Two battery energy storage systems (BESS) in South Australia and Queensland have received federal environmental clearance under the EPBC Act.

Australian infrastructure contractor GenusPlus Group has been awarded an AU$110 million (US$78.5 million) engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contract for the 200MW/800MWh Koolunga battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Australia.

Around 74% of battery storage projects in Australia’s NEM pipeline are confirmed to be equipped with grid-forming inverters, says AEMO.

CleanPeak Energy Holdings has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Sustainable Energy Infrastructure (SEI), one of Australia’s largest owners and developers of sub-5MW solar and battery storage assets.

Recurrent Energy Australia has achieved grid connection approval under clause 5.3.4 of the National Electricity Rules from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) for its Sundown Energy Park.

Alinta Energy has commenced main construction works on its 1,000MWh Stage 1 of its Reeves Plains BESS in South Australia.

Fluence’s chief growth officer, Jeff Monday, and Australia strategy lead, Sam Markham, discuss hyperscale opportunities, grid-forming evolution, and the company’s high-density Smartstack deployment plans.

Envision’s Behzad Naderi believes that Australia’s hybridisation rules are reshaping development and connection processes across the NEM.

A 150MWh system has been granted approval in Australia, whilst a 1,000MWh system has been submitted for federal consideration.

Australia’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels has left households and businesses dangerously exposed to global energy shocks, with the current conflict involving the US and Iran costing motorists more than AU$1 billion (US$710 million) in March alone.