Four-hour battery storage is less expensive than open-cycle gas turbines in the 43 markets in which both technologies were modelled, according to a new report from market research firm Wood Mackenzie.

Having just begun construction on a 2.8GWh BESS in Belgium, Giga Storage has progressed its 1.4GWh project in Germany to the ready-to-build stage.

Japanese trading company Sumitomo Corporation has invested in a utility-scale renewable energy park combining solar PV, wind and energy storage in India.

NSW’s IPC has approved BayWa r.e.’s Bullawah Wind Farm, pairing 804MW of wind with a 718MWh battery in the South West REZ.

Three US utilities, Ameren Missouri, DTE Energy in Michigan, and Black Hills Energy in Colorado have recently submitted IRPs with highlighted BESS project additions.

Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved plans to require bidders in a renewable energy auction to include energy storage.

Energy companies are accelerating battery storage deployment in Romania, with Aukera, ENEVO Group and Kraftfeld Energy, and PPC Renewables Romania announcing significant project developments.

Independent power producer (IPP) Opdenergy has closed a US$227 million financing for its operating renewable energy portfolio in Chile. 

This edition of news in brief features portfolio acquisitions, project completions, a supply deal and investments across Europe.

Goldwind Capital has submitted the Milpulling Wind Farm, a 1GWh wind-plus-storage site for assessment under Australia’s EPBC Act.