Renewables and energy news that crossed Meralli’s desk recently…
Renewable energy projects to enjoy faster approval in Victoria
Premier Jacinta Allan recently announced that the Victorian government will accelerate planning approvals for renewable energy projects. The move is meant to ensure that projects that bring energy prices down can come online with greater speed. The change will mean that all new renewable energy projects in Victoria will no longer be subject to planning panel process and third-party appeals at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Read more about this here. (PV Magazine)
Feedback: AEMC seeks feedback on NER rule change request
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is seeking public feedback on a rule change request to the National Electricity Rules (NER) from State and Federal Energy Ministers. The rule change request was submitted by Federal Minister for Climate Change, Chris Bowen, Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, and Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan. The AEMC is examining the proposal, which intends to introduce greater flexibility to the framework and address potential barriers to delivering interconnector projects. (Utility Magazine)
New England transmission route revised, but not everyone is happy
The NSW state government’s EnergyCo has announced a change in the proposed route of the main transmission line linking the huge New England renewable energy zone, but not everyone is happy. The “improved” corridor was unveiled this week by EnergyCo, which is managing the rollout of at least five REZs across the state that will host the bulk of wind, solar, battery and pumped hydro projects that will replace its ageing coal fired generators. Read more here. (Renew Economy)
Fed Gov to fund $840M Australia’s first combined rare earths mine and refinery
The Federal Government has announced it will provide up to $840 million to help deliver Australia’s first combined rare earths mine and refinery in the Northern Territory, which aims to support the state’s transition to renewables. The facility will create more than 300 jobs across the Northern Territory and diversify Australia’s critical minerals supply chain. A first of its kind in Australia, the project is a step forward for the rare earths and critical minerals industry.
Rare earths are used to make powerful magnets, and are an essential component in renewable energy and defence technologies. Electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, robotics and mobile phones are examples of the kinds of technologies that rely on rare earths. (Energy Magazine)
Australia’s largest rail freight company to roll out battery electric tenders in “world first” trial
Aurizon, Australia’s largest rail freight operator, is to trial battery electric tenders that could electrify and decarbonise the country’s rail freight industry without the need for expensive railway electrification. The $18.8 million project is being backed with a $9.4 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and will developer, test and trial a battery electric tender, which could source renewable power and double the range of an electric train to 800kms. (Renew Economy)
Our photo of the week (from the Meralli archives) is a progress shot taken during the build of Junee Solar Farm. The 2.3MW DC Solar Farm is designed to reduce the power bill for a local agribusiness with significant daytime demand. There are a number of firsts at this site. This is the first Australian site Meralli has built with vegetation under the PEG substructure and it’s the first site built on a slope that nears the PEG maximum of six degrees.
