This Month
Renewables logjam hits NSW transmission grid
A disconnect between federal and NSW tender processes for new renewable energy projects has left a wind project controlled by billionaire Andrew Forrest stranded.
Quinbrook plots $3.5b investment in giant batteries
Managing partner David Scaysbrook says cutting the cost of round-the-clock renewable power was key to Australia delivering on its “green superpower” ambition.
February
Snowy 2.0 dig shut down after shrapnel flies from fan
The incident could cause further delays to the project, which has been plagued by overruns including when the tunnel boring machine was bogged for over a year.
‘Big water battery’ wins backing in NSW storage tender
The success of a $1.8 billion project near Mudgee in a NSW underwriting tender for clean energy comes amid mounting evidence that pumped hydro can be difficult and costly.
EnergyAustralia owner would rather contract green power than build it
Parent CLP Group is “open-minded” about funding options for transition projects at EnergyAustralia, which needs to be self-funding, CEO Chiang Tung Keung says.
Ampol says transition ‘challenging’ as fuel demand hits record
Slow grid connections are delaying the rollout of EV charging sites, says CEO Matt Halliday, after the fuels supplier posted a slump in full-year profit.
Fund home batteries if you want my vote: Spender
Teal independent Allegra Spender says she’ll put household electrification measures at the centre of any balance of power negotiations.
Qld may shrink $18.4b hydro project to save venture
The Crisafulli government is considering scaling down the Borumba storage project after a blowout in costs in latest setback to Queensland’s energy transition.
Pacific Green flags more battery sales after $460m Palisade deal
The US-based vendor regards its role as rapidly developing large-scale batteries to support the energy transition before selling them to infrastructure funds.
Labor stand-off threatens $100b offshore wind rollout
At the heart of the dispute is where to develop the port facilities that would support the assembly and servicing of a field of huge turbines off the Gippsland coast.
Rural electorates to benefit from Labor renewables fund
Seats held by National Party MPs are among the big winners of Labor’s $50 million community energy grants program.
Coalition flags household battery plan in election push
The Coalition has hinted it is considering a policy to encourage home battery installation, as speculation builds that the government will adopt a similar scheme.
‘Boggles the mind’: Bragg delays household electrification push
Renewables advocates have slammed the Coalition’s decision to quietly delay the final report of its own inquiry into household electrification.
Key transmission project’s $1.5b blowout points to bill shock pain
Energy users are concerned they will have to pay for the rising cost of the EnergyConnect development, a crucial link between renewable generation and the grid.
Growing Alinta considered ripe for M&A
The electricity and gas supplier that has attracted interest from KKR now has 1.1 million customers on the east coast and posted a surge in profits last year.
KKR taps advisers, preps multibillion-dollar bid for Alinta Energy
KKR’s dealmakers have hired investment bank Barrenjoey for advice and have spent the past two months working on a proposal for Alinta Energy.
The $30b software IPO hiding in plain sight
Who would’ve thought a big, bureaucratic listed company could be responsible for one of Australia’s best VC investments?
Origin CEO calls for focus on ‘critical’ energy security
Frank Calabria’s comments came as Origin posted a small beat in first-half earnings but downgraded expected full-year profits from fast-growing Octopus Energy in the UK.
$9b rebound in renewables projects keeps 2030 in sight
The December quarter extended a rebound in commitments to new clean energy projects, but the pace has to be maintained for another six years to meet 2030 targets.
AGL prepares a big battery bet to capitalise on energy volatility
The electricity and gas utility says returns are rising on storage projects as it prepares to tick off an estimated $1.5 billion spending plan over 18 months.