest lithium batteries currently available.

Construction contractor Downer spent more than $3 million on suppliers and subcontractors in the Chinchilla and Dalby region during the construction phase.

The post CS Energy switches on Chinchilla Battery in Queensland appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

During the launch, Minister Husic announced Li-S Energy had been awarded an Industry Growth Program (IGP) Commercialisation and Growth Grant of $1.7 million to develop Australia’s first lithium foil production facility.

Related article: Li-S Energy announces plan for 200MWh battery facility

Li-S Energy is an Australian company, commercialising unique Australian IP from Deakin University for lithium sulfur and lithium metal batteries, which are far lighter than the comparable lithium-ion batteries. The batteries offer key performance advantages where weight is critical, such as in drones, electric aviation and defence applications.

The new state-of-the-art production facility is the largest of its kind in Australia, installed inside Australia’s largest battery dry room. Built at a cost of over $10 million, the facility spans the entire production process from creating and coating cathode powders to final cell fabrication and testing.

With the support of the IGP Grant announced by Minister Husic, Li-S Energy plans to extend beyond its cell manufacturing capability to produce high-quality lithium foils and laminates from lithium metal ingots.

Lithium metal foil is used as the anode for both lithium sulfur and lithium metal batteries, but current imported supply has limited quality and is not optimised for Li-S cells. This will be a new sovereign manufacturing capability for Australia, reducing supply chain risk and increasing the value of Australia’s advanced battery material exports.

Related article: Li-S Energy wins $1.35M grant for ‘dawn to dusk’ drone

Li-S Energy CEO Dr Lee Finniear said, “Australia currently produces 52% of the world’s lithium ore, yet much of this is exported without adding additional value.

“With global demand for lithium metal foil forecast to reach US$51 billion by 2032, Australia has a unique opportunity to capitalise on this emerging market to produce lithium foils here, adding value here, before exporting this high-value product to global markets.”

The post Li-S Energy launches battery production facility in Victoria appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Powerlink will work collaboratively alongside 11 regional NRM organisations, on key aspects including the management of environmental offsets to ensure social and environmental benefits for communities, landscapes and future generations.

Related article: Work begins on Queensland’s CopperString 2032

It recognises the opportunity to develop projects across Queensland that support both sectors to be nature positive, while balancing affordability, security and reliability of the electricity network. The partnership also helps to facilitate the successful transition of an electricity network which is becoming more weather affected.

Powerlink executive general manager of network and business development Stewart Bell said, “Powerlink is playing a vital role in delivering Queensland’s transition to a renewable energy future by building the connections between generators and Queenslanders.

“Partnerships like this will also allow us to make meaningful contributions to enhancing Queensland’s natural resources.

“We see this is as not only a way to offset environmental impacts but also to understand how we can do more to ensure future generations can benefit from the rich environment Queensland has to offer.”

Natural Resource Management Regions Queensland CEO Chris Norman said, “The purpose of this agreement is to drive innovation that supports both the energy and natural resource management sector to be nature positive.

“We are hoping to develop a program of collaborative offsets with an initial focus on environmental restoration offsets.

Related article: Endangered parrots arrive at Tasmanian Gas Pipeline

“Like Powerlink, we have a long-term vision for a healthier environment built on foundations of dedication and trust.

“Together we want to develop leading practice around strategic environmental offsets and limit the impacts any action—such as renewable energy projects—might have on the environment.”

The post Powerlink inks NRM partnership for energy transition appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions by providing a more efficient route for a reaction to occur and making it easier to start and finish. Since catalysts are neither consumed nor altered in the reaction, they can be used repeatedly, and they are essential in a variety of industrial, environmental, and biochemical processes.

Related article: Singlet fission could supercharge next-gen solar cells

The team, which included researchers from Hokkaido University, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and elsewhere, developed the catalyst, called NiOOH-Ni, by combining nickel (Ni) with nickel oxyhydroxide.

Ammonia can cause severe environmental problems, such as excessive algal growth in water bodies, which depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life. At high concentrations, ammonia can harm humans and wildlife. Effective management and conversion of ammonia are thus critical, but its corrosive nature makes it difficult to handle.

The researchers developed NiOOH-Ni using an electrochemical process. Nickel foam, a porous material, was treated with an electrical current while immersed in a chemical solution. This treatment resulted in the formation of nickel oxyhydroxide particles on the foam’s surface.

Despite their irregular and non-crystalline structure, these nickel-oxygen particles significantly enhance ammonia conversion efficiency. The catalyst’s design allows it to operate effectively at lower voltages and higher currents than traditional catalysts.

“NiOOH-Ni works better than Ni foam, and the reaction pathway depends on the amount of electricity (voltage) used,” explains Professor Zhenguo Huang from the University of Technology Sydney, who led the study.

“At lower voltages, NiOOH-Ni produces nitrite, while at higher voltages, it generates nitrate.”

This means the catalyst can be used in different ways depending on what is needed. For example, it can be used to clean wastewater by converting ammonia into less harmful substances. But in another process, it can also be used to produce hydrogen gas, a clean fuel. This flexibility makes NiOOH-Ni valuable for various applications.

“NiOOH-Ni is impressively durable and stable, and it works well even after being used multiple times,” says Associate Professor Andrey Lyalin from Hokkaido University, who was involved in the study.

Related article: Aussie breakthrough to slash green hydrogen costs by 40%

“This makes it a great alternative to traditional, more expensive catalysts like platinum, which aren’t as effective at converting ammonia.”

The catalyst’s long-term reliability makes it suitable for large-scale industrial use, potentially transforming how industries handle wastewater and produce clean energy.

The study has been published in Advanced Energy Materials.

The post New catalyst could advance green hydrogen production appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Related article: How Australia can fast-track its energy transmission projects

The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project will deliver new transmission lines to connect reliable renewable energy generation and storage projects within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone in regional NSW to the national electricity network.

The project is expected to drive up to $20 billion in private investment in solar, wind and energy storage projects, supporting around 5,000 jobs during peak construction.

The approval is subject to more than 40 strict conditions to protect nature, including limiting clearance to avoid and mitigate impacts on threatened species.

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said, “I’ve ticked off more than 55 renewable energy projects in two years—enough to power more than three million Australian homes.

Related article: Heli-stringing project connects wind farm to the grid

“We’re getting on with the job of modernising our electricity grid to support them, and this project is another big step.”

The post New transmission line approved for NSW renewables zone appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Commencing commercial operation in 2026, the Brendale BESS is expected to reduce electricity costs and enhance grid stability in line with the Queensland Government’s renewable energy targets.

Related article: Akaysha secures first battery portfolio financing in Australia

Located on UnityWater’s 3.7-acre site next to the South Pine substation, the central node of Queensland’s electricity grid, the Brendale BESS will feature Tesla Megapack technology while the balance of plant will be delivered by Consolidated Power Projects Australia (CPP).

As one of Queensland’s largest batteries, the Brendale BESS can store enough energy to power up to 300,000 homes during a blackout, adding significant storage capacity to Queensland’s electricity network.

The project will provide energy arbitrage and frequency control ancillary services to support the NEM and facilitate the integration of solar and wind projects by leveraging existing transmission infrastructure in the region.

Akaysha Energy managing director and chief commercial officer Paul Curnow said, “The Brendale BESS is an important element of Akaysha Energy’s portfolio across not only Queensland but the NEM more broadly.

Related article: Akaysha Energy: Powering Australia’s renewables transition

“The Brendale BESS is a crucial step in our mission to rapidly deploy large-scale BESS, enhancing grid stability and energy security while driving the global shift to sustainable energy.

“The Brendale BESS is one of four projects under development in the state and it’s clear that the Queensland energy sector is serious about the transition.”

The post Construction begins on Akaysha’s Brendale Battery appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Thursday Island is one of the Torres Strait Islands and is located approximately 39km north of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland.

Related article: Alinga’s Ruby Heard on equity through energy

Thursday Island’s wind turbines are some of the oldest operating in Australia and demonstrate the suitability of renewable energy in Australian conditions.

Ergon isolated networks manager Dane Thomas said, “It’s great to see the turbines in the air once again. Thursday Island has once again welcomed the winds of change and is embracing a renewable energy future after leading the way when the wind farm was established in 1997,” he said.

“While this was cutting-edge technology when it was initially installed, it was due for a major overhaul, so the generating equipment was shipped to a specialist facility in South Australia while the towers were maintained onsite.

“With the completion of this $2 million project we have improved the reliability and efficiency of the wind turbines, which can generate enough energy to support around 100 high-use homes and are expected to save several thousand litres of diesel a week,” Thomas said.

To date, the wind turbines have generated more than 18,921MWh of renewable energy and savings of 220,000L of diesel a year on average.

As part of its commitment to decarbonising remote communities, and in consultation with the local councils and traditional owners, Ergon Energy Network is pursuing a range of renewable energy options on Thursday Island, including solar solutions.

Related article: Here’s how microgrids are empowering regional and remote Australian communities

“While the turbines can produce a lot of clean energy when the wind is blowing they won’t be as productive during those calm periods, known as ‘the doldrums’, and that’s why we need a mix of energy solutions,” Thomas said.

“There is widespread community interest in harnessing the power of the sun and we are working together with the council and other agencies to find the most suitable options and support a renewable energy future.”

The post Australia’s oldest wind turbines get new lease on life appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

The $450 million BESS at Lower Wonga has a battery energy storage capacity of up to 200MW and a discharge capacity of up to 800MWh, which is enough power to supply electricity for up to 53,000 homes for four hours.

Related article: Origin approves second stage of Eraring Battery

The Lower Wonga BESS will allow for more solar and wind energy to be integrated into the grid, helping to reduce grid volatility, lower electricity prices and the need for expensive new power stations.

Equis Australia investment director Roby Camagong said, “The BESS would be connected to Queensland’s electricity grid via a transmission line that connects to the 275kV Woolooga Substation.

“Making the transition from fossil fuels to ‘baseload’ renewables, the ability to store and dispatch energy will play a key support role to provide rapid-response services to grid contingency events such as outages or heat waves.

“Grid-scale battery storage fills this key short-term role,” Camagong said.

Work on the battery is expected to begin later this year, with the project scheduled to be operational by 2026.

Related article: FRV Australia reaches financial close on Terang Battery

Equis is developing a pipeline of high-quality battery storage and wind generation projects in Queensland, including the recently announced Jackson North Wind Farm in Woleebee, Queensland.

In November 2023, Equis and the Victorian Government’s SEC financially closed and commenced construction of Phase 1 of the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub. Once complete, MREH will provide 1.6GWh of energy storage, enough to power up to 200,000 homes during peak periods.

The post Equis’ grid-scale Lower Wonga Battery gets green light appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Related article: Yes, carbon capture and storage is controversial—but it’s going to be crucial

deepC Store and Azuli have been awarded two GHG acreages in waters off the coast of Australia. J-POWER intends to become a joint venture participant in the GHG Acreages, which have the potential to permanently store up to 1 billion tonnes of CO2.

J-Power executive officer Akira Yabumoto said, “We are excited to work with deepC Store and Azuli on CCS development.

“We expect that this development will contribute providing a valuable option to Japan and Australia as well as the surrounding region to reduce CO2.

“CCS will play a critical role in J-Power’s Blue Mission 2050, as well as global energy transitions. We will continue pursuing opportunities for CCS development and carbon reduction with CCS.”

Related article: Genex agrees to takeover bid by J-POWER

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing, transporting and storing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power stations, energy intensive industries, and gas fields by injecting the captured greenhouse gases back into the ground.

The post J-Power teams with Australian offshore carbon capture firms appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Pumped hydro projects are being proposed as a post-mining use for the large holes left after open-cut mining, but new research from independent think-tank the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) suggests governments—and taxpayers—should be wary.

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

As the Australian mining sector sets its sights on making use of the voids left by mining, one widely suggested option is to convert these sites to pumped hydro facilities that would provide energy storage for the electricity grid.

However, a new report IEEFA highlights the technical, environmental and financial risks these projects could pose. Pumped hydro has a history of delays and cost-blowouts, and projects implemented in mine voids could also entail severe contamination risks.

The report, Filling the voids: Pumped hydro proposals could see taxpayers financing mine rehabilitation, also warns of the possibility these projects would effectively set a precedent of governments partially funding the rehabilitation of mine sites—a responsibility that should sit with the mine operator.

IEEFA lead analyst Anne-Louise Knight says, “Rehabilitating mine sites is a legal obligation miners enter when their mining licences are approved, and they should be budgeting for this ahead of the mine’s closure. IEEFA’s research raises concerns that proposals to build pumped hydro in these final voids may potentially be a way to get governments to share some of that financial burden, with taxpayers ultimately losing out.”

Mine sites with pumped hydro potential identified in ANU Study (QLD, Vic, NSW)

Along with the risks, IEEFA’s research found these projects are unlikely to deliver significant benefits for Australia’s energy system. While large-scale, strategically placed pumped hydro such as Snowy 2.0 could play an important role providing deep energy storage to complement renewable electricity generation, most of the schemes proposed for mine voids only offer medium-duration storage.

Analysis of projected storage requirements in the National Electricity Market (NEM) suggests demand for these specific projects will be limited, and might be met more competitively by alternative technologies.

Knight says, “There is little to no requirement in the NEM for the pumped hydro proposed in mine voids. The primary driver for pumped hydro proposals in mine voids appears to be an attempt to find a suitable post-mining use for mine voids rather than to fill the energy storage requirements in the NEM.”

The report argues that if final voids are permitted to be left after mining, Australia needs a clearly defined policy that sets out the obligations of mining companies to rehabilitate or repurpose mine pits to avoid significant financial burden on the taxpayer.

Related article: Muswellbrook Pumped Hydro named critical infrastructure

“Currently it is unclear what the rehabilitation strategies are for these giant holes dotted across the country,” Knight says.

“Governments must ensure companies meet their obligations in managing the ongoing risks these structures pose, while ensuring that taxpayers are not left to pick up the bill.”

The post Pumped hydro proposals could lump taxpayers with mine rehabilitation costs appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.