Kyu Hong Lee

As reported by The Australian Financial Review, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is gearing up to significantly boost its investment spending, thanks to $19 billion from the Albanese government’s Rewiring the Nation fund. This investment will support crucial electricity transmission projects, including Transgrid’s HumeLink in NSW, AusNet’s VNI West in Victoria, NSW's first renewable energy zone, and the Marinus Link underwater cable to Tasmania. Although there are challenges in gaining social acceptance, CEFC’s Chief Executive, Ian Learmonth, is confident these projects will move forward successfully. Last financial year saw the CEFC invest $1.8 billion, including a record $490 million in NSW’s Central-West Orana renewable energy zone—its largest single transaction to date. The CEFC also made its first forays into home energy efficiency and the forestry sector, reflecting a diverse approach to clean energy investment. Despite rising costs and interest rates, the expanded Capacity Investment Scheme is expected to drive further growth, with the first auction receiving over 40GW of proposals, aiming to support 6GW of new power. Looking ahead, the CEFC is also playing a key role in the $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart program, set to announce funding for large-scale hydrogen projects by the end of the year. Despite recent setbacks in the sector, there is optimism that the program will deliver significant outcomes in the coming financial year. Australia is on the brink of a major leap forward in renewable energy, with the CEFC at the forefront, driving these transformative projects. #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #sustainability #australia #greentransition #transmission #energy #eveogy

2

An Australian Energy Producers (AEP) commissioned report by EnergyQuest has revealed the “major economic disruption” to the east coast economy under the Australian Greens proposal to ban new gas investments and highlights "the critical need for new gas supply” (Ms McCulloch, CEO, AEP). 3D Energi is positioning itself to be able to deliver much needed gas into the east coast market, having recently released a conceptual Otway gas development scenario ahead of the drilling of up to 6 exploration wells in the offshore Otway Basin, operated by Joint Venturer ConocoPhillips Australia. Under the scenario, a conceptual gas development hub could be unlocked by commercial success in southern VIC/P79 during 2025 exploration drilling. Drill targets are low risk and near to existing fields and infrastructure. Northern and southern development pathways may be unlocked by exploration step-outs into northern VIC/P79 and T/49P, to the south, through further drilling as part of the Otway Exploration Drilling Program. For more information, please refer to our latest announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eC7Su5R2 #TDO #3denergi #gas #eastcoastgas #Otway #exploration

32

The development of a custom control program that allows for the autonomous management of the sub-systems that make up a hybrid solar and green hydrogen microgrid helping to power the Western Australian town of Denham is among the key lessons outlined in a new report released by the state government. #Renewables #Australia #Solarenergy

5

Some very relevant points made in this article - which sums up a key topic of discussion from the first day of the The Australian Financial Review's Energy and Climate Summit. Future gas production is strongly required in Australia for reliable power generation that supports growth in renewable energy production. By continuing to develop major gas projects with LNG export capabilities, Australia can help provide the same opportunity for nations in Asia, including emerging economies that are currently coal-dependent and seeking to decarbonise their energy systems. It's essential that Australian financial institutions continue to fund gas projects - for the benefit of the energy transition, at home and abroad. #naturalgas #energytransition #energysecurity #decarbonization #decarbonisation #lng

3

🇺🇸 The North-East states have signed an MoU to coordinate on interregional transmission planning and development, a big step towards a clean energy transition. This framework will enhance grid reliability and accelerate renewables expansion. The group will create an action plan to promote the development of interregional transmission projects for offshore wind resources off the north-east coast. This will include identifying barriers and options to address them, alongside providing opportunities for external engagement. With this catalyst for new transmission projects in place, using 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫, our AI-powered planning platform, could be the extra step needed to accelerate the creation of new energy infrastructure in the region.

9

Frontier Energy, a leading renewables company in Western Australia, has announced a significant upgrade to its Waroona Renewable Energy Project Stage One. The battery capacity has been boosted by 12%, providing 4.5 hours of storage instead of the originally planned four. This enhancement is paired with a 120 MW solar farm near Perth. CEO Adam Kiley shared that the cost of key components, including solar panels and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, has dropped significantly since the initial feasibility study, which estimated a project cost of $118.5 million. This cost efficiency, combined with the enhanced battery storage, will allow for better electricity storage during low pricing periods and optimized dispatch during peak times, greatly improving the project's economics. This development marks a thrilling step forward in harnessing renewable energy for a sustainable future! 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/drVtXMP2 #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #BatteryStorage #Sustainability #GreenTech #CleanEnergy #EnergyInnovation #FutureOfEnergy

6

The latest Quarterly Carbon Market Report (QCMR) explores the state of renewable energy in Australia. In 2023, a total of 5.3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity was added under the schemes we administer. It was the 6th year in a row where more than 5 GW of total capacity was added. This growth is likely to continue with 6.5 GW of large-scale capacity under construction at the end of 2023. Read more in our QCMR 👉 https://bit.ly/4aEWa7m #QuarterlyCarbonMarketReport #QCMR #AustralianCarbonMarket #CarbonMarket #Renewables #Solar #EmissionsReduction

10

SLR has supported Harmony Energy to gain resource consent for three major solar farms with energy storage in Aotearoa New Zealand within the last month! With a combined capacity to power around 50,000 homes, the sites located in Ōpunake, Marton, and Carterton will make a significant contribution to New Zealand's climate change efforts and its transition to a low-emissions economy. Since 2019, we’re pleased to have contributed to Harmony Energy’s journey of powering a sustainable future. The approval of these three sites is a real milestone achievement and a testament to the shared vision of all those involved and commitment to accelerating the sustainable energy transition in Aotearoa New Zealand. Along with project management of the consent led by Christina Walker, we’ve formed a multidisciplinary project team of technical experts at SLR to provide the various assessments, including ecology, landscape, acoustics, glint and glare, GIS, flood risk, iwi engagement, and contaminated land expertise. The three recent announcements follow the Tauhei Solar Farm, one of New Zealand’s largest solar farms, at 150 MWac capacity in Te Aroha, Waikato, currently under construction. Find further details on the three approved sites here: https://lnkd.in/g5Pgm7qW Read SLR’s case study on the Tauhei Solar Farm and further projects here: https://lnkd.in/ghbkTVQN #OneTeam #MakingSustainabilityHappen #NewZealand #EnergyTransition #Solar #BESS

102

2 Comments

According to the Clean Energy Council, #Australia added 5.9 GW of #renewable capacity to the grid in #2023, up from 5 GW in 2022. #Rooftopsolar contributed 3.1 GW, while #utilityscale projects added 2.8 GW. This marked an increase from 2022, when rooftop solar provided 2.7 GW, and utility-scale projects contributed 2.3 GW. The share of #renewableenergy in Australia’s total #electricity generation also grew, reaching 39.4% in 2023, up from 35.9% in 2022. https://lnkd.in/gZQXX368

20

Thank you to the Clean Energy Council and CEO, Kane Thornton, for including Allegro Energy in The Future Of Long Duration Energy Storage report. This is a major piece of work, and the most comprehensive analysis of the state of long-duration storage in Australia. It’s a useful resource in understanding where we have the opportunity to shape the future of energy, too. As Kane Thornton, the CEO of the CEC, writes in his forward: “The only way to achieve a zero-carbon power system is if the lights stay on and customer bills are kept as low as possible. Failure to do so risks losing public support, delaying the transition at precisely the point it must accelerate.” Have a read of the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ggG3KVaX

19

Australia's renewable energy future hinges on effective policy settings at home.   The federal government's expanded Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) has boosted necessary generation investments, but more deep storage is crucial.   Deep storage ensures grid reliability during 2 to 3 days of low renewable periods. However, it cannot be filled with batteries alone, which is why Pumped Hydro storage plays a vital role in system strength by supporting voltage regulation, frequency control, and inertia.   CIS auctions are quickly gaining popularity, and future auctions that encourage more than the current 4-hour longer-duration storage bids will also attract more investors.   With the rapid retirement of coal-fired power stations, there is a pressing need for deep storage to maintain a reliable renewable power supply during low-generation periods.   ZEN is committed to supporting growth and innovation in the energy sector for a net-zero future here and worldwide.   Read more in RenewEconomy’s article about the roll-out of tenders for new renewable energy capacity: https://lnkd.in/gFPPc4Qp #NetZero #RenewableEnergyProjects #RenewableEnergyPolicies

23

🔆 Industry Update on solar and long-duration storage capacity   It’s great to see that, amidst continued questions around investment, two landmark renewable energy tenders have been opened. The Federal Government is seeking a record 6 gigawatts (GW) of new solar and wind capacity, and the NSW Government is seeking up to 1 GW of long-duration storage capacity.   The 6GW auction will reserve 2.3 GW of new capacity for NSW, 1.4 GW for Victoria, and 0.3 GW for each of South Australia and Tasmania. This auction will be repeated twice yearly as part of the government’s plan to secure 23 GW of new renewables and 9 GW of four-hour storage capacity.   NSW, individually, has opened its biggest tender for energy storage, seeking 1 GW of new capacity that can deliver at least eight hours of storage. This tender is part of the state government’s Long Duration Storage (LDS) program, which aims to achieve a total of 2 GW and 16 GWh of storage capacity by 2030.   Both tenders are the largest of their type in Australia and come at a critical time as the country faces questions about the adequacy of green energy project outputs to replace coal generators.   Interestingly, NSW's fifth tender for LDS projects might be integrated into the federal Capacity Investment Scheme if the definition of LDS is reduced from eight to four hours. This integration could streamline efforts to add 23 GW of new wind and solar power and 9 GW of storage by 2030, allowing NSW to focus on truly long-term storage solutions (12 to 24 hours) for prolonged periods of low renewable energy generation.   We welcome NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe’s emphasis on the importance of long-duration storage for ensuring reliable power as coal-fired stations like Eraring Power retire. Long-duration storage is crucial for providing Australia with the storage needed to ensure grid and power reliability and is a vital component of many large and small-scale solar projects across NSW.   We are pleased to see the 6GW auction focusing on many of the states where ACLE operates. It’s crucial for EPCs and investors to see continued efforts and tenders, especially as large-scale solar PV projects in Australia are at their lowest level in seven years, according to Rystad Energy.   #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #LongDurationStorage  

17

#SolarPV and #wind power are the cornerstones of Australia’s revised National #Hydrogen Strategy. Today (13 September), the Australian government released an updated 2024 version of its National Hydrogen Strategy, focusing on accelerating #cleanhydrogen industry growth, with #solarPV and wind generation set to provide the foundation for a booming industry. #SolarPower #WindPower #PV #Energy #GreenFuture #RenewableEnergy #Sustainable https://lnkd.in/gP7nrUWW

1

#SolarPV and #wind power are the cornerstones of Australia’s revised National #Hydrogen Strategy. Today (13 September), the Australian government released an updated 2024 version of its National Hydrogen Strategy, focusing on accelerating #cleanhydrogen industry growth, with #solarPV and wind generation set to provide the foundation for a booming industry. #SolarPower #WindPower #PV #Energy #GreenFuture #RenewableEnergy #Sustainable https://lnkd.in/gP7nrUWW

2

#SolarPV and #wind power are the cornerstones of Australia’s revised National #Hydrogen Strategy. Today (13 September), the Australian government released an updated 2024 version of its National Hydrogen Strategy, focusing on accelerating #cleanhydrogen industry growth, with #solarPV and wind generation set to provide the foundation for a booming industry. #SolarPower #WindPower #PV #Energy #GreenFuture #RenewableEnergy #Sustainable https://lnkd.in/gP7nrUWW

1

2024-25 Budget Boost for Clean Energy! The energy grid is poised for significant transformation, with Australia's 2024-25 budget set to inject a massive $22.7bn into clean energy under the Future Made in Australia policy! Highlights include: 💰 Major funding for renewable hydrogen to slash costs and ramp up production. ⚡️ 10% production tax credit for critical minerals like lithium and rare earths. 🔋 $1bn for solar supply chain + $523m for battery production credits. How will your business plan for decreased cost of batteries, the availability of hydrogen power, or increasingly affordable solar power? Both in your own business and within your supply chain? To maximise the opportunities that will come with this change, scenario planning is crucial. Anaplan is the perfect tool for businesses to model and analyse these complex scenarios, to remain agile in an ever-shifting energy landscape, and to make informed decisions every day about their sustainable future. For more on this topic, here is a great article from The Guardian: https://bit.ly/3RcaY5V #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #NetZero #ScenarioPlanning #Anaplan #Renewables #AustralianBudget2024 #FutureMadeInAustralia

3

Shizen Energy Seeks Equity Backer for Aussie Solar Play: A Strategic Move Similar to Their Recent Deal with Stonepeak in Japan Shizen Energy Group is actively seeking an equity backer to advance its new 200 MW solar project pipeline across New South Wales and Victoria. The portfolio was previously acquired from local developer BISON ENERGY GROUP back in Dec'22. 📍 Geographical and Operational Details: - Locations: New South Wales and Victoria, Australia - Project Scope: Approximately 12 solar projects totaling 200 MW - Timeline: Indicative offers are due by the end of April, with final bids expected by mid-June and deal closure anticipated by the end of July 🎯 Strategic Objectives: - Secure an equity investor to support the development and construction stages. - Negotiate a long-term power purchase agreement with a distinguished off-taker. - Maintain a minority stake with the potential for the majority owner to acquire full ownership post-completion. 📈 Market Insights: - Shizen's current portfolio exceeds 1.3 gigawatts globally, with an ambitious target of reaching 10 gigawatts by 2030. - The initiative aligns with Shizen's strategy to expand its pipeline by bringing in equity investors who have expertise and closely follow its previous deal with Stonepeak for the sale of a majority stake in an early-stage wind pipeline in Japan. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #ShizenEnergy #InvestmentOpportunity #AustraliaEnergy #SustainableInvesting #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #PowerPurchaseAgreement #StrategicInvestment

29

AnteoTech Secures ~$4 Million ARENA Grant to Advance Battery Innovation We're thrilled to announce that AnteoTech has executed a funding agreement with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for $3.99 million under the Advancing Renewables Program. This non-dilutive grant will accelerate the development and commercialisation of our Generation 2 Ultra High Silicon Anode technology, poised to transform both stationary energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) markets.   Key Highlights: ✅ $4M Grant awarded under ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program ✅ Three-year project targeting greater than 1,000 cycles at 80% capacity retention for large-scale energy storage systems ✅ Brisbane facility expansion with roll-to-roll (R2R) prototyping coating line ✅ Second major grant secured this year, bringing total committed funding to $5.4M   The Generation 2 Ultra High Silicon Anode will push the limits of performance, enabling higher density, more cost-efficient batteries for EVs and large-scale storage solutions. This project aligns with AnteoTech’s mission to provide next-generation battery materials to power a low-carbon future. CEO David Radford remarked, "This grant underscores the potential of our technology to drive global decarbonization efforts. ARENA’s rigorous review process validates the value of our approach, and we are excited to fast-track this innovation toward commercial success." ARENA CEO Darren Miller said: ‘The project represents an investment in homegrown battery technology with the potential to change energy storage on a global scale.’   We’re proud to partner with ARENA to drive innovation in clean energy solutions, pushing forward global decarbonisation efforts. #ARENA #BatteryInnovation #CleanEnergy #ElectricVehicles #EnergyStorage #Technology #Sustainability #Innovation #Funding

63

1 Comment