AirTrunk has signed an exclusivity agreement covering more than 800 MWh of battery storage in New South Wales. The arrangement forms part of a broader transaction that includes a 260 MW solar project located in the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone. The South Australian government has confirmed that gas-fired generation is a permissible power source for future data centres to support the state's renewable energy strategy. South Australian Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis joined Queensland and the Northern Territory in plans to allow gas plants to provide energy for proposed digital infrastructure. The state government noted this stance clarifies that gas remains an acceptable firming option for high-demand facilities while the grid transitions to green energy.
The NEM average price reached $172.30/MWh, sitting $87.90/MWh above the seven-day average, with South Australia recording the highest regional average at $188.10/MWh. The NEM average price was also above the $48.40/MWh recorded on the same weekday last week. South Australia reached the maximum price of $365/MWh at 05:50 and the lowest price of negative $54/MWh at 16:10. Queensland and South Australia each recorded one hour of negative prices. New South Wales recorded the demand peak of 9,286 MW at 16:35. Renewables provided 40.3 per cent of energy across the day, reaching an instantaneous peak of 61.2 per cent at 12:20, and batteries discharged 19,124 MWh.
AEMO declared a forecast lack of reserve level two condition for Tasmania for 20 November. The market operator forecasts the reserve shortfall to occur between 06:30 and 07:00. A forecast lack of reserve level one condition is also active for the Tasmanian region between 06:00 and 08:00 on the same day.
Delta has lodged a development application for its 400 MW Vales Point battery. The proposed 800 MWh energy storage system has reached a major milestone and is now undergoing planning assessment. Lacour Energy has referred a Western Australian wind farm and 4,000 MWh battery energy storage project for federal environmental assessment. The West Arthur Energy facility will be assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Edify Energy is developing the Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap solar and storage project in the Banana Shire of central Queensland. The developer will deploy advanced grid-forming battery technology at the site to provide essential network support capabilities to the regional grid. Edify Energy has partnered with DT Infrastructure to integrate these capabilities and enhance regional grid stability.
PLUS ES has reached two million smart meter installations across Australia. The company is providing the technology to help Australian households and businesses better manage their energy use. Boom Logistics is supplying a range of support equipment for the delivery of Transgrid's HumeLink West transmission project in New South Wales. The crane and logistics business has been intimately involved in the delivery of the major transmission infrastructure. Australian industrial firms are competing to establish the nation's inaugural low-emissions steel facilities. The shift addresses the dual challenges of decarbonising heavy industry and replacing deteriorating infrastructure. Low-cost international imports are placing pressure on the domestic transition.
Newcastle coal prices increased 2.8 per cent to US$145.00 a tonne. Natural gas fell 3.2 per cent to US$3.23 per million British thermal units. TTF gas declined 2.9 per cent to EUR89.54/MWh.
AEMC published a final rule to govern large data centres connecting to the grid. The determination strengthens the framework to address anticipated impacts on the national electricity grid and aims to benefit electricity consumers. The commission also published an infographic regarding energy market body coordination on data centre reforms. AEMO is seeking submissions by 10 December on the implementation of rule changes for the projected assessment of system adequacy and the retailer of last resort framework. Professionals Australia and the Australian Services Union have provided undertakings to AEMO to withdraw protected industrial action following constructive engagement. The market operator noted the withdrawal removes industrial action that presented risks to public health and safety. SA Power Networks will increase wasted connection and late cancellation fees from 1 January 2027. Transgrid published its submission to the productivity commission's pillar five interim report.