The future of energy generation and storage

[basilio]

How a community battery can be a home battery.
Why not use a large community battery for storing your excess power and have it returned when needed /
Done

Bondi battery marks step change for energy storage says Ausgrid​

New South Wales distribution network service provider Ausgrid has powered up a 160 kW / 412 kWh battery energy storage system in the eastern Sydney suburb of Bondi, describing it as a “fundamental shift” in the evolution of community batteries.
August 5, 2024 David Carroll

• Distributed Storage
• Energy Storage
• Grids & Integration
• Residential PV
• Australia
• New South Wales

Image: Plus ES

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Ausgrid has delivered its latest energy storage system under the federal government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar Program, commissioning a 160 kW / 412 kWh battery in Bondi that is designed to soak up consumer generated solar and help stabilise the local grid.

The Bondi battery, which also includes an electric vehicle charger that will be owned and operated by the local council, is the ninth community battery installed by Ausgrid and the sixth it has rolled out as part the Australian government program that aims to deliver more than 400 community batteries across the nation.

The battery is however the first to offer the energy storage as a service (ESaaS) retail plan that Ausgrid Chief Executive Officer Marc England said marks a “step change” in the evolution of community batteries.

“ESaaS allows multiple eligible customers to use community batteries in a similar way to a household battery but without the upfront costs,” he said.

“It’s a fundamental shift in one of the ways in which we’re engaging customers in this, because what this allows us to do is to pass through to them a lower grid charge for the customers in this area when they engage them in their electricity, and that’s a step change in how this industry works.”

Bondi battery marks step change for energy storage says Ausgrid

New South Wales distribution network service provider Ausgrid has powered up a 160 kW / 412 kWh battery energy storage system in the eastern Sydney suburb of Bondi, describing it as a “fundamental shift” in the evolution of community batteries.

www.pv-magazine-australia.com

 

[basilio]

Solar, wind capacity surpasses coal in China​

Research consultancy Rystad Energy is predicting solar power will become China’s primary source of electricity by 2026, after the combined capacity of the country’s deployed solar and wind power overtook coal for the first time in June.
August 2, 2024 Patrick Jowett

• Commercial & Industrial PV
• Installations
• Markets
• Residential PV
• China

Image: Rystad Energy

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Solar and wind energy exceeded coal capacity in China for the first time in history in June, according to analysis by Norwegian research consultancy Rystad Energy.

The consultancy is predicting that by 2026, solar power will alone surpass coal as China’s primary source of electricity, with a cumulative capacity exceeding 1.38 TW, 150 GW more than coal.

While more than 100 GW of new solar was deployed in China over the first six months of 2024, Rystad found only 8 GW of coal was added. However, China remains the largest global consumer of coal, accounting for more than 50% of worldwide consumption.

Rystad said the Chinese government is implementing stricter restrictions on new coal projects to meet carbon reduction goals. The consultants explained efforts are now focused on phasing out smaller coal plants, upgrading existing ones to reduce emissions and enforcing more stringent standards for new projects.

Solar, wind capacity surpasses coal in China

Research consultancy Rystad Energy is predicting solar power will become China’s primary source of electricity by 2026, after the combined capacity of the country’s deployed solar and wind power overtook coal for the first time in June.

www.pv-magazine-australia.com

 

[Smurf1976]

The Tasmanians have managed to get some decent media coverage with this one:

To answer a couple of questions that might prompt - reason for only doing two of the three machines would relate to the original commissioning dates being late 1977, 1978 and third in 1988.

The bit about another 30 years life doesn't mean that's an end point. That's just the conservative figure for when more work will be needed. In practice at that point the likely outcome is an inspection says no it's fine, it'll do another decade or two before actually needing work. So it's a conservative figure.

The bit about 90,000 litres / second is per machine not in total, and pushed to the limit it's about 92,000 litres / sec per machine.

Gordon power station is underground. Access via lift from the surface and there's also a road tunnel. Lift is much the same as any building lift apart from the minor detail that ground floor is at the top not the bottom.

And yes the other machine remains operational, and actually operating, while that's being done.

 

[sptrawler]

Solar, wind capacity surpasses coal in China​

Research consultancy Rystad Energy is predicting solar power will become China’s primary source of electricity by 2026, after the combined capacity of the country’s deployed solar and wind power overtook coal for the first time in June.
August 2, 2024 Patrick Jowett

• Commercial & Industrial PV
• Installations
• Markets
• Residential PV
• China

View attachment 182121
Image: Rystad Energy

Share​

Solar and wind energy exceeded coal capacity in China for the first time in history in June, according to analysis by Norwegian research consultancy Rystad Energy.

The consultancy is predicting that by 2026, solar power will alone surpass coal as China’s primary source of electricity, with a cumulative capacity exceeding 1.38 TW, 150 GW more than coal.

While more than 100 GW of new solar was deployed in China over the first six months of 2024, Rystad found only 8 GW of coal was added. However, China remains the largest global consumer of coal, accounting for more than 50% of worldwide consumption.

Rystad said the Chinese government is implementing stricter restrictions on new coal projects to meet carbon reduction goals. The consultants explained efforts are now focused on phasing out smaller coal plants, upgrading existing ones to reduce emissions and enforcing more stringent standards for new projects.

Solar, wind capacity surpasses coal in China

Research consultancy Rystad Energy is predicting solar power will become China’s primary source of electricity by 2026, after the combined capacity of the country’s deployed solar and wind power overtook coal for the first time in June.

www.pv-magazine-australia.com

That's magic Bas, but is it TW/h or TW?

 

[basilio]

That's magic Bas, but is it TW/h or TW?

I know as much as you. The article quotes cumulative solar /wind capacity of 1.38 TW capacity by 2026. If there is a mistake in the figures it comes from the article and/or its sources.

Having said that the incredibly rapid rise of solar and wind energy to overtake coal is remarkable. I noticed in another article that China is ditching its older and more inefficient coal fired power stations and demanding cleaner outcomes from the newer ones.

 

[Smurf1976]

From IEA data, China electricity generation 2021:

Coal = 63%
Hydro = 15.6%
Wind = 7.6%
Nuclear = 4.7%
Solar = 3.8%
Gas = 3.1%
Biofuels = 1.9%
Oil = 0.13%
Waste = 0.077%
Tidal = 0.00014%

The waste figure is suspect in my view and I suspect China is doing what most countries do, that being to include waste in the biofuels category. Either that or they've gotten really good at waste reduction in recent years, and also really good at using biofuels. Most countries count waste as bio, although it is of course not strictly true given some fossil-derived products (eg plastic) are among it but still, it's mostly bio in origin so near enough to keep most happy. Noting the two are indeed combined for China's total energy consumption statistics.

 

[basilio]

From IEA data, China electricity generation 2021:

Coal = 63%
Hydro = 15.6%
Wind = 7.6%
Nuclear = 4.7%
Solar = 3.8%
Gas = 3.1%
Biofuels = 1.9%
Oil = 0.13%
Waste = 0.077%
Tidal = 0.00014%

The waste figure is suspect in my view and I suspect China is doing what most countries do, that being to include waste in the biofuels category. Either that or they've gotten really good at waste reduction in recent years, and also really good at using biofuels. Most countries count waste as bio, although it is of course not strictly true given some fossil-derived products (eg plastic) are among it but still, it's mostly bio in origin so near enough to keep most happy. Noting the two are indeed combined for China's total energy consumption statistics.

Interesting. The comparison to the Rystad Energy paper highlights how rapidly China has moved to Wind and solar in only a few years.

In 2021 IEA produced an energy road map to reducing the impact of global heating. (With the steep temperature increases since then it already feels out of date.)

Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5 °C Goal in Reach – Analysis - IEA

Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5 °C Goal in Reach - Analysis and key findings. A report by the International Energy Agency.

www.iea.org

 

[sptrawler]

Interesting. The comparison to the Rystad Energy paper highlights how rapidly China has moved to Wind and solar in only a few years.

In 2021 IEA produced an energy road map to reducing the impact of global heating. (With the steep temperature increases since then it already feels out of date.)

Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5 °C Goal in Reach – Analysis - IEA

Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5 °C Goal in Reach - Analysis and key findings. A report by the International Energy Agency.

www.iea.org

Yes China is in the enviable position, where it can say something will be done and are in control of 90% of the inputs, labour, equipment, money etc.
Whereas the West has to coerce the public and businesses, to get something done, which isn't always an easy task.

 

[basilio]

Yes China is in the enviable position, where it can say something will be done and are in control of 90% of the inputs, labour, equipment, money etc.
Whereas the West has to coerce the public and businesses, to get something done, which isn't always an easy task.

True but a bit sad..

 

[Smurf1976]

Yes China is in the enviable position, where it can say something will be done and are in control of 90% of the inputs, labour, equipment, money etc.
Whereas the West has to coerce the public and businesses, to get something done, which isn't always an easy task.

There's no shortage of people who, if given free reign to do so, would've fixed this long ago.

For the West it's not a problem of technology but of governance. That democracy has become twisted from its original intent to a situation where everyone expects to not only have a say but to get what they want. The idea that government makes a decision and this is final, no objections will be considered, is anathema these days.

That affects numerous issues, pretty much everything actually, and in my view won't change until forced by some incident or threat that's too great to ignore. It's a crisis of leadership not of technology.

 

[sptrawler]

There's no shortage of people who, if given free reign to do so, would've fixed this long ago.

For the West it's not a problem of technology but of governance. That democracy has become twisted from its original intent to a situation where everyone expects to not only have a say but to get what they want. The idea that government makes a decision and this is final, no objections will be considered, is anathema these days.

That affects numerous issues, pretty much everything actually, and in my view won't change until forced by some incident or threat that's too great to ignore. It's a crisis of leadership not of technology.

Mainly due to politicians outsourcing their responsibility and accountability and only wanting to ba a talking head.

The reality is, some things are there to be profit making, they are there as an essential public service, now it has just become a side show of which politician is the best showman.

Well it will end badly and unfortunately like Victoria, everyone will be left to wear the result, as the politicians walk away whistling the song "don't worry, be happy".

I actually think Cook in W.A does care and isn't making the grid a political block buster event, thankfully.

 

[SirRumpole]

That affects numerous issues, pretty much everything actually, and in my view won't change until forced by some incident or threat that's too great to ignore. It's a crisis of leadership not of technology.

If that's the case then there will be a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth for years until they build the magic nuclear reactors or gas plant or hydro stations (pick one or more), because there is little sight of much being done that will do much good.

 

[qldfrog]

If that's the case then there will be a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth for years until they build the magic nuclear reactors or gas plant or hydro stations (pick one or more), because there is little sight of much being done that will do much good.

Indeed, we are sinking deeper and deeper into incompetence and ideological nonsense.
So get your own system and keep some savings in non aud currency, or PM

 

[mullokintyre]

In a further blow to the Federal Governments isea of made In Australia, one of the recipients of federal Largesse has announced it will effectively close down Solar Panel manufacturing in Australia.
the money quote:
SunDrive claims it has developed the world’s most efficient commercial-size solar cell and now plans to manufacture those cells onshore.

A solar panel manufacturer backed by Mike Cannon-Brookes and former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull is preparing to cut up to 35 jobs in a possible setback to Anthony Albanese’s renewables manufacturing plans.
Sydney-based SunDrive Solar this year signed a preliminary deal with AGL to establish a solar manufacturing facility at the former Liddell coal-fired power station in the Hunter Valley as part of the federal Sunshot program.

SunDrive has cut staff and announced senior management changes “as it gears up for its next phase of commercialisation”, industry publication Renew Economy reported.

The cuts could affect up to half of the company’s staff numbers, with SunDrive co-founder and chief executive Vince Allen transitioning to the role of chief technology officer, allowing chief operating officer Natalie Malligan to become CEO.

Comment has been sought from SunDrive.

The company in 2023 raised $21m with big-name backers, including Atlassian’s Mr Cannon-Brookes, Canva co-founder Cameron Adams, Mr Turnbull and Tesla chair Robyn Denholm.

The SunDrive board includes “Sun King” Zhengrong Shi, founder of Suntech, once the world’s largest manufacturer of solar panels.

The AGL agreement followed the Prime Minister’s announcement of $1bn of subsidies, grants and other support to increase Australia’s role in the global solar manufacturing supply chain.

Mr Allen welcomed the initiative at the time, saying it was a significant day for the company, the Hunter Valley and the country. “It’s an inflection point for turning our R&D into commercialisation and manufacturing, so yes, it’s a very exciting moment,” he said.

“Australia has led the world in solar innovation and today’s $1bn Sunshot announcement means that Australia cannot only be a renewable energy innovation powerhouse, but also a renewable energy manufacturing powerhouse.”

SunDrive claims it has developed the world’s most efficient commercial-size solar cell and now plans to manufacture those cells onshore.

The company is trying to crack one of the challenges of building more solar panels that require the element silver. SunDrive is aiming to use copper in its cells, allowing Australia to take back a bigger share of manufacturing from international competitors.

AGL has previously announced plans to repurpose the existing infrastructure at Liddell near Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter to support the construction of new generation and storage infrastructure.
SunDrive said the world-class facility would produce hundreds of thousands of panels, scaling to millions, and creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs.

SunDrive said it was negotiating a material offtake agreement with AGL for the purchase of SunDrive’s high-performing solar modules.

The Coalition warned in July that Labor’s Future Made in Australia legislation failed to provide “clarity” for manufacturers about how the scheme worked in practice, as industry urged the government to ensure a “level playing field” as well as transparency for businesses seeking support.

Labor introduced legislation in July for a national interest framework to ensure investments made under the Future Made in Australia scheme were subject to proper rigour.

Two contentious billion-dollar announcements were made under the program before the government even introduced the legislation for its national interest framework – $1bn for US-based PsiQuantum to build a world-first quantum computer in Brisbane, and $1bn for the Solar Sunshot program.

So "The sun king" directed a company that got $1 billion from the federal government, and now plans to shift the technology offshore.
Would that be China perhaps?
What happens to the hundreds of jobs we were going to get?
What about the world leading technology that was going to make us a technological hub?
How dumb are we.
Mick

 

[SirRumpole]

In a further blow to the Federal Governments isea of made In Australia, one of the recipients of federal Largesse has announced it will effectively close down Solar Panel manufacturing in Australia.
the money quote:
SunDrive claims it has developed the world’s most efficient commercial-size solar cell and now plans to manufacture those cells onshore.




So "The sun king" directed a company that got $1 billion from the federal government, and now plans to shift the technology offshore.
Would that be China perhaps?
What happens to the hundreds of jobs we were going to get?
What about the world leading technology that was going to make us a technological hub?
How dumb are we.
Mick

Government subsidies should be in return for equity imho, a seat on the board and possibly a controlling interest in the future of the company.

You are right, we are dumb just throwing cash around and expecting some sort of patriotism from commercial enterprises.

 

[qldfrog]

Government subsidies should be in return for equity imho, a seat on the board and possibly a controlling interest in the future of the company.

You are right, we are dumb just throwing cash around and expecting some sort of patriotism from commercial enterprises.

Especially from woke guys like sun kjng..like it..
Nationalism and patriotism are the enemies of woke leaders and WEF..

 

[sptrawler]

Hopefully in the next 12 months, before the election, we start and see some vision as to how we are going to achieve this super power status.

At the moment, we are heading toward three years in and there really isn't a lot of meat on the plate.

If it wasn't for the cheer squad having nothing to cheer about, there would be an outcry of, WTF is going on.

But that's the world we live in know, hopefully the Government is going through a period of reflection and pondering options.

 

[basilio]

Firmed renewable energy is more than competitive with fossil fuels.

Electricity from large solar arrays with batteries now cheaper than from fossil plants in Germany

Electricity from large ground-mounted solar PV systems combined with batteries has become cheaper than that generated from fossil power sources in Germany, researchers say.

reneweconomy.com.au

 

[sptrawler]

Challenges arise as renewable energy gathers speed in country NSW

Landholders have knocked back tens of thousands of dollars to host turbines as about 40 per cent of approved renewable projects do not proceed to completion.

www.abc.net.au

 

[qldfrog]

Challenges arise as renewable energy gathers speed in country NSW

Landholders have knocked back tens of thousands of dollars to host turbines as about 40 per cent of approved renewable projects do not proceed to completion.

www.abc.net.au

I would like to be proven wrong but i have read that the landowners are responsible ultimately with the removal of the big fans.
So if/when the wind farm collapses at the end of its profitable life, your council and environmental agency will knock on your door and say remove that ugly dangerous toy.
Talk about a poisoned gift...