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From the editor
As we step into 2025, the promise of hydrogen as a clean energy solution has never been more tangible.
In this first edition of ecogeneration for the year, we’re excited to dive into one of the most transformative sectors shaping Australia’s energy future: hydrogen.
Australia stands at the crossroads of an energy revolution, and hydrogen is positioned to play a pivotal role.
With abundant natural resources, a robust industrial base, and a growing commitment to decarbonisation, the country has the opportunity to become a global leader in hydrogen production and export.
We’re seeing increased investment, groundbreaking projects, and collaboration across government, industry, and researchers, all focused on unlocking the full potential of this versatile fuel.
From green hydrogen generated using renewable energy sources to blue hydrogen derived from natural gas with carbon capture and storage, the possibilities are vast. Major projects are underway in key regions including the Pilbara, Gladstone, and Tasmania, all of which will serve as testbeds for what could be a hydrogenpowered future.
As the world races toward the energy transition, Australia’s vast renewable energy resources make it uniquely positioned to meet the global demand for low-carbon hydrogen.
In this issue, we explore the latest developments in hydrogen technology, policy, and market dynamics.
We also spotlight some of the innovative companies and individuals leading the charge.
As we embark on this new year, it’s clear that hydrogen will not only reshape our energy sector but will also offer new economic opportunities and sustainable pathways for the future.
So, as we begin 2025, we invite you to join us for another renewable-filled year in the pages of ecogeneration.
This is just the beginning, and the journey ahead promises to be nothing short of transformative.
Molly Hancock ecogeneration Managing Editor
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Ark Energy is investing in renewable hydrogen to decarbonise industry and position Australia as a global clean energy leader.
Ark Energy’s first major renewable hydrogen project, the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, will commence operation soon and decarbonise road haulage in north Queensland.
News in brief
a $370 million investment in the State Electricity Commission’s (SEC) Horsham Renewable Energy Park, featuring a solar farm and battery system.
This marks the second major project by the revitalised SEC, and the first fully government-owned energy generator in Victoria since the privatisation of the state’s electricity system in the 1990s.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the project, highlighting its capacity to produce 242,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually, which is enough to power 51,000 homes, or five
119-megawatt solar farm and a 100 megawatt, two-hour battery, developed in partnership with OX2.
“We’re building our future with the SEC – creating jobs, reducing bills and delivering reliable renewable energy across the state,” Allan said.
“Bringing back the State Electricity Commission is all about giving power and profit back to the people.”
The initiative is part of the SEC’s broader $1 billion investment plan to accelerate Victoria’s renewable energy
of new energy and storage — enough to power 1.5 million homes.
The Renewable Energy Park is expected to create 246 construction jobs, including roles for apprentices, trainees, and cadets.
A community benefits fund will channel $42,000 annually into local initiatives during construction and $70,000 each year once operational.
Set to go online in 2027, the Park will supply affordable renewable electricity to Victorian schools, hospitals, and government offices.
Hunter region councils secure renewable deal with Iberdrola
Four councils in the Hunter region of New South Wales — Maitland City, MidCoast, Muswellbrook Shire, and Upper Hunter Shire — have secured a renewable electricity supply agreement with Iberdrola Australia.
The deal, part of a larger power purchase agreement (PPA) involving nine regional councils, will ensure a long-term, reliable supply of renewable energy for council facilities and street lighting.
As part of the agreement, Maitland City, MidCoast, and Muswellbrook councils will source 100 per cent of their electricity from renewable sources.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has opted for 30 per cent renewable energy.
The councils estimate that the move will help avoid approximately 99,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the course of the contract.
The group purchasing power of the participating councils has enabled them to secure a competitive electricity price, saving an estimated $2 million over the life of the agreement compared to projected 2024 electricity costs.
The deal also shields the councils from fluctuations in energy prices, offering greater financial stability.
The renewable energy for the agreement will be sourced from multiple renewable energy projects located throughout New South Wales, contributing to the regional economy and further supporting the growth of the local renewable energy sector.
Four councils in the Hunter region of NSW have secured a renewable electricity supply agreement with Iberdrola Australia.
Hydro Tasmania’s $11.5m wind farm recharge
Hydro Tasmania has unveiled plans for an $11.5 million investment to modernise the Huxley Hill Wind Farm on King Island, one of Australia’s oldest operational wind farms.
lifespan by at least another decade while maintaining its crucial role in the island’s unique hybrid energy system.
Located 80km off Tasmania’s north-west coast, King Island relies entirely on its offgrid power system.
The wind farm, established in 1998, has been instrumental in reducing the island’s diesel dependence through renewable energy generation.
“King Island has been an early pioneer of renewable energy systems and a model for
New
This includes the use of refurbished equipment and maximising the reuse of existing components.
The comprehensive upgrade will involve foundation and tower refurbishment, along with the installation of restored nacelles, which were refurbished in Denmark.
The turbine blades are being restored on-site at King Island.
The wind farm operates as part of an integrated system alongside a 5000-panel
challenges, including extreme weather conditions and complex logistics.
Large cranes will need to be transported to the island by ship to handle the installation work. Additionally, maintaining a skilled workforce on an island with just 1600 residents presents its own challenges.
The refurbishment project, which began in September 2024, is expected to be completed by 2027.
projects propel Australia’s renewable sector
Australia’s renewable sector has recorded its strongest quarter of 2024, according to the Clean Energy Council’s latest quarterly report.
With new projects worth $3.3 billion reaching financial commitment in Q3, this quarter’s investment volume has already surpassed the entire of 2023,
The sector secured financial backing for ten renewable energy generation projects totalling 1405 megawatts (MW), marking the first time since late 2022 that new generation projects have exceeded one gigawatt in a single quarter.
Queensland emerged as a key investment destination, hosting the quarter’s largest projects.
The 376 MW Broadsound Solar Farm and the 285 MW Lotus Creek Wind Farm, the latter valued at $1.3 billion, led the state’s renewable energy expansion.
Battery storage continued its robust growth, with eight new projects reaching financial commitment.
These projects will add 1235 MW of
capacity and 3862 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy output to the national grid.
share, including the Orana Battery Energy Storage System, boasting 415 MW capacity and 1660 MWh output.
However, the Clean Energy Council warns that despite this progress, investment needs to accelerate to meet the Federal Government’s 2030 renewable energy target of 82 per cent.
report, calling for policy reforms to address
Construction activity also showed significant momentum, with ten generation projects and nine battery storage projects breaking ground. The quarter saw four projects commissioned, including Victoria’s 158 MW Mortlake South Wind Farm.
Australia still needs at least 1.5 gigawatts of new generation projects committed each quarter, according to the report.
The wind farm has been instrumental in reducing the island’s diesel dependence through renewable energy generation.
NSW approves Middlebrook solar project
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the Middlebrook Solar Farm, a renewable energy project set to be built 22km south of Tamworth.
The project, which includes a 320-megawatt (MW) solar farm and an associated 320 MW/780 MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS), is expected to produce enough electricity to power over 122,000 homes, creating around 400 jobs during construction and 15 operational roles thereafter.
The approval followed an extensive review by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, completed in August 2024.
Due to more than 50 public objections, the project was referred to the Independent Planning Commission for a final decision.
A three-member panel, consisting of Chair Mr. Richard Pearson, Dr. Bronwyn Evans AM, and Dr. Sheridan Coakes, engaged with stakeholders, conducted a site visit, held a public meeting, and
reviewed written submissions from 21 community members.
The Commission’s approval is subject to several conditions aimed at addressing environmental and community concerns. These include environmental and land management, community aesthetics, vegetation screening around the BESS and substation, as well as infrastructure improvements and finally the project’s decommissioning.
In its decision, the Commission noted the site’s suitability for a renewable energy project, citing its proximity to existing electricity transmission networks, favourable topography and solar resources, and the potential for continued agricultural use through grazing.
These conditions require ongoing management and monitoring, including regular reporting on environmental performance and compliance with set standards, to minimise any adverse impacts and keep the local community informed throughout the project’s lifecycle.
The project is expected to produce enough electricity to power over 122,000 homes.
Pacific Blue expands renewables projects in Queensland
Australian renewable energy generator and retailer Pacific Blue has secured approval from Burdekin Shire Council for a major expansion of its renewable infrastructure in North Queensland.
The expansion project will add 300 megawatts (MW) to the existing Haughton Solar Farm, creating enough capacity to power an additional 110,000 homes.
The plans also include a 200 MW Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS), marking a significant boost to the grid’s stability and storage capabilities.
The project involves an additional 1154 hectares of solar panels at Haughton Solar Farm, raising its total capacity to 400 MW. When fully operational, the expanded solar facility will meet the power needs of approximately 290,000 homes, moving Pacific Blue closer to its goal of a sustainable energy future for Queensland.
The newly approved 200 MW BESS will store solar energy for release during peak demand times, including nighttime, ensuring a more resilient energy supply.
According to Domenic Capomolla, Pacific Blue CEO, this expansion marks a pivotal step toward achieving Australia’s renewable energy targets and supporting local job growth.
“Once this stage is complete, Haughton Solar Farm is expected to have a generating capacity of up to 500 MW and enough power for around 290,000 homes. This project is the second stage of the four-part plan for Pacific Blue’s Burdekin Renewables Hub,” he said.
Pacific Blue’s plan for the Burdekin Hub includes a future 500 MW wind farm, capable of powering 200,000 homes, and a
250 MW, eight-hour pumped hydro scheme to support an additional 140,000 homes.
Combined, these projects aim to provide versatile generation and storage solutions to support Queensland’s transition to renewable energy.
The expansion at Haughton is also expected to stimulate the local economy, creating 405 full-time construction jobs and 10 permanent roles.
CEFC locks in $2 billion to support clean energy transition
The Albanese Government has announced an additional $2 billion investment in the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), aimed at accelerating Australia’s transition to renewable energy and reducing emissions.
The funding, allocated through the MidYear Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), will enable the CEFC to offer more support to households and small businesses switching to clean energy, while also attracting an estimated $6 billion in private investment.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investment on CEFC aligns with Australia’s ambitions to become a global renewable energy leader.
“We are building Australia’s future, not taking Australia backwards,” he said, highlighting the boost’s potential to create jobs, enhance energy security, and support economic growth.
Established in 2012, the CEFC has already facilitated investments in over 380 projects, with an estimated lifetime emissions savings of more than 160 million tonnes.
In 2024 alone, it invested over $4 billion in initiatives ranging from solar farms to battery storage, unlocking approximately $12 billion in private investment and supporting more than 4000 jobs.
Key projects backed by the CEFC include the Neoen Culcairn Solar Farm in New South Wales, expected to generate enough energy to power 160,000 homes and create 400 construction jobs, and the Collie Battery Stage 2 project in Western Australia, delivering 150 construction jobs.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the investment reinforces Australia’s natural advantages in renewable energy resources.
“The world is shifting to net zero. That means there are big opportunities and
big benefits for Australia, so long as it acts now to make the most of demand for clean energy and inputs globally,” he said.
“We’re getting on with the changes needed to make the most of Australia’s natural comparative advantage, having some of the best sun, wind, and critical mineral resources in the world.”
This marks the first recapitalisation of the CEFC’s general portfolio since its establishment, with the funding expected to accelerate the delivery of reliable, costeffective renewable energy solutions across the country.
The project involves an additional 1154 hectares of solar panels at Haughton Solar Farm.
The CEFC has already facilitated investments in over 380 projects, with an estimated lifetime emissions savings of more than 160 million tonnes.
Victoria seeks private partners for offshore wind
Victoria has launched an expression of interest for private companies to build transmission infrastructure connecting Gippsland’s offshore wind farms to the state’s grid.
VicGrid, tasked with overseeing the project, aims to partner with private sector experts to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the onshore transmission network.
The chosen partner will collaborate with local communities, Traditional Owners, and landholders, ensuring the project delivers value for Victorian energy users while fostering strong community relationships.
“We are getting on with the job of developing Australia’s first offshore wind industry which will deliver affordable and reliable power to Victorian homes and businesses,” D’Ambrosio said.
“Industry has a crucial role to play in the energy transition and we are looking for a transmission partner that shares our commitment to deliver the best outcomes for local communities in Gippsland.”
The construction phase is projected to generate significant employment, averaging 600 jobs annually and peaking at 1460 in 2027.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2027, with the infrastructure operational by 2030.
The State Government said environmental and social impacts are being thoroughly assessed as part of an ongoing Environmental Effects Statement process.
This review includes potential social, agricultural, and economic considerations, ensuring responsible development.
According to the Victorian Government, its leadership in offshore wind energy aligns with its ambitious 95 per cent
regional economic development and energy security.
To support communities hosting new infrastructure, the Victorian Government has introduced special funds for rural and regional areas, alongside compensation packages for landowners hosting transmission lines.
Landowners will receive $200,000 per kilometre of hosted infrastructure, in addition to compensation for land
Renewables at the heart of WA’s decade vision
The WA Government has launched a 10year Science and Technology Plan to lead in renewables and address global challenges.
WA’s Science Minister Stephen Dawson highlighted the plan’s potential to enhance Western Australia’s renewable energy transition, supporting research and development while fostering economic growth and job creation.
“Western Australia is well positioned to become a recognised player on the world stage with science and technology,” Dawson said.
“This new 10-year Science and Technology Plan ensures our eyes are firmly on the future.
“This plan recognises the enormous strengths that our State has gleaned from remote operations for the resource industry to healthcare and renewables and builds on this capability to increase the impact science and technology has for our economy, communities and environment.”
According to the WA Government, the plan emphasises the importance of scientific research and commercialisation
in enabling the energy transition, improving productivity, and delivering solutions to complex problems such as climate change.
It supports investment in clean energy innovation, partnerships with industry and academia, and the development of WA’s skilled workforce to meet the demands of a renewable future.
Renewables are a core focus, aligning with the Western Australian Climate Policy and other state strategies to accelerate decarbonisation and foster sustainable practices. With WA’s established expertise in renewable technologies and remote operations, the plan seeks to amplify its impact on the energy sector and global climate efforts.
The initiative outlines six strategic focus areas and is supported by WA’s Research and Capability Priorities document and an actionable roadmap. Over 1000 stakeholders contributed to its development, ensuring it reflects a comprehensive vision for WA’s future.
Led by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the plan will be overseen by a newly
established Science and Technology Council. Expressions of interest for council membership are now open.
The initiative outlines six strategic focus areas.
The construction phase is projected to generate significant employment, averaging 600 jobs annually and peaking at 1460 in 2027.
Renewables, not nuclear, set to power Australia’s future: GenCost
The latest GenCost report, a collaborative effort between CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), has reaffirmed that firmed renewables are the most cost-effective solution for modernising Australia’s energy grid.
The report highlights that renewable energy sources, even when accounting for storage, transmission, and firming, remain the most affordable electricity generation option in Australia through to 2050.
Firmed renewables are projected to deliver power at $80-$122/megawattshour (MWh) by 2030, significantly undercutting nuclear’s projected costs of $145-$487/ MWh.
Large-scale nuclear reactors would not be expected to produce power in Australia before 2040, with small modular reactors – if they were viable – facing costs up to $487/MWh by 2030, excluding a potential 100 per cent “first of a kind” premium.
In contrast, renewable technology costs are continuing to decline despite inflationary pressures. Large-scale battery prices fell by 20 per cent, while utility-scale solar dropped by 8 per cent.
Onshore wind costs have also stabilised after a modest rise.
The report directly addresses claims regarding nuclear reactors’ operational lifespan and capacity factors, rejecting the assertion that these would make nuclear power a cheaper option.
CSIRO’s analysis shows that even with a 60-year operational lifespan – far longer than typical renewable assets – nuclear remains significantly more expensive than renewables, even when considering refurbishment and maintenance costs.
The findings also indicate that increasing nuclear capacity factors to 90 per cent would have a negligible impact on reducing overall costs.
Drawing on international data, GenCost notes that planning, financing, and regulatory approvals for nuclear reactors in democracies like Australia require 17–21 years on average.
This places any potential nuclear power
generation well into the 2040s, consistent with global evidence.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said nuclear would result in higher costs for consumers and fail to address immediate energy challenges.
“The latest GenCost confirms what our energy experts have been saying for a long time: the most affordable path to deliver reliable energy in future is with new renewable generation and storage, firmed by gas and pumped hydro.” Bowen said.
The draft GenCost report is open for consultation until February 11, 2025, with the final version expected in the second quarter of 2025.
APA Group delivers major solar and battery project
APA Group has celebrated the opening of the Port Hedland Solar and Battery Project in WA.
Combining solar, battery and gaspowered generation, it will provide reliable energy to mining giant BHP while reducing emissions from the generation of electricity used to power its WA Iron Ore port facilities.
Specifically, the solar farm is expected to provide the majority of the forecasted average daytime energy requirements for BHP’s port facilities in Port Hedland.
Remaining power requirements are to be met through the battery energy storage system and APA’s existing gas-fuelled power station facilities.
The project’s unique solar farm is designed to withstand sustained wind speeds of 80m/s or 288km/hr, a first in the Australian market, according to APA Group.
Now that construction is officially complete, power is expected to be flowing through the project early in the new year.
The solar farm is expected to provide the majority of the forecasted average daytime energy requirements for BHP’s port facilities in Port Hedland.
GenCost notes that planning, financing, and regulatory approvals for nuclear reactors in democracies like Australia require 17–21 years on average.
How the economy will accelerate the clean energy transition
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton discusses the role the economy will play in delivering the next wave of renewable projects and the energy transition.
We often talk about the many benefits renewables will bring to Australia.
Those include lower power prices, a secure and stable grid, community benefits and jobs, and of course the reduction in emissions that Australia, and the world, desperately needs.
But there is another potentially transformational element that isn’t discussed so often: the economy.
Australia has a long history of industrial activity, but many of those industries are facing stiff global competition or structural changes that put them at risk. The transition to renewables presents us with a rare opportunity to embrace a new age of clean manufacturing.
Since 2020, approximately $40 billion has been invested into new clean energy projects, with an enormous pipeline at the ready to ensure Australia has the new generation to
replace ageing coal as it exits. Getting the energy transition right, delivering the next wave of new clean and least cost energy generation can also play a crucial role to bolster Australian manufacturing and supply chains.
Expansion opportunities
Green metals are one of Australia’s brightest prospects for economic expansion emerging from the global clean energy transition, and clean power and hydrogen will both play a role in realising these opportunities.
Metal production is one of the most energy and emissions-intensive industrial processes on the planet, with the basic metal industry accounting for 12 per cent of global industrial sector energy use.
With pressure mounting to develop low and zero-carbon supply chains, producers and customers are in the throes of
developing long-term decarbonisation and investment strategies.
In a net zero world, the best locations for processing and refining metals will be in geographies that can pair access to mineral resources with abundant, low-cost, renewable energy. Fortunately, Australia is not only the world’s largest producer of iron ore and the world’s second-largest producer of both bauxite and alumina, but it also boasts world-class resources of solar and wind.
Clean power and hydrogen are also likely to be key ingredients in decarbonising the long-haul, heavy transport sectors –particularly aviation and shipping. Australia has a natural advantage to be a long-term low-cost producer of renewable fuels, and the development of this capability is an important strategic opportunity to increase our energy security by reducing our
dependence on imports.
The Australian Government has acknowledged the potential in green hydrogen production in Australia by making a Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive a key part of its Future Made in Australia scheme (in addition to the $4 billion committed through its existing Hydrogen Headstart program). The incentive alone won’t address all the issues facing investors, but it would ensure that if a company makes green hydrogen in Australia, it will receive $2 for every kilogram of hydrogen produced for up to 10 years.
There is also a suite of other incentives underway which will support these emerging clean manufacturing opportunities, including a forthcoming dedicated auction round for Australian green hydrogen producers to supply European markets, supported by the Australian and German Governments. At the time of writing, the Australian Government was also unveiling new production credits for green metals, including aluminium made from reliable renewable power, which will turbo-charge the shift of Australia’s aluminium sector to renewables.
Rising competition
The challenge for Australia is to grab these opportunities with both hands while international competition ramps up. Various jurisdictions – including the USA, Canada, Europe and the Middle East – are investing heavily in their own clean hydrogen sectors.
Just as Australia needs to move quickly with its renewable energy generation and storage projects to ensure expertise, talent and investment dollars do not move elsewhere, the same is true of the economic opportunities.
Scaling-up any industry is a challenging task, especially with business and industry facing higher costs and complex and uncertain policy settings.
But the economic prize for Australia if we can make green hydrogen work is worth the effort.
It is worth remembering that while green hydrogen has a critical role to play in decarbonisation, it is a highly specialised one that should be focused on those energy needs that can’t be readily electrified.
Renewable generation (which already generates more than 40 per cent of Australia’s electricity) backed up by storage, is the lowest-cost and most reliable way to reform Australia’s energy grid, decrease energy costs for consumers, and cover for the
phase-out of our retiring coal-fired power stations.
A clean economy
With a Federal Election coming this year – the date of which, at the time of writing, is not yet announced – it’s an important time for the energy transition.
We have seen in the past decade or so how important policy certainty is for investment.
The legislated Renewable Energy Target delivered a boom in clean energy construction
through to 2020. And once again, with a renewed suite of policies and government action supporting investment in generation, storage and transmission, investment is now recovering from the lows of 2023, while 2024 represented a solid year for new construction starts and investment.
It is essential that Australia continues to accelerate the clean energy transition for the jobs and benefits it will bring to communities, for lower energy prices, and for real and significant economic opportunities.
Kane Thornton has more than a decade of experience in energy policy and leadership in the development of the renewable energy industry. His column is a regular feature in ecogeneration, where he analyses industry trends and explains the impacts of federal and state renewable policies on the energy sector.
In a land where coal fire plants once reigned supreme, something remarkable is emerging.
In just 16 years, the state of South Australia has transformed from a measly 1 per cent renewable generation, to the meteoric rise of 75 per cent.
Now, it is eyeing one of the ultimate prizes on the renewable energy crowns — hosting the UN’s flagship climate conference, COP31, in 2026.
ecogeneration explores what is supporting South Australia’s renewables ambition. From solar farms to hydrogen projects and significant policies, this state is actively pushing the boundary of renewable energy.
High voltage highway
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers can now travel easier between Adelaide and Melbourne, thanks to the newly operational NRMA fast chargers network built along the route as part of the Federal Government’s Driving the Nation program.
The fast-charging stations, located at Wycheproof, Ouyen, Mildura, and Marong in Victoria, provide convenient charging options along national highways between the two capital cities.
Sites in Ararat, Victoria, Port Pirie, South Australia, and Mataranka, Northern Territory, opened in late 2024, further expanding the charging network.
The National EV Fast-Charging Network, developed in partnership with NRMA and supported by a $39.3 million government grant, aims to ensure reliable EV charging along major Australian highways.
This initiative is part of a larger national push to establish over 1000 fast chargers across the country, helping reduce “range anxiety” for EV drivers.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said these new EV charging sites would keep battery charge up and range anxiety down among motorists.
“We’re committed to setting up reliable access to EV charging infrastructure along key travel corridors and regions,” Bowen said.
“The rollout of new NRMA chargers supports our commitment to improve consumer choice for cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars.
“Our partnership with NRMA is working to deliver fast-charging EV stations up and down our national highways, establishing reliable charging infrastructure across Australia.”
With five additional sites nearing completion, expected to open around the holiday season, and plans to add even more chargers next year, the NRMA initiative is on
This initiative is part of a larger national push to establish over 1000 fast chargers across the country.
to establish a major green iron hub in South Australia.
The initiative, dubbed Green Iron SA, brings together Magnetite Mines, Aurizon Holdings, Flinders Port Holdings, and GHD in an ambitious project targeting the state’s untapped Braemar Iron Region.
The consortium plans to leverage South Australia’s magnetite reserves and renewable energy resources to position the state as a key player in the global low-carbon steel supply chain.
The project’s centrepiece involves developing the Razorback Iron Ore Project, which will provide high-purity magnetite essential for green iron production.
Port Pirie, an established industrial city, is set to be transformed into a green iron manufacturing and export hub.
The consortium aims to begin producing direct reduction (DR) grade pellets and manufacturing direct reduced iron in the form of hot briquetted iron (HBI) by the early 2030s.
Dobson, Managing Director of Magnetite Mines said.
“The Razorback Iron Ore Project will play a pivotal role in supplying the high-grade feedstock necessary for green iron production, which is set to become a key export commodity, supporting our balance of trade as Australia transitions away from fossil fuel exports.
“This project not only aligns with global decarbonisation goals but also positions South Australia as a leader in sustainable mining and green iron production.”
The initiative faces several infrastructure challenges, particularly in water, power, and logistics.
The consortium has begun discussions with both State and Federal Governments to secure necessary partnerships and infrastructure support.
Pacific Green’s huge battery parks
The South Australian Government has granted planning consent to Pacific Green, a
The development is set to be carried out in two phases over the next three years. The first phase is expected to be operational by the second half of 2026.
Once completed, these energy parks are anticipated to substantially enhance grid stability in the region.
Tom Koutsantonis, South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining said it’s encouraging to see more private sector investment in energy storage.
“An increase in storage will provide greater capacity at peak times, extending the availability of electricity generated by cheap renewables. It’s also particularly pleasing that Pacific Green has chosen the South East of South Australia for its project – greater diversity of storage locations will strengthen our security of supply and reliability,” he said.
Joel Alexander, Managing Director and CEO of Pacific Green Australia, said the grant is a major milestone for the Limestone Coast Energy Park assets.
Energy Parks and to ensure funding and local contracting opportunities are open to all relevant groups,” he said.
“This is a positive and exciting start to an exceptional pipeline of Australian projects to come.”
Hyundai’s Green Drive in SA
South Korean construction giant Hyundai E&C has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate with South Australia on renewables and hydrogen.
The MoU was recently signed by SA’s Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs, at Hyundai E&C’s headquarters in Seoul, as part of his first trade mission to Korea and Japan.
Hyundai E&C is one of the world’s leading construction and engineering firms, with almost 15,000 employees in 34 countries, and having completed more than 880 projects across 62 countries.
Szakacs also discussed Hyundai E&C’s significant role in Korea’s residential
SA has more than 70 per cent renewable energy in its system but has committed to 100 per cent net renewables by 2027 and to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030.
Hyundai E&C has capabilities in renewables (solar and wind farms), battery energy storage, offshore wind, hydrogen, and transmission and distribution networks.
It also has capabilities in infrastructure for roads and rail tunnels, high speed rail, bridge, maritime and port, and underground space, as well as hospital, data centre, mixed- use development, and residential high-rise housing.
The MoU opens the door for Hyundai E&C – through its strong relationship with Invest SA – to deepen its engagement with South Australian Government agencies.
Bidding for COP31
South Australia is officially bidding to host COP31, the 2026 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Adelaide.
commitment to climate action and renewable energy innovation, positioning the state as a global leader in decarbonisation.
A feasibility study commissioned by the State Government confirmed Adelaide’s capability to host the event, highlighting its infrastructure, accommodation, and logistical readiness.
The Adelaide Convention Centre, with its secure zones and public spaces, would serve as the primary venue for the conference.
The economic benefits of hosting COP31 are substantial, with an estimated $511.6 million expected from increased tourism, trade, and global visibility.
The bid aligns with Australia’s broader interest in hosting the conference, with South Australia’s reputation for pioneering renewable energy and hydrogen technology making it a natural choice.
Currently, 75 per cent of South Australia’s energy comes from renewables, an ambitious target of 100 per cent by 2027.
The Razorback Iron Ore Project will play a pivotal role in supplying the high-grade feedstock necessary for green iron production.
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Helping drive Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry
Ark Energy is helping to lead the Australian renewable energy quest through its specialised work in hydrogen production.
Renewable hydrogen, a versatile fuel with applications in harder-to-abate industry sectors like heavy transport, chemicals, manufacturing and metals processing, is emerging as a key foundation for the global transition to a lowcarbon economy.
Among the players leading the development of Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry is Ark Energy. Ark Energy is an Australian subsidiary of Korea Zinc, one of the world’s largest producers of nonferrous metals and owner of the Sun Metals refinery near Townsville, Queensland.
Korea Zinc was the first major refiner to join the Climate Group’s global RE100 initiative and commit to operating from 100 per cent renewable electricity, by 2040 for Sun Metals and by 2050 globally. It aims to be the first refiner in the world to produce green metals.
The SunHQ Hydrogen Hub renewable hydrogen production facility and refuelling station.
In recent years, with forward thinking leadership, Korea Zinc has been pivoting and investing heavily in a sustainability roadmap titled ‘Troika Drive’. This focuses on innovation, growth and leadership in three new business areas: renewable energy and hydrogen, secondary battery materials and resource recycling.
In 2018 Sun Metals invested $200 million to build the Sun Metals Solar Farm, which remains the largest integrated industrial use solar farm in Australia, and supplies about 25 per cent of the Sun Metals refinery’s electricity needs.
Shortly after, in 2021, Ark Energy was established to progress Korea Zinc’s clean energy strategy and in the few years since has become one of Australia’s most prominent renewable energy companies.
It now has a portfolio of projects in development with an investment value of $20 billion that includes renewable energy generation, battery energy storage systems
and renewable hydrogen production.
Ark Energy is leveraging its parent company’s strong financial foundation and industrial expertise to develop innovative projects in renewable hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, and has earned status as a major player in Australia’s hydrogen industry.
Expansion into hydrogen mobility and advancing hydrogen’s potential in the
transportation sector is a critical element of the group’s decarbonisation strategy. Ark Energy’s first flagship renewable hydrogen project, the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, is a production and refuelling station for road haulage, also co-located with the Sun Metals Solar Farm and zinc refinery.
Stage 1 of SunHQ involves a 1-megawatt proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser with a behind-the-meter
As a flagship pilot project, SunHQ is often visited by stakeholders such as Townsville Enterprise’s 2024 North Queensland Future Leaders group for their module on green energy.
connection to the solar farm, built to adapt dynamically to fluctuating power prices.
The site was energised and power to the facility switched on for the first time in January. With a production capacity of 155 tonnes per annum, Ark Energy CEO Michael Choi said it will produce enough to help decarbonise the road train fleet operating between the refinery and the Port of Townsville, as well as supply third-party customers.
“We expect commissioning to be completed and the station fully operational by March this year,” Choi said.
“It is an industry-leading and pivotal project, not only as one of the largest fully integrated, renewable hydrogen production
and refuelling facilities in the country, but also as a critical pilot project that has helped to advance technologies, demonstrate integration of renewable hydrogen into the value chain, reduce costs and improve efficiencies in hydrogen generation.
“We have gained valuable expertise and knowledge from developing SunHQ over the past 12 months and will leverage those learnings for other, and bigger, more ambitious renewable hydrogen projects,” Choi said.
With abundant renewable energy resources, Australia is well-positioned to become a major supplier and is expected to become one of the world’s largest netexporters of low-emissions hydrogen,
according to the International Energy Agency’s 2023 World Energy Outlook.
However, one of the biggest challenges for hydrogen that has been identified is transporting it in large quantities.
Green ammonia, produced from renewable hydrogen, is an easily transportable energy carrier that can be processed back to hydrogen for various applications.
The International Energy Agency’s 2024 Global Hydrogen Review and the 2024 Australian Hydrogen Strategy highlighted ammonia production as a way hydrogen can more specifically facilitate decarbonisation for heavy industry.
“Green ammonia will be a critical enabler
infrastructure investment for north Queensland worth around $8 billion.
Subject to approvals, the goal is to commence operations in 2030, and it will have an ultimate production capacity of about 400,000 tonnes per annum of renewable hydrogen and 2.4 million tonnes per annum of green ammonia by 2035-40.
to decarbonise hard-to-abate industrial processes and use as a zero-carbon fuel,” Choi said.
Ark Energy’s next major hydrogen project, the Han-Ho H2 Hub, involves an integrated renewable hydrogen and green ammonia production facility within the Abbot Point State Development Area.
The project will be supplied with renewable electricity from Ark Energy’s proposed Collinsville Green Energy Hub, which is approximately 60 km south, and will export green ammonia via the Port of Abbot Point.
Tim Davies, Senior Project Manager, Han-Ho H2 Hub, said the project is planned to be built in two stages and is an
“It will be one of the largest hydrogen and ammonia facilities with behind-themeter renewable energy generation in Australia,” Davies said.
Abbot Point has an industrial area and existing deepwater port earmarked for further development, as well as renewable energy resources in proximity, established trade links, and a strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region.
Davies is confident this will position the Han-Ho H2 Hub to tap into a lucrative export market. A strategic, long-sighted approach to decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors and pioneering applications for renewable hydrogen requires vision, tenacity, courage, significant investment
and a commitment that can span decades.
Choi said Ark Energy is determined to become a global leader in renewable hydrogen production and export.
“We are driven by a vision to be the safest and most competitive producer of renewable hydrogen, not only in Australia, but in the world, and utilise it to lead the way in decarbonisation, and carbon neutral manufacturing and business.”
Ark Energy is working with local and international stakeholders and investing heavily to develop the infrastructure for a renewable hydrogen value chain, and to produce, store, transport and export renewable hydrogen from Australia on a large scale.
With Ark Energy’s ambitious projects, the future of renewable hydrogen in Australia and its catalytic potential to establish the country as a clean energy export powerhouse is taking shape.
For more information, visit arkenergy.com.au
SunHQ is co-located with the Sun Metals refinery and solar farm.
Artist impression of the Han-Ho H2 Hub’s renewable hydrogen and green ammonia production facility.
From the iron ore mines of the Pilbara to the coal fields of Mongolia, the mining sector’s environmental footprint has long been significant.
The m ining industry is now embracing renewable energy-powered equipment to reduce emissions.
Central to this transition is Liebherr, one of the world’s largest equipment manufacturers. With its commitment to sustainability, it is helping drive the shift towards zeroemissions mining.
Mining truck goes green Liebherr’s journey toward zero-emission mining solutions achieved a milestone in 2024 with the deployment of a hydrogenpowered mining truck.
Traditional mining trucks, which are typically powered by diesel, generate significant emissions and contribute heavily to the industry’s overall environmental footprint.
The company’s hydrogen-powered haul truck prototype nicknamed “Europa,” represents a significant milestone in the push for cleaner mining operations.
The truck is equipped with a 516kWh battery developed by Fortescue Zero, complemented by 500 kilowatts of fuel cells.
Europa’s storage capacity is impressive, capable of holding over 380 kilograms of liquid hydrogen, providing it with the range and power necessary to operate in the rugged environments typical of mining operations.
Contract for a new era
Fortescue and Liebherr’s collaboration extends beyond hydrogen-powered trucks.
In a historic move, the two companies announced a US$2.8 billion partnership in September 2024.
This collaboration will result in the supply of 475 zero-emission Liebherr machines which will be deployed across Fortescue’s operations in Western Australia by the end of 2030.
This deal represents a transformative moment in the mining industry, as it will replace nearly two-thirds of Fortescue’s current fleet with zero-emission machinery.
At the core of this partnership are the 360 autonomous battery-electric T 264 trucks, which integrate Fortescue Zero’s cutting-edge battery.
This collaboration represents the marriage of Fortescue’s innovative energy solutions with Liebherr’s proven track record of excellence in haul truck design.
The battery-electric T 264 truck combines Fortescue Zero’s heritage of innovation, delivering a battery power system designed for
Liebherr’s T 264 hydrogen fuelled truck.
Images:
Liebherr
best-in-class range and durability in all mining environments, with Liebherr’s proven haul truck excellence. The first autonomous battery-electric trucks are expected to begin onsite validation by the end of 2025.
This marks a significant step forward in Liebherr and Fortescue’s shared vision for zero-emission mining.
The trusted mining partner
The collaboration between Fortescue and Liebherr is not a coincidence.
One of the key reasons Fortescue chose Liebherr as its partner is the company’s longstanding reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance machinery tailored to the demands of the mining industry.
Liebherr’s expertise in creating equipment that thrives in the harshest conditions ensures its machines meet performance expectations. The company also helps reduce operational costs, which is crucial for any successful mining operation.
Liebherr’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with Fortescue’s mission to achieve zero-emission mining by 2030.
The equipment designed by Liebherr is built with environmental impact in mind, ensuring that productivity and sustainability go together.
This combination of reliability, adaptability, and eco-conscious design made Liebherr the ideal partner to help Fortescue advance its zero-emission vision for the mining sector.
The company is also heavily investing in its global infrastructure to support the continued development and deployment of zero-emission technologies.
Liebherr’s investment in personnel, remote support services, and global infrastructure also ensures that these advanced solutions can be implemented smoothly, with minimal disruption to operations. This dedication to customer service and technological
advancement makes Liebherr an industry leader, capable of meeting the growing demand for sustainable mining solutions.
The collaboration between Liebherr and Fortescue reaches far beyond renewablespowered trucks.
It encompasses electric excavators, autonomous haulage systems, batterypowered dozers and a broad suite of cuttingedge technologies aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of mining.
For more information, visit liebherr.com
Liebherr’s T 264 at MINExpo 2024.
Liebherr’s T 264 marks a significant step forward in Liebherr and Fortescue’s shared vision for zero-emission mining.
Hydrogen park sparks change
The journey to a sustainable, low-carbon Australia starts now.
On October 11, 2024, the first sod was turned for the Hydrogen Park Murray Valley (HyP Murray Valley), heralding the start of one of Australia’s largest renewable hydrogen projects.
Spearheaded by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), the $65.4 million initiative represents a critical milestone in the nation’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
Located in the Albury-Wodonga region, this project will benefit regional industries, businesses, and households, marking significant progress in decarbonizing Australia’s energy networks.
At the heart of HyP Murray Valley lies a 10-megawatt hydrogen electrolyser.
Made by LONGi, this machine is capable of producing 500 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually.
As one of the largest electrolysers on Australia’s east coast, it will displace natural gas in the Albury-Wodonga network by blending hydrogen at up to 10 per cent by volume.
This will serve 40,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers, contributing to the broader decarbonisation of gas supplies.
By replacing traditional natural gas, the project aims to eliminate 3000 to 4000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
HyP Murray Valley is strategically located alongside North East Water’s West Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant, creating opportunities for resource synergy.
The project plan to use recycled water for hydrogen production, while channelling the oxygen by-products back into wastewater treatment processes.
This circular approach will help the community reduce waste and improve operational efficiency while benefiting the environment.
The project will generate 40–50 local jobs during construction, delivering a significant boost to the regional economy.
Additionally, the initiative underscores Albury-Wodonga’s role as a renewable energy hub, offering potential for future hydrogen refuelling stations along the Hume Highway and further decarbonisation efforts across Victoria and New South Wales.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) initially awarded funding to AGIG for its Wodonga development in May 2021 after being a successful applicant to its Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round.
AGIG’s facility will initially supply renewable hydrogen for injection into the local natural gas distribution network.
Up to 10 per cent hydrogen will be blended with natural gas to reduce local carbon emissions. Network owner Australian Gas Networks, part of AGIG, estimates there are more than 40,000 gas connections, serving around 85,000 people in Victoria and across the border in NSW.
The 10 per cent hydrogen blend will cut approximately 4000 tonnes of CO2 each year.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project is exciting because it will reduce local emissions from day one of operation.
“It’s essential to scaling up Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry that we get these first-generation projects up and running,” he said.
“The lessons we learn here will help inform our hydrogen industry as it grows from its early stages to a pillar of the net zero economy.”
Miller said that the project would have the potential to supply additional markets as they move towards net zero.
“Reliable supply of renewable hydrogen in places like Wodonga is going to be needed as hydrogen plays as growing role in road freight,” he said.
The Victorian Government is supporting the project with $12.315 million through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is providing additional financial backing.
Mars Petcare Australia will purchase Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin
certificates, generated by the project.
The Federal Government accreditation program, GreenPower, will match the energy use of Mars’ local pet food factory to the renewable hydrogen added to the local gas network.
AGIG CEO Craig de Laine further added that the gas infrastructure business is proud to work with both the Australian and Victorian Governments on this landmark project.
“The strong support received from both the Australian and Victorian Governments demonstrates the importance of renewable hydrogen to decarbonising energy across Australia,” he said.
“We thank all our project partners and key stakeholders, including the AlburyWodonga community for their contribution to the project to date.”
Hydrogen on the horizons
Naturally occurring hydrogen has been discovered in New South Wales, potentially marking a breakthrough for Australia’s renewable energy future.
Recent surveys by Geoscience Australia (GA) and the Geological Survey of New South Wales (GSNSW) have revealed elevated hydrogen concentrations in the Tumut region and western New South Wales (NSW).
This discovery could play a pivotal role in accelerating the nation’s energy transition and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Hydrogen has long been hailed as one of the true clean energy solutions, producing only water and oxygen when burned.
Traditionally, its production — either through steam reforming of natural gas or water electrolysis — has been energyintensive and costly.
For hydrogen to be a truly green alternative, steam reforming requires carbon capture and storage, while electrolysis relies on renewable electricity.
Natural hydrogen, on the other hand, bypasses these hurdles by being extracted directly from the Earth.
Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy 2024 highlighted the potential of natural hydrogen as a direct energy source.
By exploring natural hydrogen, Australia could unlock a resource that aligns with its ambitious net-zero carbon goals.
The Tumut region emerged as one of the most promising sites for natural hydrogen exploration, recording soil hydrogen concentrations up to 309.5 ppm.
According to a report jointly released by GA and GSNSW, these values are comparable to, and sometimes exceed, levels reported in those globally recognised hydrogen hotspots, such as the Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia and areas in Namibia.
The geology around Tumut, characterised by serpentinization peridotites, plays a critical role.
These rocks undergo a process called serpentinization, which enhances porosity and permeability, making them ideal reservoirs for hydrogen storage.
The Tumut findings highlight a unique combination of geological features — from deeply dipping faults to varied rock types — that facilitate hydrogen migration to the surface.
These attributes make the region a highpriority target for further exploration.
In western NSW, findings were less conclusive, with only three sites — Anabranch North, Hawsons, and Menindee — showing detectable hydrogen concentrations above the baseline.
The lower levels, ranging from 5.8 to 15.5 ppm, suggest restricted upward migration or
less favourable geological conditions. Despite these limitations, clusters like Anabranch North and Hawsons revealed links between hydrogen presence and specific geological formations, offering some prospects for deeper resource exploration.
The hydrogen concentrations detected in NSW align with international benchmarks.
For instance, Namibia’s natural hydrogen fields report values around 392 ppm, while Western Australia’s Yilgarn Craton has recorded concentrations up to 447 ppm.
Such comparisons reinforce the viability of Australia’s natural hydrogen resources and underline the importance of geological factors like serpentinization ultramafic rocks.
However, elevated hydrogen in soil gas serves primarily as a qualitative indicator.
It signals potential underground reserves but does not guarantee commercial viability.
According to the report, further exploration and detailed studies are crucial to understanding the size and scope of these resources.
The surveys also detected helium, another valuable resource, particularly in western NSW.
The Tumut area recorded helium concentrations as high as 35.3 ppm, comparable to major helium-producing regions such as the Bush Dome fields in the United States.
Helium, with applications ranging from medical imaging to space exploration, represents an additional incentive for explorers.
According to Resources Minister Madeleine King, hydrogen has significant importance to Australia resource sector, and she describes it as an “enormous opportunity”.
John Graham, Acting NSW Minister for Natural Resources, said in a statement the report grows the wealth of knowledge about NSW’s geological potential, as well as peoples’ understanding of natural hydrogen and helium.
“Natural hydrogen has potential as a new energy source and can support the economy’s shift to a net-zero future,” Graham said.
Hydrogen has long been hailed as one of the true clean energy solutions, producing only water and oxygen when burned.
A sustainable option for construction
In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, sustainability, durability and adaptability are no longer optional — they’re essential.
Images:
Crawler crane access and lift platform at Sunshine Coast Solar Farm.
Gaining access to remote renewable energy projects in challenging terrain is a significant task that requires careful consideration.
There’s a growing demand for materials that can withstand heavy traffic, require minimal maintenance, and minimise environmental impact, while also ensuring workers’ safety.
For industries striving for sustainability, there’s a growing need to find new ground with innovative solutions.
Composite mats, originally developed for temporary access in remote and challenging environments, are now gaining attention and have proven their ability to tackle common geotechnical challenges.
At the 18th East Asia-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction (EASEC-18), Griffith University researchers Hassan Karampour, Shelley Karkoodi, and Barry Kok presented their groundbreaking findings.
* Their study, ‘High Performing Lightweight Flexible Honeycomb Sandwich Geomats’, evaluated how composite mats –constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a honeycomb core – performed under the extreme conditions.
The results validated the design’s performance in extreme settings and revealed its transformative potential across a wide range of industries, including energy, civil construction, defence, and beyond.
Rethinking ground engineering
For decades, reinforced concrete, steel, timber and geotextiles have been the go-to material for many construction needs, especially in road infrastructure, access ways, and high-traffic areas.
Due to the increasing demand on these assets, the performance of conventional solutions has come under scrutiny.
For instance, serviceability issues such as excessive deflections over time requires
extensive maintenance to keep it functional.
These issues lead to high operational costs, costly downtime for repairs, and concerns about safety and stability on active construction sites.
Moreover, the conventional options involve significant environmental costs, including high CO2 emissions, which are a growing concern in industries striving for carbon reduction and sustainability.
This conventional approach to ground engineering is further challenged in locations with difficult terrain or stringent environmental standards.
Soil disturbance, contamination risks, and ecological impacts of traditional materials can hinder project timelines, increase costs, and negatively impact communities surrounding construction sites.
As industries push the boundaries of traditional practices, composite mats are
Composite mats allow site crews to get to work right away, without the need for extensive groundwork and imported fill material.
emerging as a versatile, economical, and sustainable solution for temporary access and soil stability challenges.
A researcher’s journey
Kok, a 26-year veteran in the geotechnical field and industry researcher, first encountered Dura-Base, a heavy-duty composite mat system, in 2016.
Initially, it did not pique his interest — until a few years later when he faced a project with a tight construction timeline in an environmentally sensitive area.
Traditional methods offered no viable way to lay temporary access while ensuring timely ground reinstatement.
Kok needed a modular, quick-fix solution, and Dura-Base perfectly bridged the gap.
“As a designer, I design and explore different solutions based on their merit. Composite mats are semi-rigid, and this is the perfect solution for problematic soil and poor sub-grade,” Kok said.
“Concrete, timber and steel are strong but when these fail, it is catastrophic. At the other end of the spectrum are flexible options like geo-fabrics which will result in unacceptably uneven ground.”
One defining moment for Kok came while
observing a team pour concrete for a temporary road.
He firmly believed that the large construction footprint was a waste of resources and had an unnecessarily heavy impact on the environment.
Furthermore, the subsequent rehabilitation efforts, including concrete removal, disposal, and ground restoration, highlighted the wastefulness and high costs associated with traditional methods.
Kok emphasised that Dura-Base’s potential to save significant time and money, particularly on semi-permanent structures used on large scale projects, which are often costly and prone to delays — sometimes amounting to millions of dollars.
Although Dura-Base has been on the market for some time, its potential in geotechnical applications remains underexplored, with few studies investigating its limitations.
Tested and proven resilience
To validate their durability, the Griffith University research team subjected composite mats to a series of rigorous mechanical tests.
Specifically, the Dura-Base heavy-duty matting system was selected for the tests due to its reputation in the market.
Compression tests demonstrated their ability to bear heavy loads without compromising structural integrity, while shear and bending analyses revealed their resilience under dynamic stresses.
The mats’ performance under extreme conditions was further simulated using finite element analysis (FEA), which assessed their interaction with various subgrade materials.
The results confirmed the mats’ ability to uniformly distribute concentrated loads through the honeycomb structure, reducing localised stress points and preventing ground failure.
The real-world trials were equally compelling. In active operations, where mats faced heavy machinery and repetitive wear, they not only retained their performance but also exhibited strain hardening — a process where materials strengthen under repeated loading.
This durability translates to extended service life and lower long-term costs, adding to the composite mats list of economic benefits.
Temporary working platform for piling works.
Engineered for strength and versatility, their lightweight honeycomb structure efficiently distributes loads across all ground types, especially low strength soils, while remaining easy to manoeuvre and install.
Designed to withstand the harshest of environments, they perform reliably under diverse environmental conditions, making them an ideal choice for modern infrastructure projects.
Real-world solutions
Since Kok’s initial introduction to the composite matting system, he has witnessed its effectiveness in numerous real-life scenarios while working on multiple energy and road infrastructure projects as a geotechnical advisor.
He noticed that their flexibility allows the mats to adapt to minor ground movements without cracking — an advantage which rigid materials simply cannot match. By providing a stable, loadbearing surface with minimal soil disruption, composite mats also help mitigate the ecological impact on the ground, protecting grass roots and lessening the risk of erosion and reducing the risk of contamination.
This versatility has seen the deployment of mats beyond temporary roadways, with an increase in geotechnical applications such as working platforms.
A crane lift platform that may have required weeks of clearing topsoil and compacting with fill material, could potentially be replaced by laying out a truckload of mats.
Once removed, the mats leave the ground largely undisturbed, allowing for faster recovery and reducing the need for costly remediation.
A path forward
All the real-life findings prompted Kok and his fellow researchers to perform a comparison of traditional construction materials with composite matting solutions, focusing on their respective carbon footprints.
Given the reduced time on site, decreased heavy machinery operation time, and minimised remediation needs, it stood to reason that composite matting would have a lower carbon intensity.
To understand if composite mats present greenhouse gas savings over the conventional soil method, preliminary carbon footprint modelling was completed
using the assumptions of laying down an access track for a copper string project. Based on the National Construction Code, Green Building Council of Australia and the National Greenhouse Gas Reporting Scheme, the scope of the modelling focussed only on direct emissions, indirect emissions, and embodied carbon.
“While the study is not a cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint, indicative results were promising - for an access track of 1km, using composite mats presented a 5 per cent reduction in total carbon emissions,” Kok said.
The findings of the research paper by Griffith University and independent greenhouse gas studies demonstrate that composite mats are well-positioned to meet the challenges of modern infrastructure.
As the industry shifts towards greener, less carbon-intensive, and environmentally friendly solutions, composite mats are gaining significant traction.
By highlighting the high value for money and multifaceted benefits of innovative products such as composite mats, rigorous research can help shift perceptions, transforming the way they are viewed –from mere products to holistic solutions that offer a range of advantages to the industry
Once removed, the mats leave the ground undisturbed, allowing for faster recovery and reducing the need for costly remediation.
Partnering for a sustainable solar industry
Industry leaders Capral Aluminium and SunDrive Solar have entered into a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a supply partnership.
The memorandum focused on advancing sustainability and developing a resilient local supply chain within Australia’s solar industry.
This collaboration aims to enhance the competitiveness of domestic solar module production while significantly reducing its environmental impact.
Founded in 1936, Capral Aluminium is one of Australia’s largest manufacturers and distributors of aluminium products.
The company has been serving sectors such as construction, automotive, marine, and increasingly, the renewable energy industry.
With a nationwide presence across
manufacturing and distribution facilities, Capral is the country’s leading supplier of aluminium products and a trusted partner for industries committed to sustainable development.
Since its inception in 2015, SunDrive Solar has been at the forefront of solar cell innovation, developing advanced technologies to improve solar module efficiency and sustainability.
With a vision to develop and advance Australia’s solar manufacturing capabilities, SunDrive aims to foster opportunities for local solar supply chain development and contribute to economic growth and diversification.
The cornerstone of this agreement is the shared intention to create a domestic supply chain that reduces dependency on international suppliers.
By sourcing aluminium from Capral, SunDrive aims to increase the stability and reliability of its production processes, mitigating risks associated with global supply chain disruptions.
Reflecting on this vision, Natalie Malligan, CEO of SunDrive, said the company’s commitment to exploring and fostering a strong, local supply chain is at the core of its vision for the future of solar manufacturing in Australia.
The collaboration aims to enhance the competitiveness of domestic solar module production while significantly reducing its environmental impact.
“The opportunity to source local and lowcarbon aluminium through Capral has the potential to not only support Australian jobs and businesses but create a unique, Australian product that supports Australian jobs and enhance the resilience and sustainability of our production process,” Malligan said.
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared commitment to sustainability.
Capral’s LocAL® low-carbon aluminium, introduced in 2022, has positioned the company as an industry leader in providing sustainable, extruded aluminium products for Australian manufacturers.
Capral’s recent partnerships with primary aluminium suppliers offering materials with a minimum of 20 per cent recycled content further enhance its sustainability credentials.
Capral has successfully trialled the use of this recycled material in its extrusion plants, presenting an exciting opportunity for SunDrive to incorporate these sustainable materials into its solar modules.
Additionally, Capral is Australia’s only Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certified extruder, demonstrating its commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable practices across the aluminium supply chain.
This certification assures SunDrive that Capral’s processes meet stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, from raw material procurement to production, providing a robust foundation for their partnership.
For every manufacturing job, three-and-ahalf additional jobs are supported in the supply chain, highlighting the multiplier effect of a strong local sector.
By fostering a local solar manufacturing industry, there is potential to create secure, well-paid jobs that benefit local communities and drive economic growth.
Cost competitiveness is essential for longterm viability, and both businesses recognise a coordinated local supply chain will be crucial for delivering high-quality, affordable products that can compete globally.
Both parties bring a strong emphasis on the opportunity of further research and development (R&D) with joint initiatives aimed at improving the performance and durability of aluminium products for solar applications.
This focus on innovation has the potential to lead to advanced solutions that further enhance solar module efficiency and support the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector.
Mark Murray, Sales and Market Manager –
Industrial Solutions for Capral, said the company is excited about the future with SunDrive.
“We truly believe in supporting their ambitions for domestic manufacturing and supply chains. We’re committed to exploring advanced manufacturing and automation solutions to meet the growing demands for SunDrive’s and Trinasolar’s modules, ensuring we remain competitive in the global market,” he said.
This partnership is contingent on SunDrive Solar securing support under ARENA’s Solar Sunshot program, which is critical to advancing this joint initiative.
Achieving a viable and cost-competitive local supply chain will require not only projectspecific support but also sustained, long-term policy coordination and investment to strengthen Australia’s manufacturing capabilities and ensure global competitiveness.
Together, Capral Aluminium and SunDrive Solar are poised to power Australia’s future, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can foster long-term growth, sustainability, and local industry development in the renewable energy sector.
SunDrive Solar has been at the forefront of solar cell innovation, developing advanced technologies to improve solar module efficiency and sustainability.
Greener power, packed and primed
Australia is navigating its transition to renewable energy, with one ambitious project poised to help redefine the nation’s power landscape — the Eraring battery energy storage system.
The Eraring battery energy storage system (BESS) project is strategically situated at the existing Eraring Power Station in New South Wales (NSW). This transformative initiative is not only set to reshape the energy grid, but also to play a central role in driving a sustainable energy future.
Once completed, the Eraring BESS will stand as one of the largest battery storage facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, with a jaw-dropping total capacity of 700 megawatts (MW) and 2800 megawatt-hours (MWh).
Its scale alone marks it as a global leader, but the project’s true significance lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources into Australia’s electrical grid.
The project’s strategic location leverages the existing transmission and grid infrastructure of the Eraring Power Station.
This approach minimises the need for additional construction, optimises resource utilisation, and reduces the project’s environmental footprint, making it a model for sustainable energy development.
The first stage of the project is already under construction, with a 460MW capacity slated to come online by the end of 2025. This stage will have a dispatch duration of
two hours, but the project’s ambitions go far beyond this initial phase.
In July 2024, Origin Energy, the driving force behind the Eraring BESS, announced a significant $450 million investment to expand the project.
The second stage, set for construction in early 2025 and expected to begin operation in early 2027, will add a 240MW/1030MWh grid-forming battery with a four-hour duration in total.
This expansion will increase the overall energy storage capacity, enhancing grid stability and enabling greater integration of variable renewable energy sources.
Greg Jarvis, Origin’s Head of Energy Supply and Operations, highlighted the importance of this investment.
“We are pleased to have approved Origin’s third investment in a large-scale battery at one of our existing power stations, which reflects our belief that storage will play an important role in the changing grid by helping to firm up variable supply from wind and solar,” he said.
“Eraring is a strategic site with high quality connection infrastructure.
Confirmation of the second stage of the Eraring battery development is a key next step as we look to transform the site for the
future so it can continue to support the energy transition.”
Origin’s vision doesn’t end there.
In November 2024, the company secured approval for a third stage of development, further increasing the dispatch duration to four hours, a groundbreaking achievement for a 700MW battery.
Once all three stages are completed, the Eraring BESS will boast a total capacity of 700MW/2800MWh, making it one of the most impressive energy storage systems in the world.
The scale of the project is staggering.
According to Jarvis, the site spans more than 17 hectares, equivalent to 24 soccer fields, and once complete, will house over 2000 individual battery enclosures and some 180km of cabling.
At 2800MWh, the Eraring battery will provide enough energy, cycled once per day, to power more than 150,000 NSW households annually – an essential contribution to stabilising supply from renewable sources.
According to Origin, it is prioritising the transformation of the Eraring BESS site to ensure its continued relevance in supporting Australia’s electricity grid
The project has a total capacity of 700 megawatts.
during the nation-wide energy transition.
“The global scale of this battery storage project, and the remarkable work our skilled teams and contractors are undertaking, is something the region can be incredibly proud of,” Jarvis said.
Approximately 125 direct jobs will be created during the construction phase of the Eraring BESS.
In addition, the project is expected to generate indirect economic benefits for local businesses supporting construction activities and contracts.
These include workforce accommodation, meal supply, lifestyle services, local transport, equipment hire, and material supply, further boosting the regional economy and community.
Looking ahead, the battery is projected to retain 60 per cent of its capacity after 20 years of operation.
Origin Energy has outlined how it is proactively collaborating with suppliers to explore and optimise end-of-life solutions.
These efforts include repurposing or recycling battery components and recovering rare earth metals from each battery cell.
As a result, this ensures the project aligns with sustainable practices throughout its lifecycle.
Turning wins into wind
In the windswept heart of Central Queensland, an ambitious renewable energy project is reshaping the region’s energy landscape.
The Clarke Creek Wind Farm, spearheaded by Squadron Energy, is setting a benchmark for Australia’s clean energy transition.
Encompassing multiple stages, it is set to become one of the largest wind energy projects in the southern hemisphere.
With a total capital expenditure of over $1.5 billion, the project stretches approximately 55km along the Broadsound Range, harnessing the region’s robust wind resources to generate sustainable electricity.
Once completed, it will feature 195 turbines, delivering a combined capacity sufficient to power approximately 590,000 homes – meeting around 4 per cent of Queensland’s electricity needs.
The project’s first stage, currently under construction, includes 100 wind turbines with a capacity of 450 megawatts (MW).
This phase alone will supply clean energy to 330,000 homes and prevent 738,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The second stage, now in advanced planning, will add 94 turbines, contributing an additional 564 megawatts to Queensland’s renewable energy capacity.
Clarke Creek’s strategic location within a potential Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) highlights its significance.
Identified by Powerlink and the Queensland Government, REZs aim to connect clean energy projects, reduce generation costs, and foster investment in regional areas.
By aligning with this framework, Clarke Creek is well-positioned to bolster grid stability while accelerating the transition from coal-fired power stations to renewable energy.
The project’s environmental benefits are substantial. Beyond its impressive carbon savings, the wind farm complements Queensland’s solar energy output, as its turbines predominantly generate power during night-time hours.
This synergy enhances the reliability of renewable energy supply while also minimising disruptions to existing agricultural activities.
The wind farm’s turbines are strategically placed to coexist harmoniously with farmland, ensuring that the region’s agricultural heritage remains intact.
Clarke Creek Wind Farm is more than an energy project; it’s a catalyst for economic development and community engagement.
During construction, up to 350 jobs have been created, with 25 permanent roles anticipated upon completion.
Local businesses and contractors have been integral to the project, with over 15 Queensland companies actively contributing to its success.
Additionally, Squadron Energy has committed to a $200,000 annual community fund to support local initiatives and events.
The project’s developers have also prioritised meaningful engagement with the BKY Traditional Owners and the broader community.
Regular consultations, sponsorships of local events, and investments in telecommunications improvements highlight the commitment to fostering positive relationships throughout.
Such initiatives ensure that the benefits of the wind farm extend beyond electricity generation to enhance the social fabric of the region.
The engineering achievements of Clarke Creek Wind Farm are nothing short of extraordinary.
Each turbine in the first stage towers at 207m and boasts a capacity of 4.5 MW.
Supplied by Goldwind, these turbines are designed to optimise energy capture while withstanding the region’s environment.
Construction began in July 2022, with the first turbine installed in September 2023. By November 2024, the project celebrated the installation of its 50th turbine.
Squadron said the wind farm is essential to the company’s mission of transforming Australia’s energy sector.
“We continue to replace ageing coal-fired power stations with green renewable energy,” the company said.
“Reaching this point in construction was a testament to the dedication of the many teams working together to deliver this significant project for Queensland’s energy transition.”
Stanwell, Queensland’s state-owned energy cooperation, has a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement with the wind farm.
Once operational, the company will purchase more than 75 per cent of the clean energy generated from the first stage of Clarke Creek Wind Farm, helping to secure Queensland’s clean energy future.
The Clarke Creek Wind Farm has also completed its generation registration with the Australian Energy Market Operator, marking off another step towards it being able to full integrate into Queensland’s power grid.
The wind farm’s turbines are strategically placed to coexist harmoniously with farmland, ensuring that the region’s agricultural heritage remains intact.
Photo:
Sun, storage and solutions
Solar & Storage Live Queensland 2025 is set to take place from March 26–27 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
As a leading event for solar, storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging in Queensland, Solar & Storage Live Queensland brings together the industry’s best and brightest minds and cutting-edge innovations.
Part of the global Solar & Storage Live series, the event offers a focused platform for government, site owners, and installers.
Attendees can explore Queensland’s renewable energy boom, connect with industry leaders, and uncover new growth opportunities.
Why Queensland?
Queensland is at the forefront of Australia’s renewable energy transition.
With abundant sunshine, ambitious renewable energy targets, and a $19 billion government investment into achieving a net zero economy by 2050, the state provides the perfect setting for this industry-leading event.
As home to one of Australia’s largest operational solar farms and highest number of residential rooftop solar installations, Queensland is paving the way for solar and storage innovation.
The state’s commercial and industrial solar market is also set for unprecedented growth, predicted to outpace any other region in Australia over the next decade.
With significant infrastructure development underway for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics - the first ‘climate positive’ games, opportunities for businesses in the solar and storage sectors are growing rapidly.
What’s new in
2025?
A key highlight of the event is the partnership with Master Electricians Australia (MEA), bringing the MEA Installer Training Hub to provide hands-on learning, expert-led instruction, and CPD points – essential for electricians and installers to stay competitive in the booming solar and storage industry.
Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced professional, the MEA Installer Training Hub is a must-visit for skill-building and professional growth.
Solar & Storage Live Queensland will also feature an inspiring conference program where attendees can expect to get valuable insights on discussions designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in solar, storage, and renewable energy.
One of the notable themes is dedicated to ‘First Nations and Community Engagement’, which will explore how renewable energy projects can empower Indigenous communities, creating economic opportunities and long-term employment.
Exploring the thematic highlights
To ensure comprehensive coverage of the renewable energy sector, the conference is organised into thematic seminars, each tailored to a specific audience and area of focus.
From utility-scale solar projects to residential PV systems and battery storage solutions, these seminars provide actionable insights and cutting-edge knowledge for professionals across the energy landscape.
Large scale utility solar
One of the seminars scheduled will delve into large-scale utility solar, emphasising business and investment opportunities. It explores how innovative technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, VPPs, and FCAS are transforming the energy landscape.
These advancements are enabling grid and network operators to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades by adopting smarter management of decentralised systems.
The seminar also examines how utilities and suppliers can leverage the growing connected home market, unlocking demand-side response (DSR) capabilities and
Commercial and industrial solar
The commercial and industrial sector seminar targets owners, managers, and sustainability leaders from energyintensive sectors, such as shopping malls, universities, data centres, and manufacturing plants.
Expert speakers will discuss cost-saving measures, carbon footprint reduction strategies, and asset optimisation.
Key topics include lifecycle management, renewable energy procurement, and energy efficiency.
Residential solar
The residential solar seminar focuses on advancements in technology, marketing strategies, and installation best practices.
Industry experts will share case studies and discuss innovations in solar efficiency, providing invaluable insights for professionals involved in installing or maintaining PV systems.
EV charging
As the EV market surges, this summit addresses the latest technologies and business models shaping the near-future of charging infrastructure. Discussions will
More than 100 exhibitors will join this year’s Solar & Storage Live Australia.
local councils.
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities in EV infrastructure.
Battery and storage
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are pivotal to Australia’s journey toward net-zero emissions.
This seminar explores the evolving landscape of storage technologies and the financial drivers accelerating their adoption.
It’s a must-attend for manufacturers, investors, and businesses aiming to maximise their storage assets’ profitability.
Solar & Storage Live Queensland 2025 is the chance to be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.
Join leaders from across the solar, storage, and EV charging industries to shape the future, register free now for exclusive access to innovative solutions and game-changing insights
For more information, visit terrapinn.com/ssl-ecogeneration
Images: Solar & Storage Live Australia.
The Solar & Storage Live Australia conference has a range of speakers on its lineup.
THE SOLAR INSTALLER
Reducing
REVOLUTIONISING RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PG48
PREPARING FOR UPDATED INVERTER PRODUCT STANDARD PG50
MARKET TRENDS REVEALED PG56
There shall be power from light
In the picturesque suburb of Waverley, Sydney, a historic building has embraced a modern solution to an ongoing challenge: sustainability.
Jubilee Church, a cornerstone of its community since 1898, now benefits from cutting-edge renewable energy technology, thanks to a generous donation from JA Solar.
The Jubilee Church, nestled in the heart of Waverley at 30 Victoria Street, Sydney has a storied past.
Originally built as the Grahame Memorial Presbyterian Church, it transitioned to the Uniting Church in 1977 and has been home to Jubilee Church since 2006.
Founded in 1997 by Isi and Fini de Gersigny, the church envisioned a space where individuals could worship and build a vibrant, supportive community.
Today, this historic site combines its spiritual mission with a forward-looking commitment to environmental stewardship.
Faced with rising energy costs and a desire to reduce its environmental impact, the church installed a 25-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system, with 50 per cent of its cost donated by JA Solar.
This move significantly lowered their annual electricity expenses from $8352 to approximately $2300 — a 72 per cent reduction.
These savings have allowed Jubilee Church to reallocate funds to support communityfocused initiatives.
The implementation of the PV system was led by Yellow Energy, a trusted partner in renewable energy solutions.
Jubilee Church now utilises advanced renewable energy thanks to JA Solar’s donation.
JA Solar panels were selected for the project due to their proven reliability, long warranties, and cutting-edge technology.
Images: JA Solar.
According to Yellow Energy’s Project Manager, meticulous planning was key to the project’s success.
“Our process starts with a thorough site inspection to assess roof structure, sun exposure, and other environmental factors,” the manager said.
“We carefully planned the panel layout to maximise efficiency, considering shading, orientation, and roof space.
“Choosing the inverter location is also a key step, ensuring it’s accessible and wellventilated to optimise performance.”
Yellow Energy selected JA Solar panels for their proven reliability, long warranties, and cutting-edge technology.
These products ensure efficient energy conversion and system longevity, providing peace of mind to end-users like Jubilee Church.
Fini De Gersigny, Pastor of Jubilee Church expressed deep gratitude for JA Solar and Solis’s support.
“The donation of the solar system has been an incredible gift. It’s allowed us to dramatically cut energy costs, which means we can direct more resources toward our community initiatives,” he said.
“The Solis inverters are top-notch – easy to maintain, reliable, and backed by a 10-year warranty. The JA Solar panels have proven to be equally dependable, showcasing advanced technology and robust performance guarantees.”
The Pastor also emphasised the broader impact of the solar installation.
“By adopting renewable energy, we’re not just reducing our carbon footprint; we’re setting an example for the community,” he said.
This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to connect with something bigger than ourselves — both spiritually and environmentally.”
JA Solar’s contribution to Jubilee Church showcases its steadfast commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Globally recognised for its high-efficiency solar panels and innovative PV technology, the company delivers durable and reliable solutions designed for long-term performance across diverse conditions.
The donation to Jubilee Church not only integrates renewable energy into community projects but also underscores JA Solar’s dedication to sustainability and cultural inclusivity.
This partnership is part of a broader initiative to empower local organisations to achieve financial stability while embracing environmental responsibility.
JA Solar’s efforts in sustainable business practices were recently honoured with the 2024 IPC China ESG Benchmark Enterprise Award, shared with leading companies in the electronics, semiconductor, and renewable energy sectors.
This accolade reflects the company’s leadership in integrating ESG principles into its operations and highlights its transformative approach to corporate responsibility.
At the heart of JA Solar’s mission is its “Green to Green, Green to Grow, Green to Great” (G2G) sustainability model, which informs both operational strategies and long-term objectives.
This holistic approach, blending market development with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, cements JA Solar as a driving force in the global shift toward clean energy.
Founded in 2005, JA Solar has shipped over 242GW of PV modules worldwide as of Q3 2024, powering residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects in more than 178 countries.
By reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy adoption, the company plays a vital role in the global fight against climate change.
With a strong presence in Australia and a balanced focus on innovation, commercial growth, and sustainable development, JA Solar sets a benchmark for leadership in the renewable energy sector, exemplifying the path toward a cleaner, greener future.
For more information, visit jasolar.com
JA Solar’s industry leading panels ensure efficient energy conversion and system longevity, providing peace of mind to end-users like Jubilee Church.
New year, new solar solutions
Australians maximise solar power efficiency.
At the core of the company’s strategy is its commitment to flexible, scalable energy storage solutions.
Offering inverter capacities from 2.5 kilowatts (kW) to 100kW and lithium batteries from 5 kilowatts-hour (kWh) to 209kWh, Growatt’s products meet the diverse energy needs of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
This broad range of products ensures that consumers can choose solutions tailored to their specific requirements and budgets for.
HUB Hybrid Inverter, paired with the modular ALP Battery series, offers a streamlined all-in-one energy storage solution.
This system integrates a hybrid inverter, lithium battery, smart meter, and pre-wired cabling, drastically reducing installation time and meeting the growing demand for quick, efficient setups across Australia.
The SPH 3000-6000TL-HUB inverter offers a capacity range of 3-6kW, while the ALP battery series provides modular units starting at 5kWh, expandable up to 40kWh.
wired cables with built-in direct current (DC) isolators, reducing installation time by up to 40 minutes.
Additionally, the smart bypass function ensures uninterrupted power for critical loads during inverter downtime.
Designed in collaboration with Australian installers, Growatt’s solutions also meet grid connection standards in South Australia and Victoria (CSIP-AUS compliance) and boasts an IP66 rating for durability in challenging and harsh Australian environments.
SPH 3000-6000TL-HUB with ALP Battery (5–40kWh).
By simplifying both installation and ongoing system maintenance, this innovative solution reduces installation time by more than 50 per cent, offering an affordable, reliable option for Australian homeowners.
Future-proofing solutions
Homeowners seeking greater energy independence will find Growatt’s MIN 25006000TL-XH2 Single-Phase Inverter and APX S0 High-Voltage Battery a scalable solution for future energy needs.
The inverter supports a robust DC input capacity of 16A, and handles short-circuit currents up to 24A, ensuring reliability.
Paired with the modular APX S0 battery, expandable from 5KWh to 30KWh, this system lays a solid foundation for long-term energy storage. Key features include 200 per cent DC oversizing, which maximises efficiency by enabling simultaneous battery charging and grid feedback.
The system integrates dynamic export limitation to meet CSIP-AUS standards, eliminating the need for extra hardware.
The modular design allows easy expansion over time, and with LFP technology and an IP66 rating, the system is built to endure even the most demanding conditions.
This solution optimises solar energy use while offering a reliable, scalable path to energy self-sufficiency.
With seven-day customer support, homeowners can feel confident in their investment.
Empowering small businesses
For small to medium-sized businesses, Growatt’s MID 10-30KTL3-XH Inverter paired with the APX S2 High-Voltage Battery provides a flexible, battery-ready solution.
Initially functioning as a grid-tied inverter, the system can seamlessly integrate with battery storage as energy demands grow.
The MID 10-30KTL3-XH inverter, with a 1030kW capacity, pairs with the APX S2 battery, which expands from 5kWh to 60kWh and up to 540kWh through parallel connections.
This scalability ensures businesses can plan for future energy needs, providing a sustainable solution that evolves with them.
Key features include localised adjustments to meet Australian power limits, minimising additional equipment costs.
The high current input (16A) ensures compatibility with a wide range of PV panels, while the system supports up to 9 parallel battery connections, allowing for larger storage. With six PV inputs and three MPPTs, energy capture is optimised for maximum efficiency.
Tailored to meet Australian regulatory requirements, this solution reduces installation and operational costs while
offering businesses a future-proof, scalable path to energy independence.
With rising energy costs, Growatt’s solutions offer Australians a way to gain greater energy independence. Advanced monitoring, system service features, and scalability empower consumers to manage energy consumption more effectively, potentially reducing reliance on the grid.
Growatt has streamlined the installation process with integrated smart meters, oneclick diagnostic tools, pre-wired cables, and smart bypass functionality.
These features reduce installation time and costs, making solar energy more accessible to Australian consumers.
The innovations not only enhance system efficiency but also contribute to more affordable energy solutions for a wider range of households and businesses.
As Australia continues its transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, Growatt’s adaptable solutions will help maximise energy independence, reduce costs, and contribute to a more resilient, stable grid.
Whether for residential or commercial use, Growatt’s comprehensive product range provides the flexibility, scalability, and reliability required to meet the nation’s evolving energy needs.
For more information, visit au.growatt.com
MID 10-30KTL3-XH with APX-S2 Battery(5-60kWh).
Images: Growatt
Preparing for updated inverter product standard
The standard for inverter products, AS/NZS 4777.2, has a new update that comes into effect on 23 August. Clean Energy Council Product Manager Aron Cane explains what solar system manufacturers, retailers and installers need to know.
Australia is a world-leader in distributed energy. Not only have Australian inventors driven some of the most significant advancements in solar technology, but this country also boasts the highest per capita rooftop solar capacity globally. And this is only the start of our electrification journey, as Australians increasingly adopt home batteries, virtual power plants (VPPs) and electric vehicles (EVs).
At the heart of our distributed energy systems are inverters, which help turn our DC electricity from solar panels into the AC form appliances such as kettles and TVs use. As with every other component of rooftop solar systems they’re getting smarter, more efficient and higher performing, and product standards need to keep pace to ensure systems are safe and reliable.
Last year, Standards Australia published AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024, an important update that covers product requirements for inverters. This update is due to come into effect on 23 August 2025.
The Clean Energy Council maintains a list of inverters that meet Australian standards. Inclusion on the list is essential for various network and program requirements, including the Clean Energy Regulator’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). To align with the updated standard, the Clean Energy Council is revising its inverter listing requirements and processes, ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of safe and effective energy innovation.
How to stay on the Clean Energy Council product list
AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 introduces several updates, including revised supply type terminology, removal of IEC 62109 requirements for battery-only products,
generation limit control parameters, enhanced documentation and marking requirements, new region C set points, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) specific clauses. Manufacturers of inverters and power conversion equipment (PCE) should review the updated standard in detail. The amendment is available for free download from the Standards Australia store .The Clean Energy Council has determined that for currently approved inverters, manufacturers must only update the region C set points and provide proof of this update to remain on the approved product list. Details on documentation for region C set points will be shared with manufacturers in late-February. Once proof of updated region C settings is
submitted, inverter details will be updated on the Clean Energy Council’s product list. Updating these settings is straightforward and can often be done remotely, so we expect all manufacturers of listed inverters will be able to provide proof of this update. Retailers and installers will need to verify that inverters remain eligible by consulting the product list after 23 August 2025.
The introduction of vehicle-to-grid charging
The most exciting change from AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 is the introduction of specific clauses on electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), which paves the way for the introduction of bidirectional electric
CEC Product Manager Aron Cane.
Images: Clean Energy Council
vehicle (EV) chargers in Australia.
Bidirectional EV chargers allow the transfer of power from electric vehicles back to the home (vehicle-to-home, V2H) or grid (vehicleto-grid, V2G). As EVs have such large battery capacity they can play a huge role in supporting stronger, distributed energy networks and helping households manage home energy use.
In line with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024, the Clean Energy Council has issued new guidance on applying for the inverter product list, which includes new categories for EV chargers.
Retailers and installers can expect to see bi-directional EV chargers join the list over the coming months.
A final reminder that some solar PV panels are set to expire
Since August 2023, the Clean Energy Council has been notifying the industry of a standards change to approved PV modules.
From 1 October 2024 most PV modules were required to be certified to the 2021 edition of the IEC 61215 series to remain on the Clean Energy Council’s products list.
Some manufacturers sought and were granted extensions for some PV modules to 31 March 2025.
After this date all new solar installations will be required to use modules that meet 2021 standards (IEC 61215:2021).
Retailers and installers should check the expiry dates of their PV modules on our product list at cleanenergycouncil.org.au/ products and use up stock before it expires.
For more information, visit cleanenergycouncil.org.au/products
AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 Timeline
AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 Timeline
23 August 2024
Standards Australia release AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024
November 2024
CEC announce existing inverter listings will not need to re-apply but will need to provide proof of testing for region C settings.
January 2025
CEC share guidance on which standards apply for different types of inverters and power conversion equipment (PCE).
Late February 2025
CEC outline documentation requirements to satisfy changes to region C settings for currently approved inverters.
February to March 2025
CEC share further update on electric vehicles (EVs) with inverter capability – vehicle-to-grid (V2G) Mode 4 chargers.
Manufacturers should read the updated standard. Retailers and installers should be aware of the upcoming change.
Manufacturers should update region C settings for existing inverter listings. Manufacturers can now apply for product listing to 4777.2:2020 or AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 standards.
Manufacturers should read new guidance for applications compliant with 4777.2: 2020 Amd 2:2024.
Manufacturers with current listed inverters should provide required documentation. Retailers and installers can begin to check whether inverters meet new region C settings.
Manufacturers of EVs should read update.
From 23 August 2025
All inverters should now comply with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024.
Manufacturers should continue to provide proof of compliance with new region C settings.
Retailers and installers can check whether inverters meet new region C settings. We expect all manufacturers of inverters active in the market to be able to update region C settings.
Any inverters without proof of region C settings to the 2024 update will be removed from the products list.
Retailers and installers should check the inverter product listing to confirm inverters are still approved.
energy technologies into affordable housing developments across Australia’s largest cities.
The strategy targets the creation of up to 3000 energy-efficient apartments, with at least 50 per cent offered at reduced rents to means-tested tenants in key worker hubs.
The initiative focuses on delivering sustainable, fully electric homes designed to be powered by renewable energy while reducing embodied carbon, aligning with
all sectors of the residential market is an important part of broader decarbonisation of Australia’s building sector and reducing our national emissions,” he said.
The first project under the strategy, will be a 397-unit development in Sydney’s Westmead, is set to be completed in late 2025.
Located near a major health and education precinct, it will provide housing for about 1000 people, with half the units
According to CEFC, its broader efforts to decarbonise Australia’s residential sector include more than $1.2 billion in lifetime investments.
Residential buildings account for around 10 per cent of Australia’s total carbon emissions and over 24 per cent of electricity use. Improving energy efficiency, especially in affordable housing, can significantly reduce household energy costs and contribute to Australia’s net-zero targets.
Victoria builds pathways to renewable energy careers
The Victorian Government is advancing renewable energy careers in manufacturing while supporting jobseekers with investment in the New Energy Project initiative.
This initiative aims to integrate long-term unemployed individuals into Victoria’s growing renewable energy sector.
Delivered by Solar Victoria in partnership with Maxima employment services, the program has already placed
31 participants in roles across the renewable energy industry.
“Solar Victoria has matched renewable energy companies with priority job seekers to help grow the renewable energy workforce while supporting people facing challenging circumstances,”
Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said.
These positions range from entry-level process operators to specialised roles
such as researchers, project engineers, and accountants.
The program’s comprehensive approach includes tailored training and ongoing support for new employees during their first year, featuring on-site visits and oneon-one mentoring to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.
The New Energy Project has partnered with renewable energy companies such as RayGen Resources, JR Hammer, Lotus Energy, SRS Metals, PowerPlus Energy, and Sky Energy.
“Now and in years to come, Victoria’s renewable energy transition will continue to create thousands of jobs, so building a strong pipeline of skilled workers for our renewable energy transition is essential,”
Victoria’s Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins said.
Building a skilled workforce is essential for Victoria to achieve its renewable energy targets.
The state is aiming for 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035, a milestone projected to create 59,000 jobs and 6000 apprenticeships.
The program aims to integrate clean energy technologies into affordable housing developments across Australia’s largest cities.
Building a skilled workforce is essential for Victoria to achieve its renewable energy targets.
AEMO moves to manage rooftop solar
With more than four million solar systems now installed on Australian rooftops, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is calling for stronger measures to manage the surge in rooftop solar power, which is pushing the national electricity grid to its limits.
South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales could face blackouts as the “solar tsunami” tests grid stability, AEMO warned in a report.
“The emergency periods where this kind of intervention is required should remain infrequent, but essential for maintaining a secure and reliable supply of electricity for customers,” AEMO said.
The core issue stems from what energy experts call “minimum demand”- periods when rooftop solar generates so much power that traditional generators are pushed to the margins.
In South Australia, solar output has
Rooftop solar study gets ARENA backing
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced a $1.7 million funding boost for the University of New South Wales’ (UNSW) Project CICCADA on rooftop solar study.
Project CICCADA aimed at enhancing the integration of consumer energy resources (CER) into the National Energy Market (NEM).
Australia leads the world in rooftop solar installations, with approximately 40 per cent of freestanding homes equipped with solar systems.
As household battery and electric vehicle ownership surges, the proper integration of CER technologies into the electricity grid is crucial for achieving national renewable energy and emissions reduction targets.
ARENA’s acting CEO Chris Faris said CER technologies and products are at the heart of the clean energy transition, turning consumers into active participants in our energy system. But it is important we know how the rollout of these technologies work with the network.
periodically exceeded 100 per cent of the state’s electricity needs, with surplus power exported to other states.
AEMO is proposing an “emergency backstop” mechanism that would allow network operators to reduce or temporarily switch off rooftop solar systems in extreme circumstances. Similar powers already exist in some states, but AEMO wants them extended nationwide by next year.
The potential risks are significant. Without intervention, AEMO warns the grid could operate “insecurely” for extended periods, potentially compromising the ability to restore power after a major outage.
Spring presents the most acute challenge, with longer, sunnier days coinciding with lower electricity demand as mild temperatures reduce air conditioning use.
AEMO predicts rooftop solar could meet up to 90 per cent of system demand in the coming years.
“(It may) therefore be operating outside of the risk tolerances specified in the National Electricity Rules, where the loss of a single transmission or generation element may lead to reliance on emergency control schemes to prevent system collapse,” it said.
“CER is about decentralising energy production by harnessing the power generated by rooftop solar panels, batteries and smart home devices.
These create a more flexible and cleaner energy grid, that helps reduce emissions
it’s important to have a detailed understanding of all the impacts of CER integration.
Project CICCADA aims to help plug this knowledge gap, helping us understand how the rollout of CER technologies can be done in a way that maintains the stability of the
will analyse large datasets from CER sources, such as rooftop solar, household batteries, and electric vehicles, to address integration challenges. The project’s findings will provide valuable insights for the Australian Energy Market Operator and energy distributors.
AEMO is calling for stronger measures to manage the surge in rooftop solar power, which is pushing the national electricity grid to its limits.
Australia leads the world in rooftop solar installations.
Millions for community solar, energy resilience
Thirteen Victorian councils and community groups will share nearly $2.4 million in funding as part of AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund Major Grants, designed to strengthen renewables and energy resilience in the face
The fund, established with $12 million following severe storms in early 2024, supports projects that enhance energy reliability and provide critical infrastructure during outages and extreme weather events across AusNet’s electricity distribution network in eastern and northeastern Victoria, as well as Melbourne’s
“These projects will deliver vital support to communities, helping them stay connected
General Manager Distribution at AusNet said. Key projects include upgrades to community hubs, emergency shelters, and critical infrastructure.
Highlights include:
• B aw Baw Shire Council: $75,053 to upgrade five community halls for mobile generator connectivity.
• Casey City Council: $63,372 for upgrades at three sporting pavilions to serve as Emergency Relief Centres.
• Mansfield Shire Council: $78,647 for generator, solar, and battery systems at the Community Hall and Woods Point Museum.
• Nillumbik Shire Council: $265,000 for
battery, and mobile generator connections at the Community Hub.
• South Gippsland Region: $514,967 split between Kongwak Public Hall, Mirboo Country Development, and South Gippsland Shire Council for generator installations, emergency response vehicles, and Starlink units.
• Wellington Shire Region: $978,285 allocated across four projects, including solar PV and battery systems at Cowwarr Football Netball Club and Seaspray Surf Lifesaving Club, and emergency power integration in Sale and Yarram. Yarra Ranges Shire: $277,115 for solar PV and battery storage at Millwarra Primary School and Community Hall.
JA Solar receives ‘Top Brand PV’ award at WFES 2025
JA Solar has been awarded the coveted “Top Brand PV” accolade for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region at the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi.
Presented by EUPD Research, a leading global authority in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, the award recognises JA Solar’s excellence in product quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
This recognition underscores JA Solar’s significant impact on the MENA region’s clean energy transition.
The company has solidified its presence through high-profile initiatives, including a 1.25GW module supply agreement for the Abydos Phase II project, Africa’s largest PV+storage initiative.
Collaborating with AMEA Power as the project developer and China Energy Engineering Corporation as EPC, JA Solar has played a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy infrastructure in the region.
Additionally, JA Solar’s investment in a manufacturing facility in Oman further underscores its commitment to supporting the region’s renewable energy ambitions.
“We are incredibly honored to be named the ‘Top Brand PV’ in the MENA region,” Tony Zhu, President of JA Solar’s Solar & Storage Business Group said.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to delivering superior solar solutions and driving the adoption of renewable energy across the globe. We remain steadfast in our mission to pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.”
The “Top Brand PV” title, awarded by EUPD Research, is based on comprehensive surveys and feedback from industry stakeholders, customers, and experts. It highlights JA Solar’s outstanding market performance, product quality, and customer-centric approach. Through its focus on innovation, reliability, and sustainability, JA Solar has cemented its position as a trusted partner in the global PV industry.
As the MENA region accelerates its clean energy efforts, JA Solar continues to drive innovation and sustainability, empowering industries and communities with cuttingedge solar solutions.
The projects will include upgrades to community hubs, emergency shelters, and critical infrastructure.
JA Solar Named 2025 MENA Region Top Brand PV at WFES 2025.
Image: JA Solar
Market trends revealed
CORE Markets Head of Carbon and Renewable Markets Marco Stella provides a snapshot of Australia’s clean energy sector.
Large-scale Generation Certificate (LGC) market
The final quarter of 2024 brought significant volatility to the LGC market, with November marking a dramatic low point. Spot prices plummeted by more than $10.00 within a single week in the middle of the month, reaching a decade low of $25.00—levels not seen since 2014. However, by early December, prices showed signs of recovery, climbing back to $34.25 before stabilizing in a range between $30.00 and $34.00. At the time of writing, the spot market was trading at $31.00
The broader forward curve mirrored these movements, with Cal24 through Cal28 contracts experiencing sharp declines in November before steadying in December. At present, the curve is as follows: Cal25s
at $32.50, Cal26s $26.35, Cal27s $21.50 and Cal28s $19.00.
While the rebound in prices offers a glimmer of hope, the underlying market dynamics remain largely unchanged. The CER’s market data continues to point to a growing annual surplus leaving sellers competing in an increasingly crowded space.
Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) market
The STC Clearing House returned to surplus by late December, with a pickup in creation as market participants pushed through their administrative work to create their certificates before year’s end.
Interestingly, though there was a predictable increase in December creations,
seeing 2.9 million in the month compared to 2.4 million in November, it was half a million less than December 2023 which saw 3.4 million certs created.
With the Clearing House back in surplus, secondary market activity resumed, seeing regular trading at $39.90 for 2024 vintage certificates and $39.85 for non-24 eligible units.
At the time of writing the Clearing House remains in surplus by 352k. Q4 surrender is expected to be in the vicinity of 5 million STCs for which there are currently 5.2 million in the registry (plus 1.1m pending registration). This means in theory, there is enough registered certs to cover the surrender. However, it’s likely the clearing house will still be used in some capacity, which could result in a return to deficit.
Energy Efficiency Markets (VEECs and ESCs)
VEECs had a volatile end to the year, with prices steadily climbing across November, hitting a high of $113.00 as buyers picked off the few parcels on offer, given the continued lacklustre creation.
Then, December 2 saw the release of the Regulatory Impact Statement for the 2026-27 interim targets.
CORE Markets provides an insight of the current market.
The consultation paper suggested multiple potential options for the two interim targets, all of which are considerably below the current target levels.
The preferred option is 5m for Cal 26 and 6m for Cal 27, though there is also a caveat which suggests if several regulatory amendments including minimum rental standards or electrification upgrade requirements are not successfully passed, then the preferred option is for those targets to be lower. The market’s reaction was negative, with prices in the spot softening to a low of $106.25.
The forward market was busy once the price had softened, with multiple trades at lower levels.
Though, the backwardation between spot and forward markets temporarily reduced following the price drop.
While the scheme targets appear likely to be lower from Cal 26 onwards, the Cal 25 target still needs to be met, which will require an increase in supply in 2025.
With no real developments on that side of things, it wasn’t long before the market began its upward creep again with the spot lading the way. This saw prices quickly recover their lost ground, returning to near previous levels by year’s end. At the time of writing, the spot price is sitting at $112.85.
In NSW the ESC price resumed softening to end the year, after having broken its yearlong losing streak in October. By midNovember prices had dropped from $16.00 back to the low $14s.
The price then bounced between the low and high $14s right through to year end, where it remains ($14.50) at the time of writing.
Activity in the scheme appears to have declined since changes were made mid-year to creation methods and ESC registrations were certainly lower in the second half of the year than the first. But the lag in registrations likely means many of those seen in H2 2025 came from earlier activity, meaning the registry will be closely watched for the next 3 6 months.
While creations are expected to decline, the size of the surplus continues to loom over the market which will likely see a slow recovery accordingly, in lieu of any government intervention.
CORE Markets is an end-to-end markets, technology and climate solutions partner for business. The above information has been provided by CORE Markets and relates, unless otherwise indicated, to the spot prices in Australian dollars, as of 21 January 2025. Marco Stella is Head of Carbon and Renewable Markets at CORE Markets.
WA Clean Energy Summit
With its own electricity market and with solar and onshore wind on the rise and a growing number of proposals for offshore wind, the Western Australia energy landscape is both unique and complex. A must attend one-day event with the opportunity to network and hear about the latest political, financial, business, technology developments and market outlook for clean energy in WA.
Date: 26 March
Location: Perth
Australian Wind Industry Forum
With a focus on onshore wind, the Australian Wind Industry Forum is a must-attend one-day event for those leading the technical development across grid and system, construction and safety, through to policy and discussion on the challenges and opportunities including social license.
Date: 5 May
Location: Melbourne
Energy Storage Australia 2025
The first edition of the Energy Storage Summit Australia was an event full of life,
excitement, and industry connections. The second edition will shine a greater spotlight on behind-the-meter developments, with the distribution network being responsible for a large capacity of total energy storage in Australia. Understanding connection issues, the urgency of transitioning to net-zero, optimal financial structures, and the industry developments in 2025 and beyond.
If your goal is to meet other industry professionals and create valuable business partnerships to better harness business opportunities in the region, then the Energy Storage Summit Australia is the right place for you.
Date: 20–21 May
Location: Sydney
No-Dig
Down Under 2025
No-Dig Down Under is the southern hemisphere’s only large scale conference and exhibition dedicated to trenchless technology. Organised in partnership with the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT), No-Dig Down Under has grown over the years to become the
second largest no-dig technology event in the world, and is now considered a ‘mustattend’ for all industry professionals. A range of training courses on trenchless methods will be presented prior to the conference. These will be presented by industry leaders from Australia and overseas and will be of value to anyone who encounters trenchless technologies as part of their employment.
Date: 17–18 September 2025
Location: MCEC, Melbourne
All Energy Australia 2025
All Energy Australia is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most anticipated event in the clean energy sector’s annual calendar.
Organised by RX Global and held in partnership with the Clean Energy Council, this free-to-attend event provides delegates with exclusive access to the latest technology, information and trends relevant to those working or investing in the renewables sector.
Date: 29–30 October 2025
Location: MCEC, Melbourne
The latest events coming up in the renewables industry.
Image: Summit Art
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