Archive

29 October 2026

53 articles collected

Daily Snapshot 3 min read

Energy Minister Chris Bowen submitted two rule change requests to mandate clean energy contracts for data centres. AEMO directed AusNet to disconnect three Victorian wind farms for system strength. Australia paid $9 billion for diesel imports between March and August.

AU 11 |Global 10 | Solar 8|Grid 4|Storage 4
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Today's Signal

Bowen sets out new data centre energy rules and how they might be policed

The Energy Co AU Policy ·

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has submitted two AEMC rule change requests requiring data centres to firm demand with regional clean energy contracts and demand flexibility. Proposed penalties for non-compliance include load-shedding mandates, while a second rule offers streamlined connection pathways for large loads co-locating with renewables and storage.

Victorian energy politicians clash as shortfall fears loom

The Energy Co AU Grid ·

Victorian Climate Change and Energy Minister, Jaclyn Symes, pledged $7.5 million for renewable gas while reaffirming her commitment to predecessor Lily D'Ambrosio's energy plan in a key speech ahead of the state’s November 28 election amid warnings a…

Australia foots world’s biggest diesel tab at $9B

Energy Source & Distribution AU Grid ·

Australia paid a global-high $9 billion for diesel imports between March and August, a figure more than twice that of any other nation during the period of conflict involving Iran.

Western Australia to lead nation in plug-in solar and batteries

Energy Source & Distribution AU Solar ·

Western Australia is set to become the first Australian state to legalise plug-in solar and batteries, beginning consultation on safety standards and integration. In September, Australia’s energy ministers agreed to […]

ARENA backs apartment EV charging platform

Energy Source & Distribution AU EV ·

Alchemy Charge has secured $2 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for a nationwide program to make electric vehicle (EV) charging more accessible for people living […]

Wholesale Demand Response in October 2026

WattClarity AU Grid ·

NEM-wide Wholesale Demand Response capacity reached 350 MW by October 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 100%. This growth indicates a significant expansion in dispatchable demand-side participation within the National Electricity Market.

WA set to become first state to legalise plug-in solar panels, batteries

ABC News – Renewables AU Solar ·

Western Australia is expected to become the first Australian jurisdiction to permit the use of plug-in solar panels and battery systems. The move aims to provide balcony-mounted renewable energy options for apartment residents, mirroring technology adoption already prevalent across Europe and the United Kingdom.

CATL and UNSW unite to build skills and innovation

Energy Source & Distribution AU Grid ·

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) and UNSW Sydney (UNSW) have agreed to form a strategic partnership that will advance the skills and capabilities needed for Australia’s renewable energy transition. […]

Retrofits on the rise Down Under

PV Magazine AU Solar ·

Australia’s push to accelerate electrification while meeting an 82% renewable energy target and retiring coal-fired power plants, both by 2030, is driving the retrofitting of co-located battery energy storage systems (BESS) at existing grid-scale sol…

Beyond the OCE

UK government approves nearly 2 GW of co-located solar in October

PV Magazine GLOBAL Solar ·

The UK Secretary of State granted planning permission for four nationally significant solar projects totaling nearly 2 GW in October. Each development includes co-located battery energy storage systems to support the infrastructure pipeline.

European solar startups raise €82 million in January-August

PV Magazine GLOBAL Solar ·

European solar startups secured €82 million in funding between January and August, marking a recovery in investment levels following record lows in 2023. Analysis by Avnet Silica identifies energy security as the primary catalyst for this renewed capital flow into the sector.

New flywheel design could eliminate power converter for grid connection

PV Magazine GLOBAL Solar ·

Researchers have developed a fixed-speed flywheel prototype using a wire-rope mechanism to adjust weights, potentially removing the need for grid-connection power converters. While the system successfully delivered power to the grid, high steady-state losses currently prevent the device from achieving a net electrical energy discharge.

South Africa’s renewables to surpass thermal capacity by 2035, says GlobalData

Power Technology GLOBAL Solar ·

GlobalData forecasts South Africa's renewable energy capacity, led by solar PV and wind, will exceed thermal generation by 2035. Despite this projected shift away from coal dominance, the analyst identifies limited grid access as the primary obstacle to integrating new capacity into the national power system.

On the Wire

Bushfire smoke can reduce solar farm output by 70%

Energy Source & Distribution AU Solar ·

UNSW Sydney research indicates that bushfire smoke can decrease solar farm generation by up to 70%, even at distances exceeding 150km. The study advocates for improved forecasting to manage these significant atmospheric impacts on renewable energy output.

SMA grid-forming DC-hybrid solution unveiled at All Energy Australia

PV Magazine – Australia AU Storage ·

SMA Australia has launched a grid-forming DC-hybrid solar and battery system designed to streamline grid connection processes and improve project bankability for developers. The technology aims to address technical barriers in securing network approvals for integrated renewable energy and storage assets.

Australia’s best crowned at the 2026 Utility Awards

Energy Magazine AU Grid ·

Image: Prime Creative Media The outstanding achievements of Australia’s utilities industry have been celebrated, with the winners of the inaugural Utility Awards announced at a gala dinner at Evoqé Events in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Togo opens consultation on large-scale solar tender

PV Magazine GLOBAL Solar ·

Togo is inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on draft documents relating to development of a large-scale solar project, ahead of launching a competitive tender. Comments can be submitted until November 9.

Sunkean advances copper-to-aluminum jumpers for PV DC systems

PV Magazine GLOBAL Solar ·

The manufacturer has developed a copper-to-aluminum jumper solution for PV DC-side applications, addressing conductor material costs, field installation efficiency, and the long-term reliability of copper-to-aluminum connections in utility-scale sola…

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