|

NSW launches Renewable Energy Planning Framework

Global, News

The New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia has introduced the Renewable Energy Planning Framework to streamline planning for renewable projects, ensuring investment stability and supporting regional economic growth.  Aligned with NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and emissions targets, the framework promotes transparent assessments of wind, transmission, and solar projects, emphasizing benefit-sharing with local communities. Key guidelines include setbacks for visual impact mitigation, hypothetical dwelling assessments, and direct benefits for regions, estimated to bring over A$400…

|

NSW approves A$4.8bn Humelink transmission project

Global, News

The Minns Labor Government in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has approved the A$4.8 billion ($3.12 billion) Humelink transmission project, a 365 km infrastructure line designed to deliver renewable energy across southern NSW.  Pending final approval from the Commonwealth Government, construction is set to commence this year, with completion targeted by 2027. The Humelink project is expected to create 1,600 construction jobs and contribute A$6.3 billion in direct and indirect investment to the regional economy. …

|

NSW approves Liverpool Range wind farm expansion

Global, News

The New South Wales (NSW) government has approved an amendment to expand the Liverpool Range wind project to 1.3 GW by utilizing fewer, more efficient turbines.  Initially approved in 2018, the project modification requested in 2022 aims to boost energy generation with updated technology and a reduced turbine count. Located northeast of Mudgee in NSW’s Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the $2 billion investment will create 550 jobs during construction and 47 permanent roles…

|

Squadron receives approval for 700MW Spicers Creek Wind Farm in NSW

Global, News

Tattarang’s Squadron Energy has secured approval from the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to construct the Spicers Creek Wind Farm, a 700MW renewable energy project in Wiradjuri Country, 25km north-east of Wellington within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ).  The project will include up to 117 wind turbines, battery storage, and supporting infrastructure, marking it as one of the largest wind farms approved in NSW. Once operational, Spicers Creek is expected…

|

Origin Energy to exit hydrogen project in NSW citing slow market development

Global, News

Origin Energy has decided to exit the Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub (HVHH) project in New South Wales due to slower-than-expected hydrogen market development. CEO Frank Calabria explained that while hydrogen has potential in the future energy mix, current market challenges, including input costs and technology advancements, are hindering progress. The HVHH, announced in 2022 in partnership with Orica, was designed to replace natural gas with hydrogen in ammonia production and provide cleaner transport fuel. Despite…

|

Akaysha Energy completes first stage of WSB project in NSW

Global, News

Akaysha Energy has completed the first stage of energisation at the Waratah Substation Battery (WSB) project in New South Wales (NSW), marking its registration on Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM). The 850MW/1.68GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is set to be the largest standby network battery in the southern hemisphere and the world’s most powerful battery. Developed in partnership with EnergyCo, Transgrid, Powin, and eks Energy, the WSB project will act as a “shock absorber”…

|

NSW approves 450 MW Goulburn River solar farm

Global, News

The New South Wales (NSW) government has approved the Goulburn River solar farm, a 450 MW renewable energy project designed to supply electricity to 191,000 homes annually. Located near Merriwa in the Upper Hunter region, the A$880 million ($591 million) development includes a battery energy storage system (BESS) to improve grid stability by storing and releasing solar energy during peak demand. Strategically positioned between two key Renewable Energy Zones, the solar farm will have direct…

|

Transgrid identifies remote inland renewable energy zones to meet NSW’s future power needs

Global, News

Transgrid has pinpointed remote inland renewable energy zones (REZs) as essential to meeting New South Wales’ (NSW) growing electricity demands amid a shift to renewable energy. With coal expected to supply less than 20% of the state’s power by 2033, Transgrid forecasts a three to fivefold increase in renewable capacity by the decade’s end. The latest Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR) highlights rising electricity demand, increased volatility, and a decline in minimum grid-supplied power in…

Power Sector News Roundup for November 14, 2024

Power Bytes

Global: NSW approves A$4.8bn Humelink transmission project Ramboll completes acquisition of K2 Management Capital Dynamics secures £48.5m funding for Scottish onshore wind projects Oklo signs LOIs with data centres to supply 750MW of low-carbon power Bureau Veritas acquires Versatec Energy to expand energy sector services Six nations join pledge to triple nuclear power by 2050 at COP29 rPlus Energies secures PPA with Idaho Power for 125MW Pleasant Valley Solar 2 project Orlen Group secures EIB…

Power Sector News Roundup for November 6, 2024

Power Bytes

Global: Westbridge sells 75% stake in Alberta’s Sunnynook solar project to METLEN Emeren and Arpinge partner on 300MW battery storage portfolio in Italy EDF Renewables signs 20-year energy storage PPA with APS for 250 MW Beehive BESS UAE’s Nakheel and DEWA partner on 132 kV substation in Palm Jebel Ali Canada proposes 35% emissions cap on oil and gas sector by 2030 ACCIONA Energía acquires 300 MW of wind capacity in Texas FTC Solar to…