Data centre industry lauds PM's consensus on energy use
National Cabinet has agreed to unified AI laws and mandatory standards requiring large data centres to offset their total energy demand with new renewable generation and firming.
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National Cabinet mandates renewable offsets for data centres, a landmark decision landing amid surging NEM prices and a warning of a 'bloodbath' for big battery revenues.
National Cabinet has agreed to unified AI laws and mandatory standards requiring large data centres to offset their total energy demand with new renewable generation and firming.
CleanPeak Energy has secured a $50.3 million contract to operate a renewable microgrid at Western Sydney International Airport, integrating 13.5MWp of solar and a 120MWh battery. This follows federal and state policy expansions, including a $100 million CEFC fund and NSW subsidies, designed to incentivise commercial-scale solar and storage projects up to 1MW.
HMC Capital has secured equity funding for its inaugural utility-scale battery and is preparing a further 2 GW of renewable energy and storage assets for final investment decisions. The firm’s near-term development pipeline focuses on expanding its Australian portfolio through these targeted project commitments.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly softened federal demands for data centres to be powered exclusively by renewables, allowing jurisdictions like the Northern Territory to utilise Beetaloo Basin gas.
DC-coupled solar-plus-storage hybrid projects in Australia can potentially accelerate grid connection approval timelines by up to six months compared to AC-coupled alternatives. This technical configuration streamlines the regulatory process, offering developers a faster pathway to commissioning integrated renewable energy and battery assets.
The Australian government has launched a Capacity Investment Scheme tender targeting 1.8GW of new renewable energy generation within Western Australia. This procurement process aims to bolster the state's clean power capacity through federal financial support mechanisms.
Utility-scale battery revenues are facing downward pressure as prolonged coal-fired generation and a surge in residential storage capacity reduce arbitrage opportunities. Industry analysts describe the current market environment as a 'bloodbath' for large-scale storage assets, which must now navigate a more competitive landscape than previously anticipated.
Australian landholders hosting wind turbines and transmission infrastructure report increasing instances of harassment and intimidation from anti-renewable groups. These escalating social license conflicts are complicating the rollout of regional energy projects as host farmers face community backlash for partnering with multinational developers.
A 23 MWp solar farm in New Zealand’s Manawatu-Whanganui region has been commissioned using tracker technology designed to cope with seismic conditions, steep terrain and high winds.
Concrete pours well advanced in latest wind project to begin construction in Queensland.
Oil giant has sold home battery maker that was one of the early players in Australian market, but missed out on the federal rebate boom.
Some critics have suggested that safety measures are not keeping pace with the rapid growth in demand for the federal battery rebate, but this is not the case.
Federal Labor's determination to support renewables as the primary power source for data centres has tended to avoid any mention of one very important word.
Solar and battery installation firms are booming with the help of government rebates but most fear a crash will hit when the support ends.
A licenced electrician has been convicted and fined after pleading guilty to certifying home battery system installations as safe without inspecting them.
The Saudi Power Procurement Company has signed four service agreements for 2,000MW/8,000MWh of utility-scale battery storage capacity. Consortia led by ACWA Power and Engie will develop the projects as part of the kingdom's role as the nation's principal electricity buyer.
Alpiq, CNTE, and Terralayr have advanced three German battery energy storage projects representing 260MW of operational capacity. The developments include Alpiq acquiring assets from Eco Stor and Terralayr activating a virtual tolling agreement with Vattenfall.
Spain has proposed regulations requiring data centers exceeding 1 MW to procure 80% of their power from new renewable sources via hourly matching. The framework also mandates strict water efficiency standards and European Union data sovereignty compliance to secure grid access.
The results of Ireland’s sixth Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 6) are due to be announced on December 2.
Ecoprogetti has commissioned a 200 MW solar module production line in South Africa after resolving previous technical integration issues. The facility is now operational and focuses on manufacturing panels for the domestic South African market.
Endesa’s distribution unit, e-distribución, is testing a voltage control system on low-voltage grids in Aragon and the Balearic Islands.
Ford Energy has entered the stationary storage market with a grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) product. The automotive manufacturer's new division aims to compete with established providers by leveraging its existing supply chain and technical specifications for utility-scale applications.
Four US-based technology partnerships, including Eos and WATTMORE alongside Middle River Power and PowerTransitions, are integrating advanced software and AI to optimize battery energy storage systems and gas-BESS hybrid configurations.
Adani Energy Solutions has obtained a $491.7 million contract to develop transmission infrastructure in Maharashtra, India. The project is designed to facilitate the grid integration of 4.5GW of renewable energy and storage capacity.
Finnish battery optimizer Capalo AI has partnered with Danish developer European Energy to provide trading and market-access services for two hybrid solar-plus-storage projects in Lithuania and Latvia.
Offshore oil and gas operators are facing significant barriers to electrifying rigs despite the potential for substantial carbon emission reductions. Industry analysis highlights that technical complexities and high capital costs remain the primary obstacles preventing the widespread adoption of electric power systems for maritime extraction assets.
US independent power producers (IPPs) Swift Current Energy and Avantus have secured financing for their pipelines and projects, respectively.
Hinen’s A15 residential energy storage system combines 3.6 kW to 15 kW hybrid inverters with 14.4 kWh LFP battery modules, each offering 13.68 kWh of usable capacity.
Maine utility regulators have selected Clearway Energy Group to develop an 800MW onshore wind project in northern Maine.
The California state Assembly has passed SB 868, known as the Plug and Play Solar Act.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has said the government is serious about realizing its 100 GW solar program, with construction targeted within three years.
The facility, located in Ho Chi Minh City, will manufacture and distribute polysilicon for semiconductors.
Suzlon Group has secured a new 250MW wind project order from Torrent Green Energy, a subsidiary of Torrent Group, expanding their partnership beyond 1.3GW.
Southampton FC fans can access discounted rooftop solar panels through leasing company Utilita Home, with potential annual energy savings and a chance to win match tickets and a signed shirt.
Reduce white etching cracks in wind turbine gearboxes with lubrication, materials, coatings, electrical protection, and monitoring.
Yesterday we wrote about ‘The grand ESOO Switch-a-Roo continues in 2026 … but hasn’t that approach jumped the shark?’. Following a tip from a reader (thanks!) this article at least helps to explain *when and why* the switch came about.
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