Topic · 11 stories
australia
This tag aggregates Australian solar and storage news, highlighting how local policy and grid integration shape the region's renewable energy transition.
Australia is headed for its biggest year of rooftop solar growth ever – and the mid-scale boom is yet to come
SunWiz data indicates that rooftop solar installations in Australia are on track for their highest annual growth on record, with October volumes up 16% year-on-year. This surge is significant for industry professionals as it highlights the strong consumer demand for distributed solar and battery storage, driven by the current regulatory and market environment.
Emergency Backstop Mechanism: Slamming The Brakes On Your Solar
New South Wales is set to introduce an Emergency Backstop Mechanism to manage grid security risks from uncontrolled rooftop solar generation. This development is critical for professionals as it defines new operational protocols and inverter tripping standards to maintain system stability during high solar penetration events.
Solar skin powers new $1.1bn CBUS Bourke St tower
The 48-storey 435 Bourke St tower in Melbourne features a 491kW building-integrated photovoltaic system covering three sides, generating 20% of its base energy needs. This large-scale BIPV installation demonstrates how solar skins can significantly reduce grid demand and support tenant occupancy in urban high-rises.
Australia: "A major piece of future proofing:" Canberra's biggest battery powers up to underpin net zero, electrification
The 250 MW/500 MWh Williamsdale BESS in Canberra has been officially commissioned and is now operating commercially to support the ACT's energy security and net zero targets. This project demonstrates the operational capability of large-scale battery storage in supporting grid stability and electrification in major urban centers.
Nickel powder optimization cuts TOPCon solar cell metallization costs by 6.8% without compromising efficiency
UNSW researchers demonstrated a 6.8% reduction in rear-finger raw-metal costs for TOPCon cells by optimizing nickel powder characteristics for partial silver replacement. This work highlights how specific powder properties influence electrical performance and printability, offering a pathway to lower metallization expe
CATL Secures 24 GWh Order in Australia, Delivers First GWh-Scale 8-Hour Energy Storage System
CATL delivered its first 5.64 MWh EnerQB system to Quinbrook for the Stanwell plant in Queensland, marking the first GWh-scale deployment of its 8-hour storage. This transition from pilot to commercial scale is critical for assessing the viability of long-duration lithium-battery storage in grid applications.
From Selling Equipment to Ensuring Grid Integration and Building Ecosystems: China's Energy Storage Sector Shifts Its Overseas Strategy
Chinese energy storage firms are shifting overseas strategy from equipment sales to system integration and grid connection verification. This transition is critical for professionals managing international market entry and ensuring reliable grid compliance.
WA's Plug-In Solar Plan Sparks Hope For Renters
Western Australia is the first Australian state to draft technical standards for plug-in solar and battery systems, targeting renters and apartment residents. This regulatory move creates a new market segment for portable solar and storage solutions, influencing product design and distribution strategies for the indust
Glenrowan Battery Ofsake Covers 102 MW Four
The agreement secures 10-year revenue support for a 102 MW battery project at Glenrowan, replacing the state-owned company’s prior solar-only arrangement. This marks a key step in Victoria’s storage market as projects navigate permitting, financing, and construction timelines.
"Electric jerry can:" Arena backs Australian portable energy storage innovation that's not quite a plug
ARENA has granted $6.77 million to Clutch Industries to build a manufacturing line in Melbourne for its PowerNet portable battery system. This project supports local production of modular, semi-solid-state storage units designed for flexible residential and off-grid applications.
State utility backs "first hybridisation" with updated 10-year contract that adds battery storage to solar
The State Electricity Commission has updated its 10-year offtake agreement with Pacific Partnerships to include a 102 MW battery at the Glenrowan solar farm. This hybridization adds significant storage capacity to the public utility's portfolio, supporting reliable renewable electricity supply across Victoria.