Welcome to Energy’s first edition of 2025 – an issue that not only marks the new year, but the halfway point to 2050.
As the clock ticks closer to Australia’s 2050 net zero goal, our future energy system continues to take shape, with renewables making up a record 46 per cent of the overall NEM supply mix in Q4 2024 and coal-fired generation dropping below 50 per cent for the first time.
In this March issue, we speak to Dietmar Tourbier, the Director of Energy at CSIRO, about the science and technologies that will help us continue on this positive trajectory; and we take a deep dive into a new concentrated solar thermal technology that could have a hand in decarbonising Australia’s industrial sector.
Consumers are also playing an important role in our transition, and in this issue, we look at Project Edith, working to empower households to take grid stability into their own hands by enrolling in virtual power plants.
We also take a trip to New South Wales’ Illawarra region, where locals have spearheaded Australia’s first community-led electrification trial.
The industry is brimming with innovation, so we’ve taken this opportunity to spotlight some exciting projects, including a novel battery component that uses food-based acids to boost sustainability and storage capacity; and a wave energy project based in Western Australia
Australia’s energy network, many utilities are looking to invest in renewable gases, and in Energy March, we explore the Jemena facility leading the charge by injecting biomethane directly into the natural gas network.
We also hear from Labor Senator for Victoria, Jess Walsh, on the secret superpower driving Gippsland’s burgeoning offshore wind sector; and Carl Binning from the Clean Energy Regulator, who reflects on 2024 before sharing what we can expect this year.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Energy, and I look forward to bringing you more exciting and engaging throughout the rest of the year. If you have any topics, projects, technologies or challenges that you’d like us to cover in future issues, I’d love to hear from you.
Katie Livingston Editor
If you have a story idea, tip or feedback regarding Energy, I’d love to hear it. Drop me a line at katherine.livingston@primecreative.com.au , and don’t forget to follow us on social media – find us on LinkedIn, X or Facebook.
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Pacific Energy is Australia’s only independent power provider with in-country manufacturing.
New South Wales’ South Coast is set to become a new manufacturing hub for electric public transport, once a new electric bus manufacturing facility is complete.
Australian-owned bus manufacturer Foton Mobility Distribution is set to build a 6,000m2 facility in South Nowra from late-2025, subject to council approval.
The announcement followed the State Government awarding a contract to Foton to deliver 126 battery electric buses that will be built in Nowra and service bus routes across Greater Sydney.
The facility will also produce battery electric trucks, as well as hydrogen fuel cell engines, creating around 100 ongoing quality, skilled manufacturing jobs for local workers.
Foton’s bus contract was one of the first bus orders made through the New South Wales Government’s Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) program.
This program is also converting eleven existing bus depots in Greater Sydney to battery electric technology, building a new battery electric depot at Macquarie Park and procuring around 1,200 new electric buses by 2028.
Transport for NSW is delivering the ZEB program in stages in close consultation with industry, including manufacturers, to provide an
opportunity to increase capability and capacity supported by a published pipeline of bus orders.
The New South Wales Government said the facility delivers on its commitment to domestic manufacturing, supporting local jobs and local industry to build the public transport the state needs.
New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, said the state-of-the-art facility in Nowra will create ongoing skilled jobs in regional New South Wales while also delivering emissions free world class public transport for locals.
“Workers across New South Wales are great at building public transport like these buses, and under our government they’re building them here again,” he said.
New South Wales Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, said, “Once our partners at Foton get this plant up and running there will be an extra 100 quality manufacturing jobs right here. That’s great news for Nowra and a big boost for New South Wales manufacturing.”
Ms Haylen said the State Government wants local manufacturers and suppliers have good opportunities to get involved in building the ZEB the state needs.
“That’s why we have structured our zero-emissions bus program in a
way that builds our bus manufacturing capacity for the long term.
“We are at the beginning of our project to build the clean, green buses of the future.
“There will be many more orders to come for Sydney, outer metropolitan and regional New South Wales and many good quality, skilled manufacturing jobs that will be created thanks to the State Government’s support for building our buses, trains and ferries right here in Australia.”
New South Wales Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos, said the new facility shows the high-quality products that New South Wales workers and businesses can deliver.
“This is an important milestone as we deliver on our pledge to bring domestic manufacturing back to New South Wales,” she said.
New South Wales Member for South Coast, Liza Butler, said the proposed new bus factory in Nowra will provide fantastic employment opportunities for up to 100 people once fully operational.
Ms Butler said the facility will enable the re-skilling and upskilling of many workers who wish to be a part of the transition to zero-emissions transport in the state.
WA wind powers ahead
Western Australia’s wind capacity is set to grow, with Synergy appointing a contractor to progress two key projects.
Vestas will supply and install 30 additional wind turbines to expand the Warradarge Wind Farm.
Since 2020, the wind farm has supplied 180MW of power to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), and the $400 million expansion is expected to provide a further 103MW to meet the average annual electricity needs of 164,000 households in Western Australia.
The project is a Bright Energy Investments asset – a joint venture between Synergy, Cbus Super and CVC DIF, and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Vestas has also been awarded the contract to build Synergy’s Kings Rock Wind Farm, which is expected to begin
powering households and businesses throughout the state’s south-west by 2027.
The company will supply and install 17 wind turbines on-site with the capacity to generate enough energy to power 70,000 average homes in the state.
The State Government said the Kings Rock Wind Farm will deliver an economic boost to regional Western Australia, with about 200 jobs to be created during the project’s construction.
Image: Synergy
Western Australian Minister for Energy, Reece Whitby, said the State Government’s vision for Western Australia’s energy future is clear.
“We want households and businesses to access clean, reliable, and affordable energy, which can be provided by a mix of rooftop solar and onshore wind, backed by large-scale battery storage and firmed by gas if required. ”
Image: Adam Calaitzis/shutterstock.com
ESC releases draft solar feed-in tariff
The Essential Services Commission released its draft decision on the minimum amount energy retailers must pay solar customers for electricity they feed into the grid.
The proposed minimum flat feed-in tariff is 0.04 cents per kWh starting 1 July 2025, down from the current 3.3 cents per kWh in 2024-25.
The draft decision also proposes two time varying feed-in tariffs. While the Essential Services Commission sets the minimum feed-in tariffs, retailers can offer feed-in tariffs above the minimum amounts.
Essential Services Commission Chairperson, Gerard Brody, said
the pricing methodology remains unchanged from previous years and considers wholesale electricity, costs of solar exports, avoided costs faced by retailers and other social and environmental factors.
“The lower feed-in tariffs reflect the widespread uptake and success of solar panels in the last few years, as Victorians have heeded calls to reduce carbon emissions and industry has increased renewable energy generation.”
Commissioner Brody said the amount of rooftop solar in Victoria has increased by 76 per cent since 2019, from approximately 446,000 systems to 787,000.
“This has both increased supply and reduced demand for electricity during the middle of the day, resulting in decreasing value of daytime solar exports,” he said.
Commissioner Brody also said that, despite falling feed-in tariffs, independent analysis highlights that households with solar installations have cheaper electricity bills than those without, saving up to $895 a year.
“Solar households can maximise their savings by shifting appliance hungry electricity usage to daylight hours during peak solar production times to avoid paying much higher retail costs,”
Commissioner Brody said.
Milestone for Vic big battery
One of the largest batteries in the world is gearing up to plug into Victoria’s electricity grid with the installation of two 335t transformers.
Victorian Deputy Premier, Ben Carroll, and Victorian Minister for the State Electricity Commission, Lily D’Ambrosio, welcomed the installation of the transformers at the 600MW Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH) in Plumpton.
With all 444 big battery components now in place at the MREH, the giant transformers are the final pieces that will connect the battery’s power to the grid and allow it to be pumped at higher voltage.
The transformers travelled with an oversized load escort, and with Lumea leading a specialised crew to undertake a precision ‘jack and skate’ process, lifting the transformers and gliding them on to their foundations.
The big battery will come online later in 2025, soaking up excess solar and surplus energy from the grid and releasing it back into the grid during the evening peak to boost supply and put downward pressure on bills.
renewable energy to power 200,000
homes during peak periods. The Victorian government said more than 790 people have worked across all aspects of the project, including 30 apprentices, trainees and cadets.
The project also includes the design and construction of the 500kV MREH, Plumpton Renewable Terminal Substation and installation of a 1.75km, 500kV underground cable that will connect the battery to the grid at the existing Sydenham Terminal Station.
The State Electricity Commission (SEC) will build 4.5GW of new renewable energy and storage projects – enough to power more than 1.5 million homes – and all profits will be reinvested back into Victorian projects that deliver cheaper renewable energy.
Construction is also underway on the first 100 per cent government owned renewable energy project in Australia – the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham. The $370 million investment includes a 100MW two-hour battery and 119MW solar farm that will power 51,000
milestones ahead of being operational later this year. The transformers being installed will enable the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub to deliver up to 1.6GW hours of energy storage onto the grid – enough to power 200,000 homes during peak periods.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said, “Soon, we’ll plug a publicly owned energy asset into the electricity grid for the first time in more than 25 years.”
Lumea Executive General Manager, Craig Stallan, said the accelerated development of the MREH plays a key role in meeting Victoria’s ambitious timeline of renewable energy and net zero targets.
“We are working to safely connect this enormous battery to the grid, improving system strength and enabling access to renewable, affordable and reliable energy for consumers.”
Equis Managing Director, David Russell, said “We are proud we have worked at pace with our partners to bring a critical Victorian energy
Image: Lumea
Mike Stock/stock.adobe.com
SA green hydrogen project to proceed
Anew facility to produce hydrogen directly from water without the use of electrolysers is set to power ahead, with Sparc Technologies, Fortescue and the University of Adelaide formally committing to stage two of the project.
Sparc Technologies said the second phase will focus on constructing and testing a first-of-its-kind pilot plant supporting ongoing reactor development and scale-up.
The company said the decision to proceed to stage two reflects several key milestones achieved and is a strong endorsement of the potential of Sparc Hydrogen’s novel technology to unlock low-cost green hydrogen via photocatalytic water splitting (PWS).
The novel reactor technology employs a photocatalyst material and sunlight to produce green hydrogen directly from water without electrolysers.
Sparc Technologies said it believes that the pilot plant will represent a globally leading facility for research and development (R&D) and
commercialisation of PWS reinforcing Sparc Hydrogen’s first mover position in this emerging direct solar to hydrogen technology.
Front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the pilot plant is complete and construction is expected to commence in 2025.
Sparc Technologies Managing Director, Nick O’Loughlin, said the company is very pleased to be pursuing stage two of the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture alongside its supportive world class partners.
“A significant amount of work has gone into this positive investment decision which is a reflection on the R&D team, strong IP position and high potential of the technology to unlock low-cost green hydrogen without relying on electrolysers, stretched electricity grids and related infrastructure.”
Fortescue Director of Research and Development, Michael Dolan, said, “Fortescue is proud to continue its support of Sparc Hydrogen and its innovative PWS technology.
“This Australian innovation has the potential to make green hydrogen an even more competitive energy resource by decoupling its cost from the cost of green power. The phase two pilot plant will enable this promising technology to be evaluated at a meaningful scale ahead of potential commercial deployment in the future.”
University of Adelaide Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Professor Anton Middelberg, said the university is pleased to commit to the next stage of work on photocatalytic water splitting, based on the research work of Professor Greg Metha and his team.
“The core IP developed by Professor Metha relates to PWS reactors operating under concentrated solar energy.
“This investment into constructing a pilot plant enables us to stress-test catalysts developed globally and places South Australia in a position of competitiveness in terms of testing innovative hydrogen technologies,” Professor Middelberg said.
Image:
CSIRO has a myriad of technological innovations in the works to accelerate Australia’s energy transition. Images: CSIRO
AForging ahead to 2050
With
2050 now firmly on the horizon, the electricity sector is proving the
quickest pathway into realising Australia’s decarbonisation goals.
ustralia’s renewable electricity generation has more than doubled over the last decade, accounting for 34 per cent of Australia’s energy production in 2023 – an increase of 11 per cent from the previous year alone1
Despite record renewable generation, fossil fuel sources still comprised 65 per cent of total electricity generation – so how can we make sure our broader decarbonisation goals stay on track?
We sat down with CSIRO’s Director of Energy, Dr Dietmar Tourbier, to find out.
Driving change
In the 2022–23 financial year, Australia used 1,083 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy, however only 22 per cent (238TWh) of this was electricity2
Dr Tourbier explained that while increasing the amount of renewables in the electricity generation mix is important; to achieve net zero emissions, we need to address the imbalance in Australia’s domestic energy consumption by replacing the other energy sources with electricity generated by renewables.
This means increasing the capacity of new renewable installations each year.
Indeed, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) estimates that the NEM must almost triple its capacity by 2050 to replace retiring coal capacity and meet increased electricity consumption as other sectors electrify.3
On top of this, Australia needs to continue optimising its energy system, including making better use of the storage we already have and increasing energy efficiency.
Developing new and improved technologies will play an important role –luckily, this is CSIRO’s purpose.
“CSIRO sees itself as a key catalyst for Australia’s energy transition. Our goal is to deliver the science and technology that enables and accelerates it.”
To do this, CSIRO frames its energy research projects into big impact areas across three key themes – the electricity transition, decarbonising industry and transport and carbon management technologies – touching all sectors and tracing to a central vision of an affordable, reliable, cleaner and more engaged energy transition.
Electricity transition
Electrification using renewables is essential to decarbonising Australia’s
energy sector. Accelerating the transition means making more renewable energy faster. To tackle the immediate need of managing our carbon budget, we need to focus on technologies we can deploy now, and at the same time find future solutions for the other hard-to-abate sectors, Dr Tourbier said.
CSIRO has a myriad of technological innovations in the works to facilitate this.
For example, CSIRO’s ultra low-cost solar (ULCS) initiative aims to bring down the cost of the entire solar PV system to support the deployment of large-scale solar projects.
By reducing the installation and maintenance costs of utility-scale solar PV (through increasingly intelligent systems and designs, autonomous robotic tooling, coatings to increase energy yield and geotechnical improvements), CSIRO hopes to catalyse the rapid growth needed to increase installed capacity and keep Australia on track for its 2050 target.
“These ULCS projects share ARENA’s goal of reducing the cost to 30 cents per watt,” Dr Tourbier said.
In addition to making sure we have more renewables to generate electricity, we also need to make sure that we’re
able to transmit and distribute it securely to the end-user.
CSIRO is advancing a variety of technologies for the transmission and distribution grids, as well as energy storage – including work with AEMO to ensure the grid remains secure as renewables increase.
This research includes trialling vehicleto-grid (V2G) technology, which is likely to provide increasing amounts of energy storage as electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity.
“Ideally, electric vehicles will provide terawatt hours of storage to offset the need for additional storage capacity.
“This will also require new technologies to stabilise the grid and supply as V2G progresses as a customer energy resource technology,” Dr Tourbier said.
Decarbonising industry and transport sectors
Significant changes are needed to decarbonise the industry and transport sectors; however, it is a complex and challenging task.
CSIRO’s research in this area aims to help the sectors achieve their emissions goals by integrating low carbon solutions.
“Let’s face it – not everything can be electrified,” Dr Tourbier said.
A key example of this is long range aeroplanes, which cannot feasibly be
CSIRO is working on low carbon fuels as an alternative, including technology to reduce the cost of direct air capture.
“Our target here is to go below $100 per tonne of captured CO₂,” Dr Tourbier said.
The captured CO₂ can either be stored away or utilised for another purpose entirely.
“In one way, you can capture carbon directly out of the air, make hydrogen at a low cost and then put it together to create fuel that can be burned again.
“It then becomes a net-zero cycle.”
Currently, synthetic and biogenic fuels cost approximately five times as much as jet fuel.
“The goal is to get low carbon fuels roughly on par with the cost of today’s fuels,” Dr Tourbier said.
Another reason for the emissions of heavy industries is the requirement for middle- and high-grade heat, which has previously only been achievable with fossil fuels.
CSIRO’s concentrated solar thermal process uses falling ceramic particles and patented technology to capture and store solar energy as heat, potentially achieving more than 1,000°C at a cost lower than gas.
It is being commercialised through a recent spin-off – FPR Energy – offering a lower-cost, renewable alternative for
Carbon management
Another key priority to achieving net zero emissions is carbon management. Even with rapid decarbonisation, the historical CO₂ that remains in the atmosphere needs to be mitigated, as does the carbon from current and future activities that cannot be fully decarbonised.
“Simply catching the carbon will not solve the problem – we need to do something with it,” Dr Tourbier said.
Net Zero Australia estimates that Australia will need to permanently store between 80–100 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2060 to reach net zero4
CSIRO has a group of geophysicists and geoscientists on the case, sharing their extensive knowledge on the movement of gases and liquids underground, including how to detect whether they are moving or stationary.
“We’re using that technology and knowledge to develop safe methods of storing CO₂ in the subsurface, which we’ll need into the future,” Dr Tourbier said.
Community and environment
CSIRO also prioritises community engagement and environmental outcomes, which are integral to an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy transformation.
For example, CSIRO collaborates
governments, communities and industry in the Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance, to inform and support decision making in regional areas and communities impacted by onshore gas development.
Established in 2011, the Alliance initially focused on coal seam gas developments, but Dr Tourbier said it has since grown and evolved.
“CSIRO is also engaging with communities in rural areas and on traditional lands about renewable energy solutions.”
An integrated system
Importantly, Dr Tourbier said CSIRO is working toward a holistic view of the energy system that becomes increasingly connected, dynamic and collective.
Today’s energy system works in silos – with petrol sent to transport, coal sent to make electricity, natural gas sent to houses or to make electricity, and wind and solar sent to houses and factories.
The future system will be much more integrated, Dr Tourbier said.
“It will have heat flow, electricity flow, fuels and hydrogen. They will each be made and used in a distributed fashion that will require a very different way of operating.”
Collaboration is key
To ensure a successful net zero journey in Australia and beyond, collaboration will be paramount, Dr Tourbier said.
“Competition can be good, but when it comes to the net zero transition, we need industry, government and the innovation sector to work together on the joint challenges we’re all facing.”
CSIRO aims to facilitate this collaboration, with projects such as the low emissions hub at the Northern Territory Government’s proposed Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct. The project envisages industries accessing shared infrastructure, including technologies that enable CO₂ to be captured or imported, and then converted to low emission products, or compressed, transported and permanently stored offshore and deep underground.
Director of Energy, Dr Dietmar Tourbier, leads a team of more than 300 people in CSIRO’s energy business unit.
If realised, the hub will be one of the largest multi-user, multi-access hubs in the world. It will involve close collaboration between the Federal and Territory governments, as well as a range of industry research agencies, engineering and technology companies and foreign governments.
“We need to see more of these hub concepts where industries can help each other out on the journey.”
Global collaboration will also play an important role, Dr Tourbier said.
Australia is a founding member of the Global Power System Transformation (GPST) Consortium, which leads cutting-edge research to help energy systems around the world transition to a renewable grid.
CSIRO and AEMO lead Australia’s contribution, engaging researchers from around the globe to undertake research to address key technical challenges in operating the energy systems of the future.
“Australia will see many of these challenges before other countries, which puts us in a position to lead parts of the global transition – fortunately, the research is a two-way street, with Australia also benefitting from other countries’ experiences.”
Australia’s 2024 projections suggest emissions will reach 42.7 per cent of 2005 levels by 2030, falling just shy of the 43 per cent target5. Despite this, Australia is well on its way to net zero.
Dr Tourbier is eager to see Australia continue along its trajectory toward an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system.
“I’m also looking forward to even more international collaboration as the research community finds new ways to help each other out across borders, making sure we do what needs to be done together.”
Looking even further into the future, Dr Tourbier is excited by the demonstration of potentially gamechanging technologies like quantum batteries and their potential to revolutionise energy storage.
With a sparkle in his eye, he explained the counterintuitive principle of a quantum battery: the bigger it is, the faster it charges.
Until a few years ago, they only existed on paper.
“We now have a group working on a laboratory demonstration of a quantum battery. At the moment, the battery they’ve designed can light up an LED for one femtosecond.
“It’s still decades away, but the technology could provide a way for us to rapidly store and release energy when we need it.”
Opportunities abound
The energy transition is not just a path to net zero for Australia – it represents a huge economic opportunity.
“We have all the resources that the world needs to make the global energy transition happen.”
This will lead to demand from around the globe for Australia’s critical minerals, clean energy and renewable technologies that other countries are simply unable to make themselves, Dr Tourbier said.
“There’s a great economic upside in this journey for Australia; we just have to go out and get it.”
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Field success in the energy sector
In an evolving energy market, the need for efficient, reliable field services has never been more pronounced.
From assembly to troubleshooting and repairs, field services teams play an integral role in maintaining Australia’s energy system, by ensuring these energy systems are installed correctly, operate efficiently and meet consumers’ needs.
However, as renewable projects have increased, so too has the demand on these teams. Add smart meters, consumer energy resources and unpredictable weather into the mix and field crews are busier than ever.
The problem is only compounded by the skilled labour shortages affecting every industry across the country.
The challenges
To understand how to provide the support the industry needs most, leading field services provider Droppoint went straight to the source – surveying field service decision makers and end users about industry level trends facing the sector, aiming to get to the root of the logistical difficulties that plagued the industry in 2024.
Within the IT, telecommunications and utilities industries, Droppoint found that technician productivity and the visibility issues associated with inventory were among the most common challenges. These sectors felt the least equipped to address labour shortages and workplace management. Additionally, only a quarter felt equipped to handle supply chain queries, and only 17 per cent felt equipped to handle increased customer expectations for faster turnaround times.
This is particularly concerning, as respondents also reported that the
top three most critical service level agreement (SLA) metrics are response times, accuracy and completeness of service, and uptime and reliability.
Droppoint’s research also shows that inventory management is a key challenge for utilities, with 46 per cent experiencing prolonged wait times for parts – making it difficult for them to meet their SLA metrics.
Limited real-time visibility of inventory levels and inventory demand prediction also contribute to difficulty meeting SLAs. Without an accurate understanding of the available inventory, field service teams are unable to efficiently plan or respond to urgent requests.
As renewables continue to boom, supply chain queries, tight deadlines and inventory challenges will only increase, highlighting the critical role of reliable and efficient field service technicians. These teams are the backbone of the Australian energy industry, so finding a trusted partner is the key to success.
The solution
With Droppoint, field service organisations no longer need to suffer through ineffective logistics.
Droppoint tracks and manages deliveries and parts for you, ensuring
you always get the right part, to the right place at the right time.
The one-of-a-kind Material Orchestration System (MOS) manages workflows through the entire part lifecycle, combining transport, inventory and location management to provide intelligence across logistics to improve business outcomes.
MOS provides end-to-end visibility and can stand alone or integrate with existing systems, centralising your information –improving your field service technicians’ productivity and inventory management.
Droppoint’s pick up and drop off network has more than 500 convenient locations across the country, with parts available for collection 24/7.
Intellihub Head of Supply Chain, Stuart Sproull, said with Droppoint, the company is able to provide assets and inventory to its technicians, close to where they live.
“Droppoint not only has the flexibility for weekend and out-of-hours pickup, but our technicians are also able to collect inventory close to their homes. It minimises their travel and gives them the best opportunity to complete an increased number of jobs per day.”
Additionally, Droppoint’s state-based team provides regional expertise and rapid response to your field logistics needs, ensuring your requirements are met, wherever you are.
“It’s not all data driven through apps and technology,” Mr Sproull said.
“There’s a human element, which is really important. It helps technicians feel like they’re being listened to.”
Mr Sproull said at the end of the day, technicians are the boots on the ground, dealing with stock shortages, irate customers, weather and more.
“The support that Droppoint provides is key to making sure technicians are supported in the field.”
Droppoint is Always On, so you don’t have to be.
For more information, visit droppoint.com.au
Droppoint tracks and manages deliveries and parts for you. Images: Droppoint
Inventory visibility is a common challenge in the field service sector.
Streamlining sustainability reporting
By Katie Martin, Director, Sustainability and Innovation, Avetta and Colin Davies, General Manager, Sustainability and ESG, ReGen Strategic
New climate reporting standards require organisations to rethink how they approach sustainability, but the energy sector is uniquely positioned to lead the charge.
The new year brought a new benchmark for climaterelated financial disclosures, with the updated Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) coming into effect for the first in-scope organisations.
Issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), the ASRS provide a framework for relevant entities to assess and disclose information about climate-related risks and opportunities.
They consist of two standards:
• AASB S1 is voluntary, covering sustainability-related financial disclosures other than climate-related information
• AASB S2 is mandatory, focusing on climate-related disclosures
As the driving force behind Australia’s net zero transition, the energy sector is no stranger to adapting to new frameworks, particularly when it comes to sustainability.
In-scope reporting entities are those that are required to submit financial statements under the Corporations Act and are divided into three groups. The groups are sorted by size thresholds for employees, assets and revenue, National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act reporting entities and Responsible Superannuation Entities or Managed Investment Schemes with $5 billion or more in assets under management.
Mandatory climate disclosures (AASB S2) are now applicable for group one entities as of 1 January 2025, with group two to follow from 1 July 2026 and group three from 1 July 2027. Under the new standards, in-scope
entities are required to submit a sustainability report, including a climate statement, as part of their usual annual financial reporting.
The climate statement must cover specific points, ranging from governance and risk management to climate-related risks and opportunities. Specific metrics and targets must also be reported, including scope one, two and three emissions. Scope three emissions reporting becomes mandatory from the second reporting year.
The energy sector is already making strides to decarbonise, and addressing indirect emissions generated in the supply chain is the logical next step to achieve the country’s climate goals.
By embracing the new regulations and taking immediate action to comply with AASB S1 and AASB S2, the energy sector has the opportunity to set the standard for transparency and sustainability Australia-wide, paving the way for other industries to follow suit.
However, this process is not always easy. In particular, tracking, managing and reporting scope three emissions is a complex task. It involves understanding and prioritising emissions sources, gathering credible data and applying appropriate calculations – challenges that can be overwhelming without the right tools or expertise, so securing the right support is crucial.
Taking the next step
Navigating the complexities of ASRS compliance can be daunting, particularly with the addition of scope three reporting.
But it doesn’t have to be. With Avetta and ReGen Strategic, you can master
the ever-changing environmental, social and governance (ESG) landscape and transform your approach to sustainability reporting, ensuring full compliance with ESG standards such as ASRS.
Avetta offers comprehensive sustainability solutions, and collectively with ReGen Strategic, can support you to:
• Capture scope three emissions with data directly from suppliers
• Ease the reporting burden for suppliers with a free carbon calculator
• Support supplier compliance and continuous improvement with access to sustainability and decarbonisation playbooks
• Go beyond calculations with transparency into material sustainability businesses risks in the supply chain
• Build assurance with sustainability and social auditing by global experts Sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a one-off project.
That’s why Avetta and ReGen Strategic supports their clients and their contractors’ ESG maturity, monitoring continual progress and enhancing sustainability scores and impact wherever possible.
The companies also provide benchmarking comparisons against similar supplier trade types, highlighting additional performance opportunities.
As the world’s largest supply chain risk management network, let Avetta – and ReGen Strategic – guide you to ASRS compliance.
For more information, visit avetta.com/en-au and regenstrategic.com.au
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UDistributed intelligence modernising the grid
By Brendan King, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Electric Devices, Itron
Intelligent meters lie at the heart of a modern, reliable grid.
tilities are facing unprecedented challenges in managing distribution networks, with distributed energy resources (DERs), such as electric vehicles and solar, changing load profiles and making demand difficult to predict.
To meet the needs of today’s rapidly changing market, utilities require intelligent meters that measure energy consumption at a faster rate and perform real-time data analytics at the edge of their distribution networks.
The days of simply measuring and reporting consumption are diminishing. Distributed intelligence (DI)-enabled meters are sophisticated network sensors capable of providing high-resolution data on upstream and downstream conditions, making them critical to grid modernisation.
Data boosting visibility
DI-enabled meters increase visibility by measuring detailed data that algorithms analyse to disaggregate the electrical consumption of appliances and equipment in customer homes and businesses.
With metrology sampling rates of up to 32kHz, these devices can precisely measure voltage and current waveforms, revealing the quality of the electricity supply, including information about voltage sags, swells, harmonics and other power-quality issues.
To reliably integrate new demand and generation from increasing DER uptake and to protect equipment in the process, utilities need visibility into the
low-voltage circuits that only DI-enabled meters provide. For example, the meters on a single feeder or service transformer will be able to work in concert to calculate, monitor and even adjust net load, or let utilities know when equipment is at risk of failure.
Continuous monitoring
Because it’s difficult for humans to continuously analyse and monitor the high-resolution data that is required to provide real operational value, artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising technology for the energy industry.
Complex applications such as high impedance detection, meter bypass detection and advanced transformer load and voltage monitoring are made possible with machine-learning algorithms. High impedance detection, for instance, is an application that runs on a meter’s computing platform.
The application alerts a worker in utility maintenance and operations if equipment begins trending towards failure – with no human intervention.
While AI provides a powerful tool to analyse problems like high impedance, other problems are suited to a more conventional processing strategy where grid-monitoring applications are run centrally in a back-office system or in the cloud.
Distributing the computing power and analytical intelligence into every meter has three distinct advantages:
• Faster control: locating analytics closer to the challenges they address reduces network latency and increases the speed with
which systems can react to changing conditions
• Simplified data management: locating analytics in the meter greatly reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted, changing the paradigm from ‘big data’ to ‘right data’
• Customer engagement: DI-enabled meters are ideal for deploying the customised programs required to engage customers with valuable information about their DERs
Utility-focused solution
More than ever, utilities are looking to increase capacity to meet rising demand and manage the growing complexity of connected devices and two-way power flows. To do this, they require smart solutions that meet their specific needs.
Itron understands that when it comes time to invest in DI-enabled meters, utilities want to ensure they receive a strong return on investment and enough technological headroom for long-term growth.
In the development of every meter, Itron prioritises distributed intelligence, seamless and secure networking, ecosystem collaboration, operational efficiency and cost - effectiveness.
With Itron’s DI-enabled meters, utilities can be sure to gain visibility to the meter and beyond to integrate DERs, increase customer engagement maintain reliability.
For more information, visit aunz.itron.com
Electrify 2515 seeks to electrify 500 homes in the Illawarra region. Images: Endeavour Energy
A postcard from the future
In a quiet corner of the Illawarra region in New South Wales, a pioneering project is underway.
Electrify 2515 is Australia’s first community-led electrification initiative, representing a monumental stride towards a sustainable future. The project seeks to electrify 500 local homes by leveraging residential rooftop solar power to transition from fossil fuels like coal, gas and petrol to renewable sources.
The aim is not only to simplify the process of home electrification but also to gather crucial research that will benefit communities across the nation.
The brainchild of Dr Saul Griffith, the engineer and renewable electricity advocate who founded Rewiring Australia, this program exemplifies how a local community can spearhead the shift to an electric future.
Dr Griffith said, “I’m so proud that our 2515 community is at the forefront of
this transition. We can fast forward our neighbourhood to the electric future and show the rest of Australia how to do it faster and smarter.”
The ambitious project exemplifies how electrification can be achieved on a community scale, reinforcing the grid’s reliability, reducing energy costs, and setting a global example for others.
Why electrify?
The project aims to simplify the complex process of home electrification, providing critical research to help every Australian community transition smoothly to a smart, electric future.
The reason for this is simple –it’s cheaper, cleaner, and better for our planet.
In doing so, the objective is to learn locally and think nationally,
capturing valuable insights from the electrification journey about customer choices and energy data that can play a vital role in shaping the national policies and practices that will drive sustainable change.
How it works
Under the pilot, residents of the 2515 postcode can apply for subsidies of up to $1,000 for electric water systems, reverse-cycle air conditioners, induction cooktops, and up to $1,500 for home batteries.
Each participating household will also receive a free smart energy device to optimise their energy use, along with necessary switchboard upgrades to support the new appliances.
Additional incentives are available for lower-income households, ensuring that
the program is accessible to a broad range of people.
Electrifying an entire community
But what makes Electrify 2515 groundbreaking is its ambition. It is not just another small-scale electrification project – it’s the world’s first initiative aimed at electrifying an entire community while enhancing grid reliability and lowering energy costs and proving that the energy grid can handle the ‘electrification of everything’.
By demonstrating that electrification strengthens the grid rather than burdening it, this project is setting an example for communities worldwide.
Rewiring Australia Co-founder and Executive Director, Dan Cass, said electrification is key to solving 80 per cent of global emissions.
“The technology is ready, and this community’s commitment proves that Australians are ready too.”
Shared vision of locals and partners
forward-thinking decisions to build a sustainable future.
This pioneering project is driven by passionate locals and represents an $11.8 million collaboration between Rewiring Australia, Brighte and Endeavour Energy, with $5.4 million in Federal Government funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The initiative aims to illustrate that meaningful change can be driven by communities rather than solely relying on government or large corporations. By taking collective action, communities can make smart,
The project also serves as a model for other communities across Australia, showcasing that sustainability and community-led solutions can boost local economies while enhancing resilience and energy independence.
“A community that electrifies together, thrives together,” said Dr Griffith, highlighting the project’s goal to show the world how communities can take charge of their energy futures.
“Australia is already leading the world in rooftop solar, and initiatives like this will help us set the global standard for clean, consumer-friendly energy.”
Local electricity distribution network operator Endeavour Energy will monitor throughout the pilot, providing insights into optimising the network for all customers, transitioning to a smarter, cleaner energy system.
Endeavour Energy CEO, Guy Chalkley, said, “This is our opportunity to collaborate with community partners and the Federal Government to help decarbonise the electricity grid, electrify homes and promote energy-efficient appliances.
“We’re excited and confident that this will lead to cleaner, greener communities and inspire others to follow,” he said.
Incentives are available to support household energy choices and coordinate the necessary changes to facilitate the electrification process.
Brighte CEO, Katherine McConnell, emphasised the pilot’s role in scaling up electrification.
“This pilot will teach us how to overcome practical and economic challenges in electrifying homes. We’ll gain insights into how tradespeople and homeowners can work together to make this transition efficiently, as well as the role of finance and incentives to accelerate uptake.”
By converting to electric-powered homes and vehicles, households in the 2515 postcode are projected to save up to $20 million annually. This financial
The pilot was launched following a twoyear campaign led by the local community.
The project will provide real-world data on a concentrated and rapid electrification of a community.
More than 600 locals joined the community launch in support of the program.
benefit will remain within the community rather than going toward external fossil fuel costs.
Dr Griffith believes re-investing in local solutions will create jobs and help keep money circulating within the region, potentially generating around 100 new jobs linked to the electrification effort.
Real-world insights
Part of what has garnered the support of partners for Electrify 2515 is the valuable real-world data about how electrification affects energy usage, grid stability and costs. The project’s key objectives are threefold:
• Prove that the technology works by ensuring that everything from solar panels to electric vehicles integrates seamlessly with the grid and can be orchestrated to benefit the entire community
• Demonstrate the economics by showing how the transition to electric energy can lower household costs and stimulate the local economy
• Build public support by fostering trust within the community and showing how collective action leads to tangible benefits for everyone involved.
By tracking this data, the project demonstrates that electrification can enhance grid resilience, reduce costs and provide sustainable energy options for all customers connected to the network.
The insights gained from this pilot will shape future policies, business models, and technologies, paving the way for smarter energy systems nationwide.
Shaping the future of energy
While the journey to Electrify 2515 has come with its share of challenges – ranging from regulatory hurdles to financial complexities – Dr Griffith is confident that every step forward brings us closer to a smarter, greener, and more sustainable future.
“Many talk about the transition to an all-electric future, but with Electrify
2515, we’re putting this vision to the test in the real world.
“If it works here, it can work anywhere,” he said.
The insights gained will pave the way for other communities across Australia and beyond to replicate this model, said Dr Griffith.
“Electrify 2515 proves that the transition to an electrified future isn’t just a dream – it’s already happening.”
Indeed, in January 2025, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, asked ARENA to consider funding more community electrification demonstration projects such as Electrify 2515 around the country.
With these efforts, the future of energy looks promising, as real-world initiatives like Electrify 2515 lead the charge towards sustainable living and economic revitalisation.
The success of this pilot project could indeed serve as a beacon for how communities can come together to drive meaningful change, ensuring a better, cleaner tomorrow for all.
Data driving the energy evolution
Increasing demand for reliable power and a growing emphasis on sustainability calls for innovative solutions.
The energy sector is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation. The rise of renewables, changing energy needs and the continued push for decarbonisation are driving the industry’s increasing need for cutting-edge solutions.
Decon Corporation is at the forefront of Australia’s transition, revolutionising energy management through a data-driven approach that optimises energy networks and enhances demand management.
Decon leverages real-time data from over 200 client assets across Australia, monitoring everything from equipment performance to grid conditions.
This comprehensive data collection enables Decon to move beyond reactive maintenance and predict
Predictive maintenance
Decon’s advanced and sophisticated control systems proactively identify and address potential concerns with critical infrastructure, including generators, hybrid systems, and the innovative Smart Power Cell (SPC).
The SPC is a transportable, off-grid power solution deployed at over 80 communication sites across Australia. It combines advanced technologies like battery storage systems, fuel cells, wind turbines and solar panels to provide reliable and sustainable backup power during emergencies.
At the heart of the SPC is a highperformance sodium metal chloride battery, which offers exceptional durability and longevity, even in extreme weather conditions. This battery is complemented by fuel cells, wind turbines and solar panels, providing a diverse and reliable energy mix.
During the devastating 2024 storms and floods that impacted Victoria and Tasmania, the resilience of Decon’s SPC units was put to the test. Deployed at seven critical communication sites across the affected regions, these units ensured uninterrupted service despite widespread power outages.
Decon’s advanced monitoring systems provided real-time data on the performance of each SPC unit, enabling proactive adjustments and ensuring optimal operation throughout the crisis. The SPC units collectively provided over 95 hours of off-grid power, demonstrating their crucial role in maintaining essential communication services. This enabled residents to stay connected with emergency services, receive critical information and access support during such a challenging period. By ensuring the continued operation of communication infrastructure, the SPC units played a vital role in supporting emergency response efforts and maintaining community resilience during the crisis.
This case study highlights the critical role of the SPC in ensuring reliable and sustainable power supply in even the most challenging circumstances. By combining advanced technologies like sodium metal chloride batteries with intelligent control systems, Decon delivers resilient and sustainable power solutions that empower communities and drive a more sustainable energy future.
Optimising demand response
Decon’s data-driven insights enable seamless integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. By analysing real-time data and optimising grid dispatch, Decon helps clients maximise the use of renewable energy while ensuring grid stability.
Furthermore, Decon equips clients with tools to dynamically adjust their energy usage, responding to grid fluctuations and peak demand periods. This not only reduces stress on the grid but also helps clients optimise energy costs and enhance their sustainability initiatives.
By analysing fuel consumption and identifying energy efficiency opportunities, Decon helps clients lower their environmental impact. The platform’s scalability and adaptability ensure seamless integration with evolving technologies, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Decon doesn’t just provide power; it empowers a smarter energy future. By leveraging data, embracing innovation, and prioritising sustainability, Decon is transforming how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed. Decon is a trusted partner for businesses and communities across Australia, delivering reliable, sustainable, and innovative power solutions for a brighter tomorrow.
For more information, visit deconcorp.com.au
Decon’s SPC provides reliable and sustainable backup power during emergencies. Image: Decon Corporation
Enhancing safety with thermal imaging
Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in Australia’s continued journey to net zero, and maintaining safety
in the industry is paramount.
Though the Australian energy industry has evolved significantly over previous decades, one thing that has remained consistent is a focus on safety, with asset monitoring playing an important role in preventing, monitoring and addressing hazards.
As technology has advanced, this has become much simpler – and thermal imaging in particular has been a game changer.
The technology offers the unique ability to visualise potential issues that are not always observable to the naked eye.
This feature is critical in the energy sector, where safety hazards that can have disastrous consequences – such as gas leaks, hotspots in electrical infrastructure and invisible flames –can go unnoticed.
Solving hydrogen hazards
Hydrogen projects are booming in Australia because of the renewable resource’s potential as a clean energy superpower – however, they are not without hazards.
Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas that can ignite in the presence of oxygen, and unlike methane and gasoline, it burns with a nearly invisible flame in daylight.
This is of particular concern for technicians completing purging or flaring works during system setup, maintenance or leak detection,
where it is crucial that workers have a good view of the flame.
Common technologies used to monitor hydrogen flames include thermocouples, ultraviolet sensors and infrared sensors. These techniques, however, do not allow workers to actually see the hydrogen flame.
Thermal cameras, on the other hand, enable technical staff to visualise the exact movement of the flames by picking up the thermal radiation they emit.
Other benefits of thermal imaging equipment include:
• Improved situational awareness: thermal imaging cameras provide a visual representation of the entire scene, including hydrogen flare installation
• Improved staff safety: detection sensors inside a thermal camera do not need to make physical contact with the flame, so technical staff can monitor flames from a safe distance
cameras can be used for electrical inspections, mechanical inspections and more
Identifying temperature differences: thermal imaging cameras enable maintenance workers to visualise subtle temperature differences, enabling them to detect hotspots, overheating problems and possible equipment malfunctions
Fewer false alarms: thermal imaging cameras are less prone to false alarms caused by non-flame sources such as sunlight, welding arcs or hot surfaces
A targeted solution
FLIR’s thermal and acoustic technologies offer the most efficient method of monitoring energy assets and ensuring safe operation for workers.
All FLIR cameras provide users with detail-rich thermal images in a variety of thermal colour palettes, and there are a range of products to support technical professionals to work safely with hydrogen.
For example, the Si2 acoustic imaging camera can detect gas leaks by visualising the sound of a leak from up to 200m away, and the G343 – an optical gas imaging camera – can visualise hydrogen leaks by using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a tracer gas.
Products such as the E8 Pro handheld infrared camera quickly pinpoint hotspots with the assistance of multi-spectral dynamic imaging, which brings the visual and thermal spectrums together. The technology can also be used in other applications across the energy industry more broadly.
With FLIR, Australia can continue to safely forge ahead with its renewable energy transition.
For more information, visit flir.com.au
The FLIR G343 can visualise gas leaks, including hydrogen when CO2 is used as a tracer gas. Images: FLIR
The FLIR Si2 acoustic imaging camera can visualise the sound of a gas leak from up to 200m away.
Get on target with hydrogen
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Renewable gas fuelling the future
You might confuse it for a hot air balloon about to take off, but the green dome peaking above the trees at Malabar is actually helping to decarbonise the New South Wales gas distribution network.
Renewable gas. It seems to be the new word about town. It’s now a regular feature at industry conferences, with dedicated panel discussions, and is increasingly being recognised alongside solar and wind as a low-emission fuel source that can contribute to Australia’s energy mix and net-zero ambitions.
But what is renewable gas and is it… well… renewable?
Jemena’s Managing Director, David Gillespie, explains that renewable gas is basically an umbrella term for
renewable gases like biomethane and green hydrogen.
“It’s considered renewable because it is produced using resources that are continuously replenished. It is also low-emission because its combustion does not produce any additional carbon emissions.
“Green hydrogen – or renewable hydrogen – is created using renewable electricity and water. Biomethane is created from biogas produced from decaying organic matter like agricultural waste or, in
the case of the Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant, wastewater.”
It might sound strange, taking the gas from what Sydneysiders flush, upgrading it to biomethane and injecting it into Sydney’s gas distribution network, but that is exactly what’s already happening.
The Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant in Sydney’s south is co-located with Sydney Water’s wastewater treatment facility and has been producing and injecting biomethane into the New South Wales gas
distribution network for just over a year now.
“We are currently putting enough biomethane through the gas distribution network to meet the equivalent annual gas usage of about 6,300 homes,” Mr Gillespie said.
“The beauty of biomethane is it is completely interchangeable with natural gas and is therefore compatible with all existing gas network infrastructure, gas appliances used in homes and businesses today, and in industrial manufacturing processes.
“Customers won’t notice a difference,” Mr Gillespie said.
While biogas has been used in Australia for decades, this is the first time it has been upgraded to biomethane and injected directly into a natural gas network.
“We wanted to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of using biomethane as a renewable fuel source and how it can be done.
“We received funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and as it’s an Australian first, there have been a lot of lessons that we have been able to share with the industry.”
And the big green dome?
Mr Gillespie said the green dome is definitely eye catching.
“The dome is a double-walled storage tank made from a very strong polyester. It not only stores the biogas, but helps regulate the flow of the biogas into the upgrader where it becomes biomethane.”
The future is here, it just needs a helping hand
While Australia’s biomethane industry is still in its infancy, it’s been a part of Europe and the UK’s energy mix for decades.
“Denmark aims to achieve 100 per cent biomethane injection by 2030 and Ireland plans to have 100 per cent renewable gas transported through its gas network by 2045,” Mr Gillespie said.
So why has Australia been slow to adopt this fuel source?
“As we head into the next quarter of this century, it’s safe to say Australia’s energy system has undergone some significant changes since the clock ticked over into 2000.
“At that time, household solar panels were yet to experience the uptake we have now, and Victoria’s first wind farm located in Port Fairy wouldn’t be commissioned for another year. Electric vehicles were the stuff of science fiction and batteries were small things you put in the back of your remote control.”
Mr Gillespie said nowadays, one in three homes in Australia has solar panels and in-home batteries are now powering everything from electric vehicles to pool pumps to hot water systems.
“Renewable gases, in particular biomethane, aren’t new technologies. The British were using biogas to light street lamps in Exeter in the late 1800s. But the success of renewable technologies like wind and solar have, in part, been due to the significant subsidies and supportive policy levers that have been pulled to ensure a strong renewable electricity market.
GreenPower certification
GreenPower is a government managed renewable energy certification program. By creating a renewable gas certification scheme, GreenPower is helping establish a market for renewable gases in Australia and giving large gas consumers confidence the renewable gas they are using is certified as a low-emission renewable gas. The Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant was the first biomethane plant in Australia to receive GreenPower certification.
“Renewable electricity has certainly enjoyed its day in the sun – and if the last 25 years have been the years of renewable electricity, it’s time for the next 25 to be focused on the future of renewable gas and the role it can play in decarbonising our manufacturing and industrial sectors.”
Mr Gillespie highlighted some recent steps in this direction.
“The New South Wales Government has been consulting on the development of a Renewable Fuel Scheme and the Federal Government is considering how renewable gas use should be counted in businesses’ emissions reporting, specifically through the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme (NGERS).”
Mr Gillespie said the change to NGERS is particularly important, so that industrial customers who are mandated to reduce emissions by the Safeguard Mechanism can do so with renewable gas transported through Australia’s gas infrastructure.
“Now is the time for all parts of the energy sector to work together to set a strong foundation for a renewable gas sector.
“It will send a strong signal that Australia’s renewable gas market is open for business and spur investment.”
Fully-fledged biomethane market
Jemena’s General Manager Renewable Gas, Suzie Jakobovits, has been tasked with working with industry to develop
Biomethane is a renewable gas that is completely interchangeable with natural gas. Images: Jemena
The Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant has been injecting biomethane into the New South Wales gas distribution network for just over a year.
new opportunities for biomethane production in Australia.
“The most significant role biomethane can play is in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
“Creating a thriving biomethane sector will mean large gas users who produce many of the items we rely on every day, such as fertiliser, glass, bricks, cement and other building materials, can begin to decarbonise their operations.”
Mr Jakobovits said these gas users require high-heat loads for processes which cannot readily be electrified.
“Jemena is committed to supporting the continued development of a biomethane market, particularly for our large customers in New South Wales,” he said.
“We have already signed several Memorandums of Understanding with these producers to assess the viability of injecting additional biomethane into the New South Wales gas network.”
Such collaborations could, in time, produce enough biomethane to meet the energy requirements of over half of Jemena’s current industrial customers, Mr Jakobovits said.
“Biomethane producers are able to use existing animal and agricultural waste sources to produce biomethane, and then have the potential to return a by-product of the process back to the farm as fertiliser – a true circular economy in action, where waste from one process is transformed into a valuable resource that can be used in another.
“This process provides a broader economic benefit. In addition to turning waste into a fuel source (and
ARENA’s Bioenergy Roadmap
In 2020, ARENA developed Australia’s first Bioenergy Roadmap. The report highlights the role a fully developed bioenergy sector could play in Australia’s transition to net zero and shows that a bioenergy sector could contribute around $10 billion in GDP, reduce emissions by about 9 per cent and create 26,200 news jobs.
creating jobs in the process), it will also provide an additional revenue stream for farmers.”
Ms Jakobovits said most of the plants will be located in regional areas.
“We know that ARENA, in its Bioenergy Roadmap, anticipates that a fully developed bioenergy sector will create upwards of 26,000 new jobs. A lot of those will be jobs based in regional and rural communities.”
Is renewable gas here to stay?
As Australia sets its sights to the next quarter century and its 2050 net-zero targets, the future of gas will play an ever-increasing role.
Gas should no longer be thought of as a transition fuel that will bridge the gap between a reliance on coal to an energy system run entirely on solar and wind.
Renewable gas will have its own place in a future energy mix, and could play a significant role in decarbonising our economy.
For more information, visit jemena.com.au/future-energy/ future-gas
impact
Agility in action
Kicking off 2025 with a new name, Agilitus is continuing to provide the energy sector with the quality engineering services driving Australia’s renewable transition.
With more than 450 staff across Australia, Agilitus –previously known as BG&E Resources – provides engineering, design, project delivery and advisory services to the resources, industrial and energy sectors.
New year, new structure
In February, the company officially renamed as Agilitus, signifying its step away from the BG&E Group, an exciting milestone for the company.
Prior to the rebrand, the BG&E Group was a 50 per cent shareholder. Agilitus Co-Founder and Managing Director, Craig Bloxham, said the arrangement proved to be highly successful with both companies benefiting greatly.
“Being privately owned with shares predominately owned by employees enables us to expand into new geolocations and widen our service provision to better assist energy projects and operations,” Mr Bloxham said.
What’s in a name?
When Mr Bloxham and Agilitus CoFounder, Tony Comerford, started the company in 2017, they felt that the industry lacked a privately owned, highly reputable medium-sized engineering and design firm that could also offer project delivery.
“Large companies have so many shareholders, and they can sometimes become constrained in their decisionmaking process, losing their agility.”
Mr Bloxham said he and Mr Comerford saw an opportunity to fill this gap and develop a medium-sized company that could remain agile in its decision-making.
“The company was formed on that basis – and it’s been remarkably well received by industry.”
When exploring a new name and brand, Mr Bloxham wanted a word that represented how they worked with clients.
“Clients have always told us we are agile, so this name is ideal for us. Agilitus combines ‘us’ with ‘agility’.
“Our new name emphasises our ability to be receptive and responsive to client and industry needs, as well as our team needs,” Mr Bloxham said.
Empowering employees
Agilitus continues to be privately owned, and importantly, a significant proportion of the business is now employee owned.
“When your key people have equity in your business, they are highly motivated to succeed. It promotes a positive culture and opportunity.”
The success of any business is driven by the culture, Mr Bloxham said, so it’s not just employees that should be pleased.
“Clients will also be happy that we’re now an employee-owned business, because it will amplify our engagement and continue our high-quality work.
“Our team is stronger than ever. As a competing organisation, we know we deliver beyond client expectations. It is what we are known for and will continue to execute for clients across Australia.”
To the future
While BG&E Resources is renowned in Western Australia, the company has already made significant moves on the
Eastern Seaboard. Agilitus has offices in Newcastle, Brisbane, and Townsville and will continue to expand.
“This rebrand presents an opportunity for Agilitus to further grow our geographical footprint.
“It gives us a chance to really highlight what Agilitus means to the industry,” Mr Bloxham said.
“Everything we do is customised, so it makes sense that we would want our own name that represents our distinction.”
Reflecting on Agilitus’ journey, Mr Bloxham said you never really know what’s going to happen when you start a new company.
“The adventure for us has been truly remarkable.
“More than anything, the brand is more than just a new name for the business. It signifies a way of being and celebrates a worthy milestone in our journey. While our name changes, our people remain the same,” he said.
“It’s been a wonderful journey, and our dreams are coming to fruition. We can’t wait to see where the future takes us.”
The future really is Agilitus.
For more information, visit agilitus.com
Agilitus’ new name reflects the company’s ability to be receptive and responsive to client and industry needs. Image: Agilitus
Gippsland has been an energy powerhouse for a century. Image: TebNad/shutterstock.com
Gippsland’s secret offshore wind superpower
By Senator Jess Walsh, Labor Senator for Victoria
One of six designated offshore wind zones, Gippsland has a secret superpower –but it’s not the region’s abundant wind resources.
While the Federal and Victorian Governments work to lay the foundations for an offshore wind industry off its coast, Gippsland locals are working just as hard to drive the energy transformation from the grassroots up.
Workers look beyond coal
Russell is a third-generation power station worker in Gippsland. Like his father and grandfather before him, Russell has dedicated himself to
powering Victoria, working in the Latrobe Valley’s coal industry.
But at just 32, and with Gippsland’s remaining power stations set to close in coming years, Russell is looking for a new future in power generation.
Eager to bring the skills and knowledge his family has cultivated for decades; he is one of many workers ready to continue their proud legacy in powering our state.
Gippsland has been an energy powerhouse for a century.
And today it’s ready to lead us into a clean energy future – a future built on offshore wind.
A community united
When the Hazelwood coal fired power station closed with only six months’ notice, it left hundreds of families in the Latrobe Valley shocked and struggling to find a way forward.
This moment galvanised the region to take charge of its own future, with local leaders coming together to ensure
Gippsland would not just survive, but thrive – this time with renewable energy.
Today in Gippsland, both old and new energy providers work together to help the region transition – determined to deliver new energy, jobs and opportunity.
Partnerships across industry and education providers are helping workers like Russell consider new opportunities with confidence.
Australia’s first offshore wind project, Star of the South, has partnered with EnergyAustralia, Federation University, and TAFE Gippsland to create clear pathways from coal to renewables, to develop wind turbine and hydraulics technicians from the current power station workforce.
Business and community groups are making local voices heard to support offshore wind, launching a historic Gippsland Offshore Wind Alliance.
The Committee for Gippsland and the Gippsland Climate Change Network play a key role in bringing together business, industry, and local stakeholders to focus on the region’s energy priorities.
Plans for this new era of renewable energy are founded on respect and genuine partnership with Traditional Owners. The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) is working to build
opportunities and investment supporting Gunaikurnai’s long-term economic and cultural aspirations.
Policy and progress
Already, 12 feasibility licenses have been awarded to proponents ready to begin the environmental and regulatory process. With the Victorian Government setting a 2GW target by 2032, backed by federal support, investment certainty has been strong. The road ahead includes the creation of thousands of jobs and new opportunities, and a concerted effort to support the community at every stage of the transition.
Recently, Federal Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres and I met with local businesses, unions, and industry leaders. The message was clear: Gippsland is ready to seize the opportunities of clean energy.
Local businesses want to continue to provide jobs by supplying their fabricated metal products, Indigenousled security services, and everything in between to offshore wind.
Offshore wind offers more than an energy solution; it’s an opportunity for Australia to lead in clean energy manufacturing. With key alignment to the Federal National Reconstruction Fund and Future Made in Australia framework,
there is a bright future for offshore wind and its supply chain in Gippsland.
Critical to this future is a legislated Net Zero Economy Authority, ensuring new investment to create jobs and support workers through the transformation in Gippsland, and in other coal heartlands across the country too.
Offshore wind is about more than just generating power; it’s about creating opportunities and honouring a commitment to workers, communities and Traditional Owners.
Standing strong for the future
Federal and State Governments have driven investment certainty in offshore wind by setting up the framework for the industry, along with targets for energy generation.
Clear community support across Gippsland has been critical in driving investment certainty too.
This is a pivotal moment for this region and workers like Russell who want a future in power generation.
Indeed, Gippsland has the natural resources to power Australia for years to come with offshore wind. But it is the community’s expertise, hard work, and unwavering commitment to its renewable future that is its true superpower.
Business and community groups are making local voices heard to support offshore wind. Image: Office of Senator Jess Walsh
Hydro Tasmania has been generating hydroelectric power for more than 100 years.
Image: Hydro Tasmania
Digital engineering future-proofing renewable assets
With the help of Autodesk, Hydro Tasmania has seen great success from digitising its assets, highlighting the importance of keeping up with digital innovation.
Hydro Tasmania has been a pioneer in Australia’s renewable energy journey for more than a century, commissioning the country’s very first hydroelectric power station in 1916.
Fast forward to 2025 and the utility is the largest generator of renewable energy in Australia, with 30 power stations and more than 50 dams around Tasmania.
With such a rich history comes a wealth of historical documentation that needs to be digitised, along with possibilities for storing large data sets and integrating existing infrastructure with new digital models.
To set itself up for another century of delivering clean energy, Hydro Tasmania
has entrusted Autodesk with key aspects of its digital transformation, adopting the PDM Collection to enhance the design, construction and maintenance of its hydroelectric facilities.
Over the last seven years, Hydro Tasmania has used Autodesk software to author 3D models of power stations that assist project teams to better understand the internal and external workings of generating assets prior to taking it apart physically. This is essential for the utility’s work because no two power stations are identical. The ability to customise pieces of bespoke equipment is critical for the ongoing maintenance of Hydro Tasmania’s assets.
Now, the focus is on continuing to embed Autodesk Construction Cloud, a common data environment and single area where Hydro Tasmania and its suppliers locally and across the globe can store and access large documents, removing silos and improving communication and efficiency.
Hydro Tasmania Team Leader of Design, Drafting and Documentation Management, Michael Penfold, said, “We’re using Autodesk Inventor for all our CAD authoring and Autodesk Vault for all of our storage. We’re also leveraging Autodesk Construction Cloud for sharing to work sites, uploading and using repeatable workflows.”
The utility is already reaping the benefits, seeing significant improvements in project delivery and traceability.
“By using the right tools in the office environment, we’ve been able to design things that are fit for purpose the first time,” Mr Penfold said.
Hydro Tasmania is currently upgrading its Poatina Power Station – the world’s highest head power station at the time of its opening in 1965.
Hydro Tasmania Site Manager, Julian Quinn, said, “It takes water from the Great
Lake, which then goes through 6km of our rock tunnel, down through 2.5km of penstock, and straight underground to six machines.”
Hydro Tasmania Outage Manager, Josh Wilkes, said, “The refurbishment will see all six machines receive replacement turbines as well as a control system upgrade, with the team using Autodesk Construction Cloud for the entire project.
“With the augmented reality, we’re able to visualise it as we go,” Mr Wilkes said.
“Anything from how we’re lifting a component to how it needs to be removed or installed – even as far down as how we’re going to operate it in the future.”
Mr Wilkes said utilising Autodesk Construction Cloud enables the team to be more efficient with plant placement.
“After project completion, it largely comes down to having the real-word data available. In particular, with the augmented reality, we’re able to see all the internal components without pulling anything apart.”
Some of the other improved outcomes Hydro Tasmania has welcomed include automated workflows, enhanced collaboration, smoother project execution and more efficient use of resources. The embedded review and approval workflow options have been particularly useful.
Reflecting on the upgrade journey, Mr Penfold said Hydro Tasmania has developed a great relationship with Autodesk.
“We’ve given feedback, developer requests and product requests – all of which have been fed back into the platform relatively quickly.
“That’s not only in our best interest, but also other asset owners’, building those future ecosystems where we can harmonise all of the different platforms.”
With its long legacy of innovation, Hydro Tasmania is now setting the benchmark for the Australian energy sector’s digital future.
For more information, visit autodesk.com/au
Hydro Tasmania entrusted Autodesk to assist with its digital transformation. Images: Autodesk
The utility is using Autodesk Construction Cloud for its Poatina Power Station upgrade.
Albany making waves
By Annelies Gartner, The University of Western Australia
A
new project on Western Australia’s south coast is leading the way in the development of a strong wave industry in Australia.
Girt by sea, Australia is uniquely well-placed to decarbonise the economy by leading offshore renewable energy generation, including wave energy.
In November 2024, the Moored MultiMode Multibody device – or M4 – was deployed about 1.5km offshore in King George Sound, on the outer harbour of Albany in Western Australia.
The deployment was part of the M4 Wave Energy Demonstration Project led by The University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Marine Energy Research Australia (MERA) and is a world-first initiative to showcase Albany’s wave energy resources and research expertise.
MERA Centre Manager, Dr Wiebke Ebeling, said the M4 had been deployed for data collection in a six-month, summer sea trial.
“It will validate advanced modelling predictions and support the case for wave energy as a stable, renewable baseload power source,” Dr Ebeling said.
“By openly sharing data from the deployment, the project is delivering something that the world has not had before and is the first step towards developing the only test site in Australia for wave energy projects.”
First funded in August 2021 by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, the Western Australian Government and UWA, it is a fully open-source project that shares the performance data measured and the experience gained during designing, manufacturing, deployment and decommissioning with scientists, developers and the community.
A local industry
Dr Ebeling said the project provides an opportunity for Albany to become Australia’s renewable energy capital.
“It’s been very exciting to talk to the local community and empower them as part of the project.
“By harnessing the wave resources in King George Sound, which provide a smaller-scale version of open-ocean conditions, it can be established as a test site for reduced-scale model technologies to diversify the local economy and develop a future zeroemission industry.”
UWA Oceans Institute and MERA Director, Professor Christophe Gaudin, said the surface-riding wave energy converter featured a unique 1-2-1 float array, which generates electricity through the flexing motion of its hinge.
The M4 was deployed in the outer harbour of Albany in November 2024 Images: UWA
“The device is flexing with the wave so when the back end and front of the device are at the crest of the wave, the centre is at the trough.
“That rotational movement is transformed into electricity by an onboard generator, and we measure the electricity captured to understand how much energy we can generate based on the wave resources in Albany,” Professor Gaudin said.
The M4 project also highlights the capabilities of the local Albany supply chain, engaging six local contractors and manufacturers in building, assembling, deploying and eventually decommissioning the device, as well as demonstrating the potential for wave energy technology to contribute to local decarbonisation.
“Local contractors and consultants have been involved in mechanical, electrical and ocean work across the project,” Professor Gaudin said.
“There has also been academic and research collaboration with partners overseas, notably the University of Manchester, where the M4 concept was developed by Professor Peter Stansby, and in Australia with the Australian Maritime College, the University of Queensland and RMIT in Melbourne.”
Waves decarbonising the blue economy
The project has the potential to benefit the blue economy – in particular, powering the aquaculture industry – and researchers are collaborating closely to understand how a combination of wave, wind and solar could help decarbonise and reach net zero targets.
“Australia’s legacy of oil and gas development in the North West Shelf over the past 40 years has positioned us as a world leader in ocean engineering and ocean science in general,” Professor Gaudin said.
“If Australia can leverage wave energy, it will support growth of the $118 billion blue economy, especially in coastal regions, and utilise an existing skilled workforce to support fabrication, installations and marine operations.
“Having this combination of amazing resources, world-leading research and industry capabilities
is quite a unique opportunity that Australia can capitalise on,” said Professor Gaudin.
The time is now
According to Dr Hugh Wolgamot from UWA’s Oceans Institute, now is the time for Australia to capitalise and harness wave energy.
Dr Wolgamot works on offshore hydrodynamics and wave-structure interaction problems with application to offshore renewable energy – wave and floating wind.
Dr Wolgamot was a lead author of the Ocean Wave Energy in Australia report, commissioned by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre and led by a team of researchers at UWA’s Oceans Institute.
The International Energy Agency has forecast the ocean energy sector to grow to more than 300GW by 2050, while Europe and other regions are advancing wave energy with funding support and policy.
“The world’s largest and most consistent wave energy resource is along Australia’s southern coast and there is immediate potential for renewable energy development in the face of climate change.
“Results from Australia and around the world show combining wave energy technology with wind and solar can costeffectively reduce the need for energy storage,” Dr Wolgamot said.
Ocean power
The average power of the ocean waves crossing the perimeter of Australia’s continental shelf is estimated at about ten times Australia’s average rate of electricity consumption.
“Persistent strong winds along the vast coastline of the Southern Ocean
The device generates electricity through the flexing motion of its hinge.
create energy in large waves, which bring renewable energy towards the shores virtually continuously,” said Dr Wolgamot.
“The south and south-west mainland coastline and the south-west coast of Tasmania in particular experience the highest wave power levels, with exceptionally high-quality waves, with minimal intermittency and relatively small extremes – two characteristics essential for uninterrupted energy production.”
Wave energy can help Australia achieve its net zero targets. Australia’s climate strategy focuses on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with interim goals including a 43 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and an 82 per cent renewable electricity share by 2030.
It can also be used to provide coastal communities with protection from coastal flooding and erosion which will increase in frequency and intensity as climate change accelerates.
“Waves can be reduced or altered in a controlled manner by wave energy installations,” Dr Wolgamot said.
“Data collected from devices such as the M4 can be used to lead best practice in environmental impact assessment and social and cultural engagement to plan future offshore developments.”
It is hoped the deployment of the M4 device is the first of many wave energy projects in Albany and will help establish Australia become a world leader in renewable wave energy.
“Federal and state governments need to take a strategic view of the wave energy industry,” Professor Gaudin said.
“Australia has many advantages, but we need to develop the vision, strategy and support required to match its immense potential.”
Velco Project Solutions specialises in delivering tailored solutions that integrate people, systems processes and tools. Image: Narong/stock.adobe.com
Project management excellence
Whether it’s a new development or an upgrade to an existing asset, complex systems, tight deadlines and strict regulations are the norm for projects in the energy industry.
With so many moving parts, one size fits all solutions rarely fit the bill.
Successful project delivery instead hinges on a tailored approach, led by a professional and experienced team that can seamlessly navigate the many complexities associated with major energy projects.
Project precision
Velco Project Solutions provides project management people, systems and processes for clients in all areas of the energy industry – from oil and gas surface facilities and mining infrastructure, to renewables, rehabilitation and beyond.
The company specialises in delivering tailored solutions that integrate people, systems processes and tools, helping clients develop their assets and maximise revenue.
At the core of the company’s approach is flexibility, led by the understanding that no two projects are the same, so no two solutions should be either.
Velco Project Solutions Director, Bernard Toakley, explains, “We tailor our systems, processes and people to suit the scale, complexity and budget of our clients.
“We recognise that not all clients are the same and we value this difference.”
The team has experience across a range of industries and organisations, adapting their expertise to suit the needs of each project, from start to finish.
“We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality staff with the values, experience and commitment to navigate the most challenging projects,” he said.
“Our people also have the added benefit of being able to leverage our extensive network to solve complex technical and commercial issues, conduct benchmarking and deliver project tools, templates and systems,” Mr Toakley added.
Using its experienced staff and wealth of resources, Velco Project Solutions provides a flexible approach to clients who are unable to sustain full-time project staff themselves, removing the recruitment costs and ongoing overheads of retaining a project team. This means clients can focus on their goals and priorities, while leaving the project management to the experts.
Velco Project Solutions represents its clients to deliver their projects by managing contractors, suppliers, engineering, construction management, commissioning and operational readiness.
In addition to project management services, Velco Project Solutions offers engineering, risk management and workshop facilitation, project governance, readiness and organisational capability assessments, – all aimed at setting its clients up for success.
For more information, visit velcoprojectsolutions.com.au
The transformative power of vegetable oil
Twenty years of data shows how this natural ester enhances the insulation of electricity transformers.
Sam Mulquiney (right) and zone substation apprentice Joseph Last next to one of the vegetable oil-filled transformers.
Images: Essential Energy
During the past two decades, vegetable oil has helped transform electrical transformers, with extensive research highlighting its ability to enhance the efficiency and longevity of transformers.
Engineers at Essential Energy have been at the forefront of gathering the data that shows the oil, traditionally known for its culinary uses, is a highly effective insulator for electricity transformers.
By providing environmentally safe insulation, vegetable oil also improves the performance of these critical components and contributes to a more sustainable energy infrastructure.
Essential Energy installed the first electrical zone substation transformers filled with vegetable oil adjacent to National Parks in New South Wales in 2005. Further innovative applications, such as the potential for ester-filled distribution transformers at electric vehicle (EV) charging points at
fast-charging stations, underscore the safety and versatility of vegetable oil well beyond the kitchen.
Out of the fryer: a brief history
In the 1990s, the initial venture was to use plant-based oils in small pole-top transformers to minimise the impact of a spill. The breakthrough was to use food-grade antioxidants to prevent the vegetable oil from becoming rancid. Chemical additives were also used to improve the thermal properties of vegetable oil.
As the industry became more confident, these fluids were used in larger power transformers, such as those in power plants and substations which provide a step up or down in voltage to enable the safe transmission of electricity over long distances.
In Australia, Essential Energy commissioned research and development on the use of insulative properties of natural esters in power
transformers in 2004. These power transformers were among the first to use natural esters as an alternative to mineral oil worldwide.
Essential Energy Substation Engineering Manager, Lindsay McPherson, said, “We began using vegetable oil to insulate transformers adjacent to the National Parks where we could reduce the environmental risk of leaks.
“In 2007, we joined with Monash University and Ausgrid to do research and development on further uses of vegetable oil in the business.
“Now, we have 22 power transformers up to 132kV, each containing about 10,000L of vegetable oil along the borders of the National Parks, with more at other sites in our network.
“Our transformers weigh at least tens of tonnes, as 10,000 litres is ten tonnes, and then you have all the metal on top, so there is a lot of engineering behind the scenes.”
The data on vegetable oil
Data on the condition of the transformers has been collected during the past 20 years, with oxidation being the primary concern when using vegetable oil. Oxidation leads to the formation of acids, sludge, and other byproducts that degrade the oil’s insulating properties and may compromise the transformer’s performance and lifespan.
Armed with research from regular tests for acidity, oxidisation and moisture exposure, data has shown that natural esters – such as vegetable oil – are a great alternative to mineral oil in applications where fire risk or environmental sensitivity are of concern.
Essential Energy has been successfully using vegetable oil to insulate electrical transformers for 20 years.
Lindsay McPherson (left) and Daniel Martin.
Fellow Essential Energy engineer and innovator, Daniel Martin, said they have been looking for any changes in the chemical measurements, and so far, all the data has remained well within standards, even during faults and extreme temperatures.
“While natural esters are known to have lower oxidative stability than mineral oil, the data strongly indicates that vegetable oil is effective as insulation over the long term, as long as the tank is sealed.
Mr Martin said testing has not indicated a long-term degradation of the oil, nor has there been a reduction in the cyclic rating or operation of the transformer.
“Now that the transformers are entering their 20th year, the data gives us the confidence they will last another 20 to 30 years, at least. The units have operated without incident and are enabling learning about the long-term in-service performance of natural esters.”
The big unknown has been the longevity of the transformers, and even manufacturers can’t say how long vegetable oil could be used. Where there have been faults, the fluid inside has remained as good as the day it was filled.
“We expect at least 60 years of life for these transformers, given they typically have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years,
“This range varies based on factors such as the quality of manufacturing, operating conditions and maintenance, as well as ambient temperature, load levels, and environmental conditions which also play significant roles in determining their longevity,” said Mr Martin.
Natural esters also have a fire point of 360°C, compared to that of mineral oil at 180°C, which means they are safer to install near buildings and sites with an environmental risk. This provides a safety aspect that has allowed Essential Energy to install transformers next to a heritage site in Wagga Wagga, with further transformers to be installed near an irrigation canal at Yenda, a switch room in Lismore and next to a service station in West Bathurst.
The benefits and beyond
Two affable transformers named Kermit and Jaffa also play a significant role in this story. The green one (Kermit) and an orange one (Jaffa) are also known as ‘strategic spares’ and can be transported for use as a backup in the event of a transformer failure, where the wait time for a replacement can be as much as 60 weeks.
Such is the case at Bathurst, where Kermit was called into action next to a service station and filled with vegetable oil, which provides a higher level of safety and power supply until a permanent transformer arrives.
Essential Energy Senior Engineer, Sam Mulquiney, said transformers like Kermit and Jaffa provide significant cost and time savings.
“Kermit and Jaffa are great for emergency response as they are compact units.
“The ester fluid provides a quick response to a network event by allowing us to transport a fully assembled transformer, and it reduces our environmental impact in the event of a fluid spill during transit.”
Mr Mulquiney said the ester fluid also allows for the transformers to be installed as a temporary measure across the majority of Essential Energy’s network substations, including environmentally sensitive sites such as national parks.
“Ester fluid provides benefit from a fire risk when replacing transformers in existing substations where transformers are near buildings. The enhanced
fire properties negate the need to build fireproof walls, which provides a significant cost saving.”
Essential Energy Manager of Innovation, Brad Trethewey, is working with RACE 2030 and the University of New South Wales to understand the thermal behaviour of ester-filled transformers at EV fast charging points.
He said this presents challenges and benefits to a distribution network where significant investment in upgrading or installing transformers to meet the load of EV chargers may be required.
“Most utilities use the nameplate rating of transformers to determine the available load on the asset and if there is a need to upgrade,” Mr Trethewey said.
“We are seeking to understand the impacts on the temperature range that transformer windings will need to tolerate.
“This will, in turn, improve our understanding of a transformer’s thermal behaviour during EV fast charging sessions with the goal of reducing the need to invest.”
The transformation continues Mr Martin has been comparing and discussing new findings by liaising with other utilities via the various engineering society events held with the Electric Energy Society of Australia (EESA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Engineering New Zealand. He is also on Standards Australia advisory panels which look to keep industry know-how up to date.
Mr Martin, Mr McPherson and Mr Mulquiney are also collaborating with industry through CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems), which brings together like-minds to gather industry-led research that generates further innovations.
While the use of vegetable oil has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact on the ecosystem, ester-filled transformer units must be properly sealed to prevent oxygen and moisture from interacting with the oil. However, Essential Energy’s studies have shown that this can be managed over several decades.
With ongoing research and innovation, vegetable oil continues to pave the way for a more sustainable future in electrical transformer technology. It also just happens to add crunch to a well-cooked potato chip.
The transformer inside Wagga Wagga Zone Substation.
The CER is an independent regulator responsible for administering schemes to reduce Australia’s carbon emissions and increase the use of clean energy. Image: lovelyday12/stock.adobe.com
Regulating the energy transition
By Carl Binning, Executive General Manager, Scheme Operations Division, Clean Energy Regulator
Renewables in Australia had a record year in 2024. As we inch closer to 2050, there are a range of exciting possibilities for households, businesses and industry alike.
The energy transition is amongst Australia’s most important challenges. The technological, environmental, societal, economic and political issues associated with decarbonising our economy are well understood and extensively documented. However, the transition of our energy systems presents
equally significant opportunities, including for energy consumers, power producers, infrastructure owners, project developers and private capital investors.
The National Energy Market reached an average of 40 per cent renewable energy generation last year. Progress made and the necessity to enhance
efforts further were highlighted in the Climate Change Authority’s recent Sectoral Pathways Review and its Annual Progress Report to Parliament. A key opportunity exists for more households and businesses to become renewable energy producers by installing rooftop solar and battery systems. With over four million already
participating, there is still potential to increase, particularly through the use of business rooftops and by enhancing battery storage uptake to manage peak generation and demand.
The market for industrial power demand is also evolving as many companies seek to obtain and cancel large scale renewable energy certificates (LGCs) to prove the use of renewable energy, which then supports investment in new large-scale wind and solar projects. Over 10 million LGCs were voluntarily surrendered in 2024 by companies seeking to meet publicly declared climate targets. This trend will continue as companies electrify production processes in response to the Safeguard Mechanism and the new mandatory climate-related financial disclosures.
Record year
A total of 7.4GW of new wind and solar capacity, both small and large-scale, was added under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) in 2024, surpassing the 2020 record of 7.16GW.
There was a notable increase in approved capacity for large-scale renewable energy power stations generating. This is partly due to the approval of Australia’s two largest wind farms, MacIntyre (923MW) and Golden Plains Stage 1 (756MW), under the RET. The new generation capacity is primarily wind-based (70 per cent) and is anticipated to significantly boost the share of renewables as these power stations reach full generation capacity in the latter part of this year.
In the small-scale sector, the installation of four million rooftop solar systems across Australia contributes approximately 12 per cent of the country’s electricity generation. Consumers benefit from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which can lower system purchase costs by about 30 per cent for rooftop solar, solar water heaters, and air-sourced heat pumps. On average, it takes around four years for households and businesses to recoup their investment in these systems.
Lessons learnt
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has worked to consistently improve the integrity of the SRES including through
product standards, accreditation of installers and a rigorous compliance system that includes an independent inspection program.
However, it was concerning in 2024 to see a small number of operators within the SRES exploiting the system. Of particular concern was reporting of system retailers not being paid by a small number of agents following their creation and sale of certificates under the scheme.
In response, we executed a monitoring warrant at the offices of a business we believe to be part of a network of companies. Other companies within this network have been deemed no longer fit and proper by our assessment and have had their registration permanently suspended under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
We are very concerned about the impact on small business retailers and we’re working with other authorities to support them.
It is crucial to learn from such instances to protect installers and retailers and maintain consumer confidence in the scheme. It cannot be overstated how essential it is for installers and retailers to conduct thorough due diligence in all contractual matters with agents. There are many quality agents in the scheme with strong track records of working with retailers.
At the CER, we’ll continue to show zero tolerance for those who show willful non-compliance in our schemes.
What to expect in 2025
This year we expect an average of 45 per cent renewable energy in the grid, well past the halfway mark of the targeted 82 per cent by 2030. Rooftop solar will play a significant role in meeting targets while reducing energy costs for consumers. Costs for panels have decreased significantly, now below prepandemic levels. Housing constructions are increasingly incorporating solar panels into their comprehensive packages, with solar roofing becoming standard for new builds.
Replacement systems are eligible under the SRES and constitute a significant portion of installed capacity –approximately 300MW (10 per cent) last year. Replacement rooftop PV systems are increasing overall rooftop capacity, with systems in 2024 averaging 5.4kW
larger than those they replace. This development aligns with the objectives of the Renewable Energy Electricity Act.
Another aspect is the expanding workforce in the sector, with the Federal Government aiming to create over 60,000 clean energy jobs in Australia by the end of 2025.
The next five years
Australia has a strong foundation for renewables, and this momentum needs to increase.
New generation will be advanced through the Guarantee of Origin (GO) scheme, which will certify renewable electricity and low-emission products. Digital certificates will track production and ensure integrity through validation by the CER.
Renewable energy power stations have five more years to generate large-scale generation certificates under the RET but can start getting ready to participate in the Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO), expected later this year.
In addition, the Australian Government’s expanded Capacity Investment Scheme – now extended to 2027 to accelerate investment in renewable generation and battery storage as demand grows and ageing coal power stations retire – aims to add 32GW of capacity by 2030.
It is an exciting time for the renewables industry leading on practical action to address climate change. There’s an almighty push for Australia to reach its climate targets and the next five years will see big changes across the renewable energy landscape.
For more information, visit cer.gov.au
CER Executive General Manager, Scheme Operations Division, Carl Binning. Image: CER
BESS: the backbone of a stable grid
Batteries provide unparalleled flexibility, de-risking the evolution of the NEM from fossil-fuels to renewables.
Since it was first established in 1998, the National Electricity Market (NEM) has undergone a significant transformation – seeing the lowest coal-fired generation and highest renewable generation in its history in Q4 20241
Whilst this is a milestone for the energy transition, it also presents new challenges for grid stability as the NEM adapts to an evolving energy system.
Pacific Energy Managing Director – Connected, Mark Sinclair, explained that one such challenge in the NEM is an oversupply of electricity from rooftop solar in the middle of the day.
“This can cause issues such as unstable voltages and power flowing in directions that the grid was not designed for,” he said.
Another fundamental concern is that as coal-fired generators continue to
retire, the NEM loses the physical inertia that has historically been responsible for keeping the grid balanced, leading to concerns about reliability.
Complex problems require complex solutions, Mr Sinclair said – and one shines above all the rest.
A stable energy future
Battery energy storage solutions (BESS) are unmatched in their ability to provide advanced grid support services that are essential for the operation of a modern, large-scale power grid such as the NEM, Mr Sinclair said.
One of their superpowers is strengthening the grid to maximise the benefits provided by clean energy sources.
For example, when it comes to surplus solar, BESS can absorb excess power close to where it’s produced in the middle of the day and then discharge it during the evening when it’s needed most. This also has the added benefit of reducing energy prices.
The 5.6MW BESS at Esperance Power Station, designed and constructed by Pacific Energy. Images: Pacific Energy
BESS can play an important role in supporting the NEM as renewable generation increases.
“BESS can also replace the allimportant physical inertia that has previously been provided by large, rotating machines at coal plants with intelligently controlled synthetic inertia,” Mr Sinclair said.
This means that the grid can remain stable and resilient, even in the face of the fluctuating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Reliability on the fringes
Customers living at the fringe of the grid often experience longer and more frequent power outages, Mr Sinclair said.
This is partly due to the distance from the central power source and increased vulnerability to extreme weather and bushfires.
“Grid-connected BESS with islanding functionality can help improve the quality and reliability of power supply to remote and fringe-of-grid customers by disconnecting from the grid during an outage to form an electrical island,” Mr Sinclair said.
Renewables can also be added to the island to form a fully functioning microgrid, capable of operating autonomously for long periods of time.
With this capability, unreliable power lines or those running through high fire danger areas can be temporarily or permanently de-energised without compromising the quality of power supplied to customers connected to the microgrid.
Supporting the NEM
A BESS is the most sophisticated piece of technology connected to the grid, Mr Sinclair said.
company has progressively pursued the decarbonisation of these off-grid systems over the last five years by introducing renewables and BESS.
“We now have multiple large-scale power systems that can run for long periods of time on renewable energy and BESS alone,” Mr Sinclair said.
Now, Pacific Energy is using this experience to bring its leading BESS solutions to the NEM.
“The challenges we have encountered and overcome while decarbonising our systems are the same challenges that are now being experienced by the NEM – just on a different scale.”
The company’s expertise and in-house capabilities around power system modelling, renewables integration, and BESS deployment can be directly applied to NEM projects to tackle the issues it is currently facing.
“This means we can offer clients high-quality technical outcomes that have already been tried and tested,” Mr Sinclair explained.
Because of this, implementing BESS solutions requires extensive knowledge and planning to maximise long-term benefits such as grid strength, renewable integration and grid resilience during natural disasters.
“Finding the right location, sizing the system correctly and selecting the right technology all significantly impact the long-term benefits that BESS can offer a power system,” Mr Sinclair said.
With nearly 50 off-grid power stations in Western Australia alone, Pacific Energy has extensive experience designing BESS suitable even for Australia’s harshest conditions. The
“We’ve also built and installed hundreds of stand-alone power systems (SPS) and hybrid integrated power systems (HIPS), so we understand the multitude of applications batteries can be used for.”
One of many BESS projects Pacific Energy is delivering is a customised 336kWh system for Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC). It forms part of BAC’s pilot program to learn about the role BESS can play in a consumer energy resource setting and is set to trial the benefits of battery storage in the airport’s electrical network, including maximum demand reduction, storage of excess solar generation and power quality support.
Pacific Energy’s BESS are designed and manufactured in Australia to suit Australian conditions.
solutions and we’re seeing increasing demand for UPS-like functionality and spinning reserve, virtual synchronous machines, diesel genset substitution and firming for new fuel alternatives.”
Local solutions
Pacific Energy’s BESS are designed and manufactured in Australia to suit Australian conditions and align with how Australians use energy.
“We manufacture our units in-house to meet the specific requirements of our partners, which means we’re not limited to standard sizings or control methodologies, and we’re not impeded by international supply chains,” Mr Sinclair said.
Manufacturing in Australia also means that Pacific Energy’s design engineers are able to visit the site and design a custom solution with intimate knowledge of the nuances of the site and how the battery would be used, rather than having a standard offer that is unlikely to be the perfect fit.
“We conduct extensive planning and engineering studies to ensure that the BESS is sized and located correctly, and we employ high-quality, proven solutions from trusted suppliers that can deliver and support the solution throughout the system’s operational life,” Mr Sinclair said.
As Australia’s only end-to-end provider of all renewable energy technologies, Pacific Energy’s customised solutions are supporting the NEM’s renewable transformation, leading the way to a clean energy future.
For more information, visit pacificenergy.com.au
Powering innovation through software
As our energy systems become more sophisticated, so too do the software solutions needed to manage them.
Technology and the energy industry have become increasingly intertwined in recent decades, with digital technologies shaping how energy is produced, consumed and managed.
From advanced grid management and asset monitoring to energy trading platforms and predictive maintenance, software is involved in nearly every facet of a modern energy system, wielding the power to increase efficiency, reduce costs and open new business models.
Getting the software right can make or break a project, so collaborating with the right providers is essential.
Landmark agreement
Neoen signed a virtual battery agreement to enable an energy retailer to charge and discharge virtual capacity in Australia’s National Electricity Market. Neoen’s Portfolio Optimisation
Manager, Jeremy Lloyd, said the virtual battery enables the energy retailer to gain the benefits of owning a utility-scale battery without having to build or own one.
The agreement required the delivery of a software application that could present real-time information about storage and market capacity to enable Neoen’s customers to control the virtual battery.
The project was to be the first of its kind in Australia, setting the tone for future grid-scale virtual batteries and posing a significant opportunity for Neoen and its customers.
Neoen knew that finding the right partner would be key and collaborated with YouDo to bring the vision to life.
Triumphant tale
YouDo CEO, Kari Reiterer, said YouDo first worked with Neoen in 2020 to develop a solution to help the company
push energy from its Hornsdale Wind Farm into the frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) market as efficiently as possible. This included a dashboard reflecting real-time asset generation and dispatch status.
Fast forward to 2022, Neoen again collaborated with YouDo to deliver another sophisticated software product, this time for the landmark virtual battery agreement.
“YouDo’s proposal stood out with its emphasis on simplicity, practicality and budget,” Mr Lloyd said.
YouDo did a great job providing a simple breakdown of the product specification and estimates, which helped Neoen plan around them.
“I enjoyed working with YouDo on this project because of their direct approach,” he said.
“YouDo was always very reasonable in scoping changes to the design and was keen to help us solve problems
as they arose. As a result, we were able to move quickly through the development phase.”
Once the software build was complete, YouDo got to work refining and enhancing the features, before moving on to testing.
participate in and to earn revenue in various ways from the energy market.
For Neoen, the impact of YouDo – and the software the company developed – cannot be understated.
DEMAND MANAGEMENT
YouDo delivered the software that enabled Neoen to deploy Australia’s first grid-scale virtual battery. Image: blackboard/stock.adobe.com
Compared to large teams of international contractors, Neoen found YouDo’s design team to be highly effective – particularly when it came to the daily check-ins during the testing phase.
With so much revenue attached to the deliverables, Neoen’s project with YouDo carried a huge amount of risk.
It was all worth it in the end, with YouDo delivering the groundbreaking solution on-time and on-budget, even in the face of a tight timeline and resource constraints.
The completed software application provides clever visualisation of pricing over time, enabling Neoen’s customers to decide when to charge and discharge the virtual battery, to
“This contract unlocks a great opportunity for growth as the demand for flexible generation and renewable energy increases globally.
“Collaborating with YouDo has helped us deliver a quality product to a budget & deadline, and has allowed us to focus on the needs of our customers,” Mr Lloyd said.
The software has been a resounding success since its development, with Neoen now using it to deliver virtual batteries to a number of other energy retailers around the country.
Bespoke software solutions
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Unlocking the power of VPPs
Virtual power plants offer an opportunity for communities to harness the power of their own distributed energy resources to manage demand and bolster grid security.
Australia’s energy transformation is being driven in part by the growing adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, home batteries and electric vehicles (EVs). While these technologies offer clear environmental and financial benefits, they also present challenges in grid management.
Traditionally, electricity grids were designed for a one-way flow of power, with large, centralised power generation facilities supplying energy to consumers. However, as DERs increase, power generation is becoming more decentralised.
Homes, businesses, and even entire neighbourhoods can now generate and store their own electricity, often in the form of solar energy or wind power, and send it back to the grid.
This has led to a more dynamic and complex flow of energy, making it difficult for grid operators to predict and balance
supply and demand effectively. As such, the shift towards renewable energy generation requires new solutions to ensure the grid remains both stable and reliable.
Project Edith
One such initiative is Project Edith –a pilot program led by Ausgrid, with EnergyAustralia as one of its partners. The pilot is exploring how dynamic network pricing and virtual power plants (VPPs) can improve grid stability by integrating customer energy resources into the electricity market. EnergyAustralia joined Project Edith in June 2024, bringing expertise from the perspective of an energy retailer.
Named after pioneering electrical engineer Edith Clarke, Project Edith aims to explore how customer-owned assets, including solar panels, batteries and EVs, can be integrated into the grid. The project also aims to address
challenges such as grid capacity and customer participation, ultimately helping to create a more flexible, responsive, and customer-centric energy system.
At the heart of Project Edith is dynamic network pricing, which adjusts electricity prices in real time based on grid conditions. These prices vary depending on factors like demand, supply and local network congestion.
By aligning prices with grid conditions, dynamic pricing incentivises consumers to adjust their energy consumption. For example, customers might delay energyintensive activities such as charging EVs or running large appliances when the grid is under strain. Alternatively, they might export excess energy from their solar panels or batteries during peak periods to help stabilise the grid.
VPPs are another integral part of Project Edith. A VPP is a network of distributed, flexible energy resources managed collectively to provide services to the grid. Resources such as solar panels, batteries and EVs can be used to balance supply and demand, stabilise grid frequency and provide backup energy when needed. As renewable energy sources become more common, VPPs can help manage their intermittency, reduce reliance on traditional power generation, and support a more sustainable grid.
Research and collaboration
EnergyAustralia is currently working to test how dynamic pricing can be integrated with customer energy
resources, ensuring that it works effectively and exploring whether it can be scaled for widespread use.
This research phase is essential for refining the technology behind the pricing model and developing systems to optimise how VPPs can provide grid services. One of the most important objectives of this phase is to ensure that the system can handle the growing number of customer-owned energy assets and that the pricing model would be fair and effective for customers.
As a retailer in this project,
EnergyAustralia is directly involved in ensuring the technical setup works smoothly between the retailer, distributor and other project participants. This includes participating in the technical trial to confirm that the necessary systems and infrastructure are in place to support the dynamic pricing model. Project partners are also developing and working to implement a standardised language and software system that ensures seamless communication between all parties involved.
EnergyAustralia is also customising its existing systems to accommodate dynamic pricing. This involves adapting current platforms that would enable real-time price signals to be delivered to customers in a way that is both clear and actionable.
Collaboration is a crucial element of Project Edith’s success. The project brings together a range of participants, including technology providers, energy retailers, and aggregators, to
work on overcoming the technical challenges of integrating DERs into the grid. EnergyAustralia’s involvement has provided insights from the retail perspective, ensuring that the dynamic pricing model is customer-friendly, and that retailers’ systems are fully prepared for the challenges of integrating dynamic pricing into customer interactions.
One of the project’s innovations is location-specific pricing. This approach would tailor pricing based on the conditions of local networks, ensuring that customers receive accurate price signals that reflect the specific needs of their area. This method helps ensure fairness and improves the efficiency of the pricing model by reflecting real-time grid conditions. If the program is rolled out to customers, this could result in more transparent pricing and better incentives to help balance supply and demand during periods of high grid stress.
Future benefits
While the project is still in the research and technical development phase, the learnings from the partnership will provide valuable data that will inform future steps. It will also ensure that retailers like EnergyAustralia are well positioned to help customers take advantage of dynamic price signals and the DER-driven energy market. The aim is to create a flexible, customer-driven energy system, where participation is encouraged, and grid stability is supported through smart, real-time decisions made by customers.
DEMAND MANAGEMENT
A VPP is a network of distributed, flexible energy resources managed collectively to provide services to the grid. Image: PUKPIK/stock.adobe.com
As more customers adopt solar panels, batteries and EVs, it will be essential to develop systems that allow these resources to be efficiently managed while ensuring grid stability. Project Edith provides a valuable platform for testing these ideas and refining the technologies that will play a key role in the future of grid management.
EnergyAustralia’s existing offerings are already helping to integrate customer energy resources into the grid and make renewable energy more accessible, including an option for homeowners to install a solar system with zero upfront costs as part of a seven-year plan, or a BYO battery solution that allows customers to optimise their solar and battery systems. Additionally, community batteries give renters, apartment dwellers and those without home battery systems the opportunity to actively participate in the renewable energy transition.
Project Edith is an important step forward in addressing the challenges of an increasingly decentralised power grid. By exploring dynamic pricing and VPPs, the initiative aims to create a more adaptable, customer-focused energy system that improves grid stability and offers more control to consumers.
Looking ahead, Ausgrid is exploring an on-market trial in 2026 to expand dynamic network pricing to customers. As the project progresses, it will provide valuable insights into how these technologies can be scaled and implemented to benefit both customers and the grid.
Food-based acids boosting battery storage
By Kay Harrison, University of New South Wales
Emerging battery technologies using food-based acids could make lithium-ion batteries more efficient, affordable and sustainable.
The novel battery component that uses acids found in sherbet and winemaking is hitting the sustainability sweet spot.
The prototype, developed and patented by chemists at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), reduces environmental impacts across its materials and processing inputs while increasing energy storage capability.
UNSW Professor, Neeraj Sharma, said the single-layer pouch cell currently being optimised is similar to what you’d use in a mobile phone, only smaller.
“We’ve developed an electrode that can significantly increase the energy storage capability of lithiumion batteries by replacing graphite with compounds derived from food acids, such as tartaric acid (that occurs naturally in many fruits) and malic acid (found in some fruits and wine extracts).”
Food acids are readily available, typically less aggressive and contain the necessary functional groups or chemical characteristics, he said.
“Our battery component could potentially use food acids from food waste streams, reducing their environmental and economic impact. Its processing uses water rather toxic solvents, so we’re improving the status quo across multiple areas.
“By using waste produced at scale for battery components, the industry can diversify their inputs while addressing both environmental and sustainability concerns.”
Professor Sharma leads the solid state and materials chemistry group, part of the cross-faculty batteries research community of practice at UNSW. They work with government and industry partners across all aspects of battery life.
“Our focus is to really understand the materials used in batteries and their mechanism during battery operation, and using this understanding we can design better materials,” he said.
“Our research ranges from synthesising new materials, characterising new and commonly used materials and devices, to recycling and end-of-life degradation challenges.”
Professor Sharma said the need for batteries has only increased in recent years, as we continue to develop
renewable energy infrastructure to combat climate challenges.
“This is because replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources with renewable energy sources – for example, wind or solar – is contingent on our ability to store this energy that is generated intermittently.”
However, despite many advances, less than ten per cent of predicted global renewable energy storage requirements have been met.
“Using food acids to produce watersoluble metal dicarboxylates (electrode materials) presents a competitive alternative to graphite used in the majority of lithium-ion batteries that can, as we’ve demonstrated, optimise battery performance, renewability and cost to better support battery demand.
“Discovery of new materials and processes is key to developing better batteries. Ensuring that these meet both environmental and sustainability requirements might be key for future commercialisation.”
Limitations demand innovation
Lithium-ion batteries make up the vast majority of household and grid stationary battery energy storage, where excess solar energy is stored in battery systems.
However, the limitations of current technologies – relatively low storage capacities, expensive and environmentally unfriendly processes, and relatively inaccessible materials – are slowing down battery uptake, Professor Sharma said.
Lithium-ion batteries predominantly use graphite anodes – conventionally termed the negative side of the battery. Graphite sources are relatively inaccessible and require mining, purifying and processing.
“About 60 per cent of the graphite is lost in the processing steps, which typically require high temperatures and very strong acids to reach the required purity, so it has a massive environmental impact,” said Professor Sharma.
While it’s likely technological advances in purification processes will help combat its high cost and enable the use of additional graphite sources, its limited capacity is insurmountable, demanding innovation, he said.
The battery component could use food acids from food waste streams to reduce environmental impacts. Images: UNSW
Professor Sharma
said need for batteries has only increased as we continue to develop renewable energy infrastructure.
“By understanding the chemistry of batteries, we can enhance their physical properties and improve their energy storage capacity, ionic conductivity – enabling higher rates of energy discharge or re-charge – or structural stability, extending their lifespan to improve sustainability.”
These pursuits improve the capabilities of real-world devices, from batteries thinner than human hair (microbatteries) that can be used for medical devices, to packs of cylindrical or prismatic (rectangular in shape enabling efficient stacking) batteries that can store large amounts of electrical charge required for large trucks and large-scale industry applications.
First-year chemistry prompts patent UNSW’s novel approach was driven by a PhD candidate examining reported inconsistencies in food acid performance in the lab.
“We realised the acid reacts with the metal surface of the battery component. It’s one of the first things we teach in first year chemistry – a metal plus an acid gives you a salt and hydrogen,” said Professor Sharma.
“It’s that salt that’s now been stabilised that gives you that improved performance.”
The research team worked with a range of food acids and metals
to identify the most affordable and materially accessible combination.
“We experimented to understand what was happening, designing reactions to maximise performance and characterising the resulting compounds and their performance,” Professor Sharma said.
“As a result, we have the versatility to change the combination to suit different supply streams and desired performance. For example, while we have got lots of iron in Australia, in other regions, manganese or zinc, for example, might be more accessible, and therefore these can be used as the metal component.”
The team are currently upscaling the technology, increasing production quantities, and transitioning from small coin cell to larger pouch cell capability. The next step will be running use/recharge cycles at different temperatures to demonstrate industry viability and allow for further optimisation.
The technology is also applicable to sodium-ion batteries that present another cheaper, greener alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
The future of batteries is… coffee?
The research team are looking at diverting diverse bio-waste streams from landfill to use them as sources to formulate new electrode microstructures, Professor Sharma said.
“For example, we’ve worked with Professor Veena Sahajwalla to pyrolyse coffee grounds to use them as a carbon source to make anodes within lithium-sulphur batteries,” Professor Sharma said.
More than eight million tons of waste coffee grounds enter landfill globally
Variations in quality caused by the supply chain, however, could affect consistency in energy storage capacity and safety aspects through unwanted
“We’re working to identify what sort of variability a battery can handle.”
The end-of-life cycle for batteries –how they degrade, safety and sustainability considerations – is also a
“Recycling is a really big challenge here. In ten to twenty years, we’re going to have a huge amount of the batteries from electric vehicles, scooters, power tools, and household and grid storage possibly coming offline.”
While some could potentially be repurposed as household, building or grid energy storage, many will need to be recycled, Professor Sharma said.
“At the moment, the associated recycling process is very energyintensive, using harsh chemicals.”
Batteries of all kinds are sent to collection facilities.
“Samsung batteries can be chemically very different to LG batteries to Tesla/Panasonic batteries, but they put them all together, grind them up and extract the metals – the stainless steel, copper and aluminium.
“The remaining black mass is shipped offshore to be dropped back down to its pure elements. We’re asking are there clever routes to reuse that mass in new batteries, minimising the chemicals involved, to create a closed loop.”
Professor Sharma said there isn’t a single battery solution for all our needs.
“It’s about having different battery technologies for different applications, including bringing solar and battery power together in one device.
“And asking how we can input more sustainable processes, use more sustainable materials to make it cheaper, better, faster, safer.”
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Turning up the heat
Heavy industries pose a challenge to Australia’s decarbonisation efforts – could a new concentrated solar thermal technology be the solution?
Heavy industries account for 44 per cent of Australia’s end use energy, and a significant portion of these stem from processes such as minerals processing, steelmaking and alumina refining that require fossil fuels to generate high-grade heat1
Without a viable alternative source of high-grade heat, decarbonising these hard-to-abate sectors has proven a huge challenge to Australia’s net zero journey.
However, a new concentrated solar thermal (CST) technology
could change the game, significantly reducing the emissions of Australia’s heavy industries.
What is CST?
CST technology uses mirrors – known as heliostats – that concentrate sunlight to a targeted location to create high temperatures.
The heat harnessed from CST can be used directly in industrial processes or to generate electricity, by heating water for steam to turn a turbine and generate power.
One of the key benefits of solar thermal technology is the embedded energy storage, which enables consistent and reliable energy, even when solar radiation isn’t available. When taking this longer duration storage into account, CST becomes significantly more cost competitive than variable renewables with battery energy storage.
This is particularly true for heat applications, which makes it such a great option for heavy industries.
Historically, however, CST technologies have been unable to generate heat of a
The particle-based CST technology is capable of reaching temperatures up to 1200°C. Images: CSIRO
high enough temperature on their own to replace fossil fuels.
New kid on the block
Though CST has been in the spotlight in Australia recently, the idea dates back to the 1800s. In the early 2000s, CST was popular because of its ability to provide instantaneous power generation at a lower cost than solar PV.
FPR Energy Interim CEO, Dougal Adamson, said after some industry learnings and the growth of mass manufacturing in China, attention shifted to solar PV, which had become much cheaper.
Today, with a greater emphasis on energy storage and a push to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, it’s no surprise that attention has shifted back to CST.
It’s great timing for FPR Energy, which officially launched in November 2024.
The company was co-founded by CSIRO and established as a venture to implement the next generation of CST technology. It is supported by $15 million in seed funding from global advisory and funds management firm, RFC Ambrian, and utilities leader, Osaka Gas.
What sets FPR Energy apart from others in the space is the CSIRO-developed particle receiver technology, capable of producing temperatures up to 1,200°C –an industry first.
The technology captures solar energy using heliostats to heat inert ceramic particles. The particles store energy for on-demand industrial heat or electricity generation creating a continuous, efficient, energy cycle.
It’s FPR Energy’s aim to use this technology to reduce emissions in hard-toabate sectors.
“Emissions intensive industries that require high-grade heat to decarbonise have previously been unable to use just CST as a heat source because they weren’t able to deliver the intense temperatures required,” Mr Adamson said.
“For example, molten salt CST systems are limited to a maximum temperature of about 550°C. Our particles have been proven at 850°C and could readily achieve 1,200°C and potentially even higher.”
This means hard-to-abate industries can use particle-based CST to generate renewable, zero emissions high-grade heat for their operations, which could accelerate Australia’s decarbonisation.
Additionally, because of its inbuilt storage, the new technology is also much more cost-effective.
“CST generates direct heat, whereas if you use wind or solar, you also need to overlay the capital cost of heating equipment, which is unproven at scale for high-grade heat and comes at an additional cost that simply isn’t required for solar thermal.
Next steps
FPR Energy’s next move is to scale the technology.
“We’ll be demonstrating a large-scale, high-grade heat exchanger prototype using particles, and we’ll also be demonstrating a large-scale, full-sized receiver,” Mr Adamson said.
At the same time, FPR Energy will also be developing a 30-50MW receiver demonstration with up to 16 hours of integrated thermal energy storage, which aims to prove the viability of the technology at a commercial scale. Once scaled, the technology could potentially be expanded to other regions with abundant solar, such as North America, South America and the Middle East.
A local project
The particle-based CST technology was developed by CSIRO at its Energy Centre in Newcastle. The hightemperature solar thermal research facility is the only one of its kind in Australia and is home to the largest high-concentration solar array in the Southern Hemisphere.
FPR Energy will remain in Newcastle, with the company headquartered at CSIRO’s Energy Centre.
The region has a large industrial base which is advantageous in several ways.
“Every single component – other than the glass used in the mirrors – can be fabricated in Newcastle. It can all be designed, engineered, fabricated and sampled right here,” Mr Adamson said.
“The existing prototype system was made locally.”
Additionally, the company doesn’t have to look far to find the skills they need to scale and develop the technology.
“From fabricators to engineers to other suppliers, the labour force we’re after can be found locally. A lot of the skills we need are replacing legacy fossil fuel industries, and we can also leverage some of the workforce from the solar PV industry.”
Small particles, big impact
Particle-based CST offers a unique opportunity to unlock renewable heat as a green fuel source for hard-to-abate sectors. However, like with any new technology, getting industry to take risk on early project demonstrations can sometimes be difficult.
“We are seeing industry traction and some government support, too. However, it could be a lot quicker. The biggest hurdle we need to overcome is around risk aversion,” said Mr Adamson.
“From a technology risk perspective, there is significantly lower risk with particle-based CST. The particles are completely inert, non-corrosive and safe to handle. They don’t require any special training and are a common bulk material that can be sourced off the shelf.”
Mr Adamson said the technology offers the opportunity to build a solar thermal tower that – within two years – will deliver heat at a fixed cost, cheaper than gas and with zero emissions.
With widespread adoption, particlebased CST holds the key to decarbonising hard-to-abate industries, slashing Australia’s emissions.
For more information, visit fprenergy.com.au
FPR Energy aims to commercialise next generation CST technology to help reduce industrial emissions.
Solar PV decarbonising industrial heat
By Cheng Cheng, Joe Coventry, John Pye, Shahid Ali and Andrew Blakers, Australian National University
A new atlas shows where solar PV could replace fossil-fuel-based heating, helping to reduce industrial emissions.
strategies are emerging that offer a cleaner future.
One such innovation is the ARENAfunded Low-Cost Integration of On-Site Solar PV for Large-Scale Industrial Heat Supply project, which has developed a powerful tool to aid in this transition: the Atlas of On-Site PV for Large-Scale Industrial Heat Supply.
The case for decarbonising industrial heating
Industrial heating, essential in sectors such as manufacturing, chemicals and food production, operates at temperatures often exceeding 150°C. Until now, these processes have been heavily dependent on fossil fuels,
demands, coupled with the need for continuous, reliable heat, have made it difficult to transition to renewable solutions without disrupting operations or incurring prohibitive costs. To address these barriers, new technologies that harness renewable energy for high-temperature heat
flows directly through a resistive heating element, drastically reducing the balance-of-system (BOS) costs – the non-module components that typically add to the expense of solar PV systems.
This simplified design reduces costs by eliminating the need
PV-DEH concept. Image: ANU
Mapping the future of industrial PV-DEH
While PV-DEH presents a promising technology, its successful implementation across Australia’s industrial sector requires comprehensive, site-specific data to evaluate where this solution can be most effectively deployed. This is where the Atlas of On-Site PV for Large-Scale Industrial Heat Supply comes into action – a critical tool that helps industries, energy planners, and policymakers assess where solar PV can replace fossil-fuel-based heating.
Developed by Australian National University (ANU), the Atlas is a comprehensive geospatial tool that combines geographic information system (GIS) analysis with data from several key sources: the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI), the Safeguard Mechanism, the Global Solar Atlas, and others. It identifies 1,020 industrial sites that could potentially transition to PV-DEH for their heating needs.
The Atlas provides 55 data points for each industrial site, including:
• Onsite solar potential: estimates of PV capacity and annual generation based on available rooftops, carparks, and open land
• Offsite solar potential: heatmaps showing low-cost near-site solar opportunities within varying radii (5km, 10km, 20km, 50km)
• Process heat demand: estimates of annual process heat demand at industrial sites, based on emissions data from the Safeguard Mechanism
• Cost-effective analysis: the Atlas calculates indicative costs for offsite solar energy, factoring in installation costs, transmission, and land use types
• Interactive tools: the Atlas provides links to raster TIF and KML files, enabling easy access and visualisation in Google Earth and further analysis in GIS platforms This data is crucial for understanding where to invest in PV-DEH systems and how industries can begin the transition to renewable industrial heating.
Broader implications of the Atlas
The Atlas serves as a useful tool in accelerating Australia’s industrial decarbonisation by providing businesses with the information they need to make informed decisions about adopting solar-driven heating technologies. The visualisation of solar potential is particularly important for industries with complex energy needs, as it can reveal hidden opportunities for PV deployment that might not be immediately obvious from standard energy assessments. Beyond just helping industries transition to cleaner energy, the Atlas has the potential to inform policy development and regional planning for the rollout of large-scale solar energy systems. The Atlas can guide investments in solar infrastructure and help to direct incentives and subsidies where they are most needed, through identifying areas with abundant solar resources and
Image: bilanol/stock.adobe.com
The ANU RE100 map is accessible at re100.anu. edu.au/ Image:
relatively low installation costs. It can also assist in the integration of offsite solar solutions, which are crucial for sites that lack sufficient land for onsite PV deployment.
Limitations and next steps
While the Atlas offers valuable insights, it is important to note that the dataset is based on highlevel estimates. Several factors can influence the accuracy of the data, including inaccuracies in site boundary identification, the incomplete capture of land available for PV from sources like OpenStreetMap, and variations in actual process heat demand that are not fully captured by the current methodology. Additionally, the Atlas relies on US industry benchmarks to estimate process heat demand, which may not perfectly reflect the specific characteristics of Australian industries.
As such, the Atlas should be viewed as an initial screening tool rather than a definitive feasibility study. The next step will involve ground truthing the data through engagement with industrial site owners and operators. Feedback from stakeholders, particularly those able to provide actual site data, will allow for finetuning the estimates and improving the accuracy of the projections. Moreover, further refinement of
assumptions will enable businesses and decision-makers to model more customised scenarios tailored to their specific needs.
Pathway to a low-carbon future
The PV-DEH Atlas is a powerful example of how innovative technologies combined with data-driven decision-making can accelerate the transition to renewable energy. As the Atlas evolves, it will continue to provide the critical
information needed to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions, ensuring a smoother and more cost-effective transition to a low-carbon future for Australia’s industrial sector.
With continued collaboration, refinement, and stakeholder engagement, the PV-DEH technology, supported by tools like the Atlas, has the potential to become a cornerstone of Australia’s renewable energy transition.
Combining the resources of our respected editorial team with the knowledge and insights of some of the best and brightest minds in the sector, Energy shares thoughtleading and thought-provoking content that tackles the industry’s critical questions.
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