Project Update Week ending 20 September 2019

Dam upgrades bring Battery of the Nation closer to reality 16 September Under the Hodgman majority Liberal These upgrades will help make Hydro Government, Tasmania has the lowest Tasmania’s network more efficient and emissions in the country and is well on track reliable, meaning we can generate more to achieve our 2022 target of 100 percent power with the existing hydropower assets. production, while delivering the country’s lowest regulated The Hodgman majority Liberal Government’s electricity prices. Battery of the Nation and second Bass Straight interconnector initiatives, will unlock We have nation-building pumped hydro multiple large scale renewable energy projects being progressed to deliver clean, projects, inject up to $5 billion into the reliable and low-cost energy to Tasmania and Tasmanian economy, create thousands of mainland states. local jobs, put downward pressure on power prices and provide our state with a reliable Today I joined Hydro Tasmania’s Chief long-term revenue source. Operations Officer Jesse Clark to inspect a major upgrade of Repulse Power Station in Source: Tasmania Government the Derwent Scheme.

The upgrade replaces the turbine’s oil hub with a water filled hub to eliminate the risk of AltEnergy Industry Directory oil spills and will increase the systems As a subscriber you may have received from reliability and flexibility, making it better us last week email advice about the launch of suited to manage increased renewable energy our new product, the AltEnergy Industry generation as part of this government’s Directory (AEID). We are pleased to note that Battery of the Nation initiative. already a number of companies have registered to be in the AEID, which will be This project is one of a number of scheduled launched in November. The AEID gathers dam upgrades and improvements to Hydro together industry contacts in one convenient, Tasmania’s Derwent system, which will searchable online directory for people who increase by more than are seeking specific suppliers, trades and 80 gigawatt hours (GWh) each year by 2021, services, and provides a platform for supporting plans to make Tasmania the businesses to connect with other industry renewable Battery of the Nation. participants. More details, including how to make a listing for your company, are provided Hydro Tasmania has invested around $105 here on our FAQ webpage million in maintenance and upgrades to altenergy.com.au/directory. power generation assets over the last 12 months, including the Repulse project.

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GAS-TESS Pilot project update conditions for simpler comparison with mass and energy balance calculations. 16 September

• GAS-TESS up and running after scheduled Under this regime, the combustion system shutdown to assess O&M requirements burning the biogas is operating at 82.7% • O&M a key factor in business case for efficiency, almost at design specification, and wastewater treatment utilities some modifications to operational procedures • Improvements to be fast-tracked to provide are expected to improve performance. As SA Water with key data for evaluating expected, in this first testing phase of business case configuration the device is delivering only • Proposed review of revenue settlement due 39.8% CHP efficiency because the turbine is to delays in export approval to NEM operating at half its potential efficiency. This

is due to a number of factors but primarily Operational status caused by low heat transfer through the heat The GAS-TESS was recently shut-down to store to the energy recovery system (ERS). install additional instrumentation and inspect This results in a lower ERS gas outlet it internally. This demonstrated that the unit temperature and energy content, ultimately was in good condition. An estimate for resulting in a turbine inlet temperature well operation and maintenance (O&M) costs can below optimum. now be prepared, these being a key factor for utilities evaluating biogas burning equipment Next Steps over their lifetime. As planned, the Company will upgrade the

storage to increase heat transfer once the The GAS-TESS is now back online supplying overall systems are validated. The project electricity and heat to the wastewater agreement provides for two years of treatment plant (WWTP). Our engineers will operational tests, and we intend to upgrade continue test runs to refine operating the GAS-TESS performance in several stages. characteristics and anticipate working with the Glenelg WWTP operators to evaluate the However, the business case for the GAS-TESS benefits of the TESS integrated with the plant is not driven just by return trip efficiency systems from late September. because the biogas is a by-product of a WWTP

operation that must be burnt on a continuous Commercial arrangements under the basis whereas the heat and electricity loads of settlement agreement are underway but SA a plant and electricity export value are Water has advised there may be a long delay variable. This is one reason that SA Water to obtain approval to export electricity to the proposed a GAS-TESS device - to time shift the grid. The addition of solar generation at the energy supply to maximise the value of the same time as the GAS-TESS and the current, biogas, something that the engines cannot interim network restrictions have imposed provide. The second reason is to minimise operational constraints on the site and hence O&M costs. GAS-TESS, so the company proposes to review the settlement agreement with SA Water. Following the positive internal inspection,

some enhancements will now be fast-tracked, Current performance status where possible, to provide SA Water with key A wide range of tests have been conducted to performance and O&M data for evaluating characterise the actual GAS-TESS performance the performance of the TESS compared to compared to original design calculations and engines. Other performance enhancements predictions. Analysis of the GAS-TESS will be rescheduled for inclusion in the design performance is most readily obtained from of the next version of the technology. simultaneous operations of the burners using biogas at the same time as energy is produced Source: 1414 Degrees by the turbine, as this provides steady state

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Delivering consistent guidance planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/solar- energy-facilities-design-and-development- for solar development guidelines 17 September New planning guidelines are now in place for Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning large scale solar development, providing Richard Wynne certainty and confidence to the sector and “We’ve listened to the community and encouraging greater investment, as part of included a best practice approach to the Andrews Labor Government’s renewable consultation, ensuring people can have their energy boom. say from an early stage, well before a planning permit is lodged.” The Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today introduced an amendment to all “The Guidelines brings a consistent approach Victorian planning schemes, implementing the to assessing the appropriateness of solar Solar Energy Facilities – Design and developments, giving the renewable energy Development Guideline. industry more confidence to invest.”

The Guidelines ensure new solar energy Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, facilities, producing one megawatt or more, Environment and Climate Change Lily are built in appropriate locations which: D’Ambrosio - are easily accessible to the electricity “Victoria is the renewable energy capital of transmission network Australia and these guidelines will strengthen - avoid or minimise impacts on their local market certainty – boost jobs, reduce environments emissions and drive down energy prices.” - consider impacts on productive agricultural areas, irrigated areas and areas of Source: Victoria Government environmental importance.

It also includes a range of best-practice TECHNOLOGY approaches to help developers engage with communities and ensure the least possible Infinite supply? Energy environmental and social impacts of their generation from space may be proposals. the answer

16 September The Guidelines were shaped by a nine-month It might be dark up there, but the sun always development process including extensive shines in space, and now scientists believe consultation with communities, councils and that an orbital solar power station could be an industry and a review of best-practice inexhaustible source of clean energy for Earth. standards interstate and internationally.

Space has always represented infinite In addition to implementing the Guidelines, possibilities for the human race, even the amendment also brings permit centuries before the first interstellar explorers assessment for solar facilities in line with large made those epic voyages in the mid-20th scale wind farms, where the Minister for century. The final frontier has inspired us Planning is the responsible authority. scientifically and culturally – spawning endless

movies, seminal television shows and classic This consolidated approach will reduce the albums. But now, some industry and scientific administrative burden on councils and provide experts are suggesting, space could hold the consistent decision making across the state. key to delivering our global energy needs.

The Guidelines and the planning scheme amendment information is available at:

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With Earth’s population expected to reach Much closer to home, AEMO continues to just short of 10 billion by the mid-point of this monitor, evaluate and forecast for Australia’s century, demand for reliable energy (and energy and supply requirements as the large quantities of it) are only going to industry transforms (see our recent 2019 increase. This quandary is something a team Electricity Statement of Opportunities), of experts at the California Institute of largely due to evolving technology such as the Technology (Caltech) have been working on proliferation of solar photovoltaic (PV) for the past few years as part of their Space amongst consumers and businesses alike. Solar Power Project. On Earth, as in space, the future for energy According to Caltech, ‘Collecting solar power supply remains rife with both challenges and in space and transmitting the energy opportunities and the coming years will wirelessly to Earth through microwaves provide plenty of both. Solar power enables terrestrial power availability represents the majority of new generation unaffected by weather or time of day. Solar and capacity entering our domestic energy power could be continuously available market and will remain a key catalyst for anywhere on earth.’ change in the energy sectors around the world…and beyond. The Space Solar Power Project’s concept is based on the modular assembly of ultralight, Source: AEMO foldable, 2D integrated elements. The project team state that the integration of solar power and radio frequency (RF) conversion in one NEW PROJECT element avoids a power distribution network Culcairn Solar Farm throughout the structure, further reducing Location: Approximately 5km SW of Culcairn weight and complexity. This concept enables and 26km south of Jindera in NSW scalability and mitigates local element failure Capacity: 400 MW impact on other parts of the system. Developer: Neoen

LGA: Greater Hume Their most recent prototype collects sunlight, Status: Prepare EIS converts it to RF electric power, then Website: https://culcairnsolarfarm.com.au/ wirelessly transmits that power in a steerable Description: The project includes construction beam. and operation of a solar PV energy generation

facility and associated infrastructure, And now China is pursuing its own ambitions, including a grid connection and battery as they are attempting to build the world’s storage. The solar and storage facility, using first solar power station to be positioned in proven technology, will be one of the largest the Earth’s orbit. According to Sydney in Australia generating more than 800,000 Morning Herald reporting, Chinese scientists MWh of electricity into the national power estimate it could supply energy 99% of the grid each year. Neoen plans to begin time – at six times the intensity of terrestrial construction of the solar farm in mid-2020 solar farms. and anticipates significant local employment

opportunities. Chinese scientists first plan to build and Contact: Antoine Lajouanie launch small to medium-sized solar power Neoen Australia stations (as they work to overcome challenges Email: [email protected] including the weight of such a station, expected to be 1000 tonnes, greater than 400 tonnes of the International Space Station) to be launched into the stratosphere to generate electricity, between 2021 and 2025.

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TECHNOLOGY Canadian Solar is a technology leader in the Canadian solar sets a 22.80% solar industry and one of the highest ranked global solar manufacturers in terms of patent conversion efficiency world applications and patent grants. The Company record for p-type large area has 1,422 patents granted, covering the North American, European and Asia-Pacific regions. multi-crystalline silicon solar In August this year, all of the Company's cell cell capacity was upgraded to mono-PERC or 17 September multi-PERC. On the module product side, Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar" or the Canadian Solar has pioneered the GW-scale "Company") (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the introduction of half-cut cell modules (Ku- world's largest solar power companies, today series), bifacial modules (BiKu), multi-bus bar announced its technology team set a world (MBB), 166mm wafers (HiKu and BiHiKu) and record of 22.80% conversion efficiency for p- shingled modules (HiDM). type large area multi-crystalline silicon solar cell. The record-setting P5 (casted mono) cell Source: Canadian Solar conversion efficiency was tested and certified by Germany's Institute für Solarenergieforschung GmbH (ISFH) in PROJECT NEWS September 2019. It surpasses the previous Majura Community Solar Farm multi-crystalline cell efficiency world record of Grid connection agreement signed 22.28% which was also set by Canadian Solar The SolarShare team is extremely pleased to in April 2019. announce we have reached another major milestone in signing the final grid connection Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive agreement with EvoEnergy for the Majura Officer of Canadian Solar said, "I am very Community Solar Farm. The agreement took pleased to announce that we broke the world some tough negotiating as we were record yet again. This is a milestone for our P5 disappointed learn Evo wished to raise the technology development. It proves that our connection costs significantly over their multi-crystalline silicon technology can previous engineering estimates, but thankfully achieve efficiencies very close to mono while we had allowed some extra budget for this still enjoying the cost advantage of multi. We part of the scope. Despite this, we are now in remain focused on expanding our technology a position for EvoEnergy to proceed to order pipeline to provide our customers with the the equipment required to connect the solar most LCOE-competitive products." farm to the grid.

Canadian Solar has been developing and is Finalised landscape plan commercially launching its P5 cell technology With the support of the community we have and solar module products. The 22.80% finalised our landscape plan. We would like to record efficiency multi-crystalline cell was thank the Molonglo Catchment Group, Majura fabricated utilizing 157mmx157mm (area Valley Landcare Group, Fresh Landscape 246.66cm2) P5 silicon wafers and production- Design, Friends of Grasslands, landowners, ready technologies such as MCCE (Metal community members, and a big thank you to Catalyzed Chemical Etch) black-silicon SolarShare team member Rachel for all your texturing, selective emitter, multi-layer anti- efforts in bringing this together. The reflection coating, advanced surface landscape plan is accessible on our website at passivation, and optimized grid design and this link. metallization. Notably, the MCCE black-silicon texturing technology, originally developed and Heritage site visit mass-produced by Canadian Solar, was used We look forward to hosting an upcoming to further improve cell performance. cultural heritage site visit with local

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Representative Aboriginal Organisations. The which will be located hundreds of metres site visit will contribute towards the solar below ground. farm's heritage approval process. Construction of the first workers’ accommodation camp is due to start in Considering trackers coming months and should be finished early Our Engineering Procurement and next year. Initially, during the Exploratory Construction contractor (Epho Solar) has Works phase, the accommodation units will recently given us a proposal for using trackers be home to around 150 people. Each single on the site, to increase our annual solar bedroom unit will contain an ensuite, bed, output, by following the sun from East to desk, television, small refrigerator and West throughout the day. This could be a reverse-cycle air conditioner. The Exploratory great way for us to generate more energy and Camp will also have a gym, recreational have a greater impact on lowering carbon facilities, dining area and kitchen. emissions. If you've been to the Majura winery recently you will see on the solar farm Given the project’s location in the Snowy next door what a typical tracker system looks Mountains, all of these buildings are built to like. We are currently exploring whether the withstand up to three metres of snow! proposal makes sense from a financial and risk perspective, so expect more on this in our hosted its latest round of next newsletter. community consultations in July and August, with staff from Future Generation also attending. These sessions in Cooma, Snowy 2.0 update - Adaminaby, Tumut, Talbingo, Tumbarumba and Shannons Flat were focused on providing Exploratory Works underway information to the community as part of the 17 September Environmental Impact Statement process for The Snowy 2.0 Exploratory Works are well Snowy 2.0 Main Works and the Polo Flat underway and there has been plenty of precast factory. The events were well- progress on the project. attended, with more than 400 people taking the opportunity to ask questions, learn more Roads contractor Leed Engineering and about the projects and speak directly to the Construction has forged ahead with upgrades project team. to Lobs Hole Ravine Road, despite some periods of wild winter weather, and these are The most popular topics raised by the local due to be completed by the end of the year. A community included local jobs and business temporary pedestrian bridge is also being opportunities, traffic and noise impacts, road installed across Wallace Creek to enable our safety and road upgrades. principal contractor Future Generation access to the exploratory tunnel portal site. When Future Generation is busy establishing a access is completed, the first tunnel presence in the local community, with team construction will get underway with drill and members already moving into the old SMEC blast methodology. offices in Cooma. This will soon become the Future Generation headquarters for the This exploratory tunnel will allow further project and house 80-100 staff, generating geological investigations to be carried out at further economic activity for the area. SMEC the underground cavern location, with staff working on the project have moved into horizontal core hole drilling conducted in-situ. the Snowy Hydro office in Cooma in their role This work is very important as it provides us as the owners’ engineers. with information needed to finalise the technical design of the power station cavern, Source: Snowy Hydro

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ACT: First outside Europe to “While some federal parliamentarians are trying to hit the brakes Australia’s energy 100% renewable transition transition, even Parliament House will soon 18 September run on 100% renewable energy.” The Australian Capital Territory is set to become the first major jurisdiction outside Source: The Australia Institute Europe to transition from a fossil fuel-based supply to 100% renewable electricity, according to a new report released to by the PROJECT NEWS Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program. Jemalong Solar Farm The new research finds that on 1 October ▪ 50MW NSW solar project acquired. 2019, an energy offtake agreement with ▪ Connection, planning and land secured. Hornsdale Wind Farm (SA) will commence, ▪ Construction to commence September 2019 ensuring the ACT will meet its 100% with first revenue late CY2020. renewable electricity target by 1 January 2020, and likely even ahead of this deadline. Development milestones ▪ Located 26km south-west of Forbes, NSW. The Australia Institute report, to be launched ▪ Provides geographic diversity in GNX by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, finds that: portfolio. - The ACT is set to become the first major ▪ 128,000MWh per annum forecast (P50). jurisdiction (population 100,000+) outside ▪ Status: Europe, to achieve this transition. ✓ Land secured & Development Approval - Globally, just seven other jurisdictions with granted; populations over 100,000 have transitioned to ✓ GPS approved; 100% renewable electricity, and zero outside ✓ Offer to Connect received; of Europe. ✓ Key advisors and consultants appointed; - While there are some jurisdictions who have ✓ BEON Energy Solutions selected as achieved 100% renewable energy based on preferred EPC; and historic investment in , the ✓ Connection Agreement. ACT will join a select few to have made the ▪ Construction on track to commence transition from a fossil fuel-dominated energy H2CY2019. system. ▪ Potential to double Genex’s revenue from - A further four jurisdictions (in the 2020. Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Uganda) also expect to transition to 100% renewable Source: Genex Power electricity during 2020.

“The ACT is a renewable energy trailblazer. Achieving 100% renewable status shows what Domino's pizza powered by governments can achieve with strong climate the sun and energy policy,” said Richie Merzian, 18 September Climate & Energy Program Director at The Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited (Domino’s) Australia Institute. has partnered with Construction, Supply & Service (CSS) to launch a renewable energy “This shows that states and territories are strategy for Domino’s stores across Australia. leading the way on climate action while national governments often lag behind. The strategy, which includes energy demand Australia is a perfect example. controllers and renewable solar power systems, has been introduced in a bid to “The ACT is set to become the first outside of reduce operational impacts on the Europe to join the 100% renewables club. environment and electricity costs.

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Since implementation at Domino’s Aspley in Powering ahead with jobs 2017, results have shown an incredible 34 per cent reduction in energy usage and 48 per growth across Sunraysia cent saving in electricity costs. 18 September The Andrews Labor Government has Domino’s Australia and New Zealand CEO Nick supported dozens of long-term jobseekers Knight said Domino’s had plans to roll out into meaningful employment during the renewable energy solutions to more stores, construction of a new solar farm in the state’s with Domino’s Aspley ‘lighting the way’ for North West. others to follow. The Beon Energy Solutions site at Yatpool, 25 “We are really excited that Domino’s Aspley is kilometres south of Mildura, is nearing now sourcing power from renewable energy completion and incorporates 350,000 solar and are thrilled with the results. panels across 100 hectares, with the capacity to generate power to supply about 40,000 “We are looking to implement this strategy in homes. more stores across our network, with Domino’s Ballina, Noarlunga and Kelso already The project has created more than 190 jobs operating with solar power systems and for Sunraysia, including 47 people supported energy demand controllers,” Mr Knight said. into work by Jobs Victoria, the Labor Government initiative that breaks down “We currently have 70 stores with energy barriers to employment through tailored demand controllers installed – which de- programs that match jobseekers with best-fit energise non-essential electrical equipment employers. during peak power usage – and an additional seven stores already in the works. The program focuses on ensuring people have the right support to get job-ready and among “These stores have seen energy reductions of the crew at Yatpool are 15 Aboriginal and up to 22 per cent and electricity savings of up Torres Strait Islander workers and 11 refugees to 27 per cent in the past 12 months alone.” and people who have sought asylum.

CSS General Manager Earle Strong said the The Beon Energy initiative has been a future of Domino’s renewable energy strategy partnership between Jobs Victoria and the was bright – benefiting both the environment Mildura Rural City Council Community and stores with its low maintenance Employment Program, with support from approach. recruitment agency Chandler Macleod.

“Solar energy is increasing in popularity for Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade many reasons, by mainly because of its Martin Pakula visited the Beon Energy versatility, sustainability and safety benefits. Solutions solar development today to learn from workers and management about the “The power consumption savings we have success of the Jobs Victoria program. seen at Domino’s Aspley have been incredibly encouraging and we look forward to installing The Yatpool solar farm is nearing completion, renewable energy solutions into more with all solar panels installed, electrical works Domino’s stores across Australia.” almost signed off and commissioning under way. Source: Domino’s Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula “Victoria has a growing reputation as a renewables powerhouse and we’re creating

Page 8 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) local jobs which further spread benefits The Treasury Laws Amendment (Prohibiting through the community.” Energy Market Misconduct) Bill 2019 will amend the Competition and Consumer Act “We’re working in partnership with 2010 (CCA) to define three types of companies like Beon Energy Solutions to misconduct: break down barriers to employment and - A retail pricing prohibition, which will provide support for those who need it most. require electricity retailers to pass on The results are fantastic to see.” sustained and substantial electricity supply chain cost savings to end consumers. Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, - A contract liquidity prohibition to prevent Environment and Climate Change Lily energy companies from withholding hedge D’Ambrosio contracts for the purpose of substantially “Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target has given lessening competition. solar and wind organisations all around the - A wholesale conduct prohibition to stop world the confidence to invest in our state – generators from manipulating the spot generating not just energy, but more jobs and market, such as withholding supply. economic opportunities for local communities.” The Bill introduces a graduated, proportionate penalty regime to apply if the ACCC finds that Quote attributable to Member for Northern misconduct has occurred. The following Victoria Mark Gepp remedies will be available: “We’re proud to be playing our part in - ACCC issued warning notices and supporting local jobs growth in the North infringement notices. West and powering ahead to create a - Court-ordered civil penalties up to the renewable energy future.” greatest of: $10 million; three times the value of the total benefit attributable to the Quote attributable to Beon Energy Solutions conduct or 10 per cent of the annual turnover general manager Glen Thomson of the corporation in the 12 months before “The workers brought on through Jobs the conduct occurred. Victoria have played an important role on this - On the recommendation of the ACCC, solar project and we’re very pleased to have Treasurer-issued Contracting Orders that will been able to provide support to Victorian permit the Treasurer to require electricity jobseekers.” companies to offer electricity financial contracts to third parties. Source: Victoria Government - On the recommendation of the ACCC, and following an application by the Treasurer, Federal Court issued Divestiture Orders Taking action to lower power relating to misconduct in the wholesale market. prices 18 September The measures in this Bill build on the The Morrison Government has today significant reforms that the Government has reintroduced the Treasury Laws Amendment introduced to put downward pressure on (Prohibiting Energy Market Misconduct) Bill electricity prices and hold energy companies 2019. The Bill was introduced into the to account. This includes: previous Parliament, but lapsed with the - Introduction of the Government’s Default proroguing of the Parliament for the 2019 Market Offer ‘price safety net’ on 1 July, Federal Election. The new law will ensure that leading to reductions in both standing offers energy firms that engage in misconduct face and high-priced market offers. appropriate penalties.

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- Reform of gas pipeline regulation led Divestment Bill will not lower through the COAG Energy Council and extension of the ACCC gas inquiry to 2025. prices for consumers - Extension of the Consumer Data Right to 18 September energy, to make it easier for consumers to The Government’s Divestment Bill will not switch energy providers to get a better deal. lower energy prices for customers, is - Progression of the Underwriting New unnecessary and will discourage investment Generation Investments program to improve and risk increasing market volatility, the competition and reduce wholesale prices. energy industry said.

Following the Election, the Government has The Australian Energy Council’s Chief undertaken further targeted consultation with Executive Sarah McNamara expressed key industry stakeholders. As a result of this disappointment in the Government’s decision consultation, the Government made a to proceed with the “Big Stick” divestment number of amendments to the Bill to provide legislation in its current form. additional certainty. “The energy industry encourages the The new law will now commence six months Government to amend the Bill to avoid after Royal Assent. This will provide industry unintended negative consequences for participants with a transitional period to consumers,” Ms McNamara said. review their practices and make adjustments if necessary to ensure compliance. “The Bill will not lower the cost of electricity, and this was confirmed by both the Treasury A number of other minor amendments have and the ACCC at its Senate Committee been made in response to consultation, hearing. It may result in more frequent price including to: changes, leaving consumers confused and - Clarify that the retail pricing prohibition frustrated. applies to market offers and not standing offers, recognising that the Government has “The Bill provides the Government with already taken action to regulate excessive unprecedented powers to force a business to standing offers by implementing default sell an asset. This represents a significant market offers from 1 July 2019; shift in Australia’s legal framework with - Confirm that governments will not be economy-wide implications. required to privatise publicly-owned assets; and “Regrettably, the Bill also provides the - Clarify that junior employees of electricity Treasurer with an extraordinary power to businesses do not face personal liability. compel energy companies to contract, and will be able to specify the contract terms, The legislation is consistent with similar laws conditions and prices a corporation must offer in the United Kingdom which permit for up to three years. This creates serious divestiture under the Enterprise Act and the sovereign risk issues for future investment in United States which permits divestiture under Australia’s energy market. the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. “This Bill greatly increases risks and Introducing legislation to hold energy uncertainty for energy market participants. companies to account for misconduct is part The AEC encourages the Government to of our plan to deliver a fairer, more affordable reconsider its approach and consult further and reliable energy system and a stronger with industry, state governments and the economy. wider community on amendments to mitigate against its negative impacts.” Source: Federal Government Source: Australian Energy Council

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WA’s Renewable Hydrogen "The fund will favour those projects that create new jobs, skills and training Fund now open opportunities - particularly in regional WA. 18 September - McGowan Government opens $10 million "Priority will be given to applications that fall Renewable Hydrogen Fund within WA's four strategic focus areas for - Grants available for feasibility studies and investment and demonstrate progress capital works projects to drive a new job- towards meeting the goals identified in the creating renewable hydrogen industry in WA Strategy: export, use of renewable hydrogen in remote applications, blending in the gas The McGowan Government has today opened network and use in transport." a $10 million Renewable Hydrogen Fund to drive a new job-creating industry harnessing Source: WA Government the State's renewable resources.

The fund will assist projects to develop Western Australia's renewable hydrogen CPV announces breakthrough industry and attract investment in hydrogen in its IGU panel size – now infrastructure, with grants from $300,000 to 2.3m x 1.2m $3 million available for feasibility studies, 18 September demonstration or capital works projects. Highlights

• ClearVue confirms panel size breakthrough The fund forms part of the McGowan increasing size to a 2.76 sqm panel – 2.3m x Government's newly released WA Renewable 1.2m Hydrogen Strategy which will drive WA's • New size significantly expands sales position as a major producer and exporter of opportunities for the ClearVue PV product renewable hydrogen.

Smart building materials company ClearVue The Strategy aims to harness WA's Technologies Limited (ASX:CPV) (“ClearVue” comparative advantages which include world- or “the Company”) is pleased to announce class renewable energy resources, vast land that it is now able to produce a panel size of mass and proud history of exporting energy to up to 2.3 m (2300 mm) high by 1.2 m (1200 international markets. mm) wide, or a 2.76 sqm panel – nearly

double the largest previous panel size. The proposal submission deadline is 5pm

Wednesday, October 30, 2019. Fund details The new panel size significantly expands the are available from sales opportunities for the Company to http://www.drd.wa.gov.au/projects/EnergyFu integrate the product into projects where tures larger panel sizes are required including for

aesthetic purposes giving architects and Comments attributed to Regional façade engineers complete design flexibility Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan: for their projects. "Renewable hydrogen could be the next big job-creating industry for Western Australia, The triple-glazed low-e power generating utilising our world-leading renewable energy panel continues to offer the same high- resources to produce, use and provide energy transparency, energy efficiency and acoustic to our international partners. control benefits of the company’s earlier

smaller sized panels with the first production- "This fund will help to attract major private quality prototype producing 52.3w peak of sector investment to WA to drive forward the power under standard testing conditions. emerging renewable hydrogen industry.

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The new floor-height sized panel has had The new size fits the requirements that many power and performance testing completed at architects require for a floor-to-ceiling visual Shanghai Solar Energy Research Centre, a effect with most high-rise floors in the 2.3 to certified industrial testing laboratory in 3m range. Where the floor height is at the Shanghai, China, using standard test higher end of that range a smaller lowlight or equipment and testing procedures. The first highlight panel can easily be deployed with large-scale prototype has since been re-tested this larger panel and ideally this can be used by researchers at Edith Cowan University to integrate the smart façade functionality (ECU) during mid-September 2019 in outdoor such as automated ventilation that the natural sunlight illumination conditions in Company is exploring in conjunction with Perth, Western Australia. ECU’s measurement Arup as was announced by the Company in results have confirmed the validity of the July. characterisation results received from China, and the test measurements/results made in We are looking forward to commencing the Shanghai laboratories. production of the next batch of large format IGUs in the coming 6 to 8 weeks and then to Additionally, the engineering and fabrication updating the market on the test results but techniques for increasing the electric power more importantly we are looking to forward output ratings in the new 2.3m x 1.2m sized to being able to confirm commercial panel have already been researched by ECU availability thereafter.” and ClearVue with the expectation that the next batch of factory-fabricated window Source: ClearVue products of this size will produce in excess of 60w peak power per panel. PROJECT NEWS This next batch is currently being readied for Upper Fraser River Hydro production. Pioneer Energy's new multimillion-dollar 8.1

MW hydroelectricity station near Alexandra in As with earlier versions of the ClearVue PV the Central Otago region of New Zealand has IGU product, the design has been created to officially been opened. The project consists of ensure that ClearVue’s licensed an intake weir, pipeline, penstock, manufacturers can easily integrate the transformer and powerhouse to generate production of this larger panel size into their enough electricity from water sourced from production lines without the need for the Fraser River to power 4000 households. additional capital expenditure. The scheme's powerhouse is 3km upstream of

the Fraser Dam, near where the inflow from Commenting on the new panel sizing, Rough Creek joins the Fraser. The water ClearVue Executive Chairman, Victor intake is a further 3.5km upriver from the Rosenberg, has said: powerhouse. “ClearVue’s ability to create larger floor- height sized power-generating IGU and Source: Otago Daily News window panels has been a major goal that the Company has been working towards over the last 12 months – the larger panel is a major breakthrough for the Company and significantly opens up our opportunities to engage with architects and engineers seeking an uninterrupted view through the windows they are installing into newbuild projects.

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Renewable energy to future- "This project will help Australia contribute to this challenge. It will show how we can proof global trade harness our abundant renewable energy to 19 September ensure we remain an energy export A new research project at The Australian powerhouse. National University (ANU) will redefine Australia's trade relationship with the Asia- "In Australia's northwest, we have some of Pacific based on renewable energy and the best solar and wind resources in the contribute to reducing global emissions. world, located on ample land, largely Indigenous, and with low population density. Launched by Energy Minister the Hon Angus Taylor MP today, the ANU Zero-Carbon "Our program will create the knowledge to Energy for the Asia-Pacific project will provide drive Australian zero-carbon exports of a blueprint for how Australia can become the electricity, hydrogen fuels, products and region's renewable energy powerhouse. capabilities.

The project, an Australian-first, brings "This could reduce global carbon emissions by together a range of research disciplines at the equivalent of more than three times ANU to "future-proof" Australian global trade Australia's domestic emissions, as well as based on the nation's abundant renewable provide sustainable growth and development energy. opportunities for Australia."

The project is funded by the ANU Grand ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt Challenges scheme - which invests in research AC said: "Energy is an important issue for all to solve some of Australia and the world's humans on this planet. most pressing problems. ANU is investing $10 million in the project which runs from 2019 to "Meeting the world's energy needs while 2023. transitioning to a low carbon future is both a major challenge and opportunity. The research will provide the knowledge base to underpin the development of major "But this is a challenge we can rise to and ANU renewable energy export industries has a fundamental role to play. potentially worth hundreds of billions of dollars from the ground up. It will also "We have world-class expertise in energy, the develop technologies and policies that can be Asia-Pacific and Indigenous policy. This project applied in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. combines this unrivalled expertise with ambition and vision. It will deliver targeted Project lead Professor Ken Baldwin said: "In a social, environmental, economic and rapidly decarbonising world, Australia needs technological outcomes with real impact. to transform from exporting fossil fuels to exporting renewables. "The ANU Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia- Pacific project is a powerful example of how "Iron ore and coal are our two biggest energy change will transform Australia's exports. But changes are already underway in economy and exports for the better, while the Asia-Pacific region and Australia will not delivering major benefits for our nation, our be able to rely on traditional fossil fuel region and the world." exports indefinitely. Source: ANU "At the same time, the Asia-Pacific will drive two-thirds of the world's energy demand in coming decades. So helping the region move to renewables is also an urgent challenge.

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Climate Change Response for domestic and international renewable energy export that can meet the increasing released – have your say demand for renewable energy from 19 September neighbours that include Timor-Leste, The Territory Labor Government has launched Indonesia, and Singapore. its draft Climate Change Response, which builds on the Climate Change Discussion Growing the renewable energy industry will Paper and outlines the Government's build further on the action the Territory Labor approach to addressing climate risk and Government has already undertaken across creating new economic and business the Northern Territory. opportunities. For example, under different solar and energy Across Australia, the transition to a low- efficiency grants offered by the NT carbon economy has begun. For the Northern Government since 2016, Territorians and Territory, a Climate Change Response will Territory businesses have saved an average of offer new opportunities for Territorians and almost $10 million per year and the Territory businesses while delivering social, associated reduction in emissions is economic and environmental benefits. equivalent to taking 7,000 cars off the road.

The Climate Change Response aims to: Climate change is one of our most pressing - Continue to facilitate the growth of global challenges. The impacts can be renewables to diversify and strengthen the observed across all sectors and pose risks to Territory economy and enable new export Territorians, the economy, and natural industries; systems. - Build on existing initiatives across the Northern Territory to reduce greenhouse gas Have your say on the draft Response by emissions across all sectors, in line with the visiting www.haveyoursay.nt.gov.au Territory Government’s long-term aspirational target of net zero emissions by 2050; and Quotes from the Minister for Climate Change, - Proactively respond to the impacts of Eva Lawler: climate change. "Our great Territory lifestyle is unbeatable, from our fishing to our world-renowned All sectors within the Northern Territory need national parks, and Territorians know there is to be engaged to realise the benefits. The no better place to live. transition to a low-carbon economy needs to be carefully managed to ensure ongoing “Climate change threatens everything that economic investment in the Northern makes the Territory lifestyle great and that is Territory. why the Territory Labor Government has developed a Response for action. Low-carbon economic development is underpinned by the growth of a renewable "Territorians support action on climate energy industry and the Northern Territory is change, want more renewables and want to in the best position to capture opportunities see our environment protected for future like this. generations

Solar is the cheapest form of new electricity "Responding to climate change helps us generation, and the Northern Territory has protect the things we value the most — the one of the best solar resources in the world. things we can't put a price on — and will create economic opportunities for Territorians There are skilled workers within the Territory and Territory businesses through the creation who have experience delivering ambitious of new industries and local jobs.” infrastructure projects, and an energy corridor

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Quotes from ALFA (NT) CEO, Dr Jennifer will be coupled to a large 200 MW Ansell: photovoltaic generation plant. “The Climate Change Response will further strengthen the growing carbon industry in The Solar River Project CEO Mr Jason May remote Aboriginal communities where there said, “The award of the battery to General are few other industry and employment Electric is another major milestone for the options. project. General Electric is a world leader in renewable energy storage technology, and we “A strong Territory leadership on climate are very excited to have them on board. change policy is vital to growing the General Electric brings a cutting-edge Indigenous Carbon Industry. technology to South Australia, by delivering huge energy transfer capacity with an “In particular, the Territory’s aspirational intelligent operating system”. target of net zero emissions by 2050 will continue to drive innovation and opportunity Solar River Project will see a 200-megawatt in the developing carbon industry and photovoltaic array, which includes more than increase economic activity for existing and 640,000 solar panels and the installation of new Territory based carbon offsets projects.” GE’s 100-megawatt, 3 hours battery storage system, delivering almost 300 MWh storage Quotes from ConocoPhillips Australia West capacity, which could transfer up to 400 President Chris Wilson: megawatt hours of electricity per day, one of “The Darwin LNG plant will next year become the largest batteries in the Southern the world’s first LNG facility to install a large Hemisphere. The Solar River Project, one of scale battery to reducing the facility’s CO2 the world’s largest grid-scale hybrid emissions. renewable projects, will be located in South Australia’s Mid North, halfway between Burra “This will reduce emissions from power and Morgan, and aims to supply enough generation by 20 per cent while saving affordable and reliable renewable energy to thousands of tonnes of fuel gas and significant power 90,000 South Australian homes. maintenance costs. DLNG are now working on other opportunities to increase energy The South Australia Electricity Grid has one of efficiency and reduce emissions such as the peakiest loads in the world, and the alternative energy generation.” battery energy storage system can allow the plant to deliver firm generation and assist in Source: NT Government smoothing peaks, contributing to a more stable network for years to come. The storage system is designed to capture the energy GE Renewable Energy to produced by the solar sources, for use in time of power demand, which can increase the integrate energy storage for availability of the plant and enable optimal the 200 MW Solar River use of the solar PVs.

Project Prakash Chandra, Renewable Hybrids CEO, GE 19 September Renewable Energy, says “The Solar River The Solar River Project and GE Renewable Project will be a flagship for the renewable Energy announce today that GE has been energy industry and for GE’s role in building selected for the supply and integration of one out Renewable Hybrid plants. Hybrid solutions of the largest grid-scale battery technology have become a reality, driven by the demand hybrid deployment to be installed for the for reliable and dispatchable renewable Solar River Project in South Australia. The energy, which we can integrate using our energy storage system, called the Reservoir, proprietary controls technology to optimize

Page 15 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) asset and customer outcomes. We are proud AEMC. In particular, the AEMC’s Frequency to have been selected by the Solar River control frameworks review, which concluded Project to deliver this very important project in July 2018, and AEMO’s incident report into that will benefit a large community in this part the Queensland and South Australia system of the world.” separation event on 25 August 2018, have both provided an important foundation for The Solar River Project received Crown understanding and assessing the issues. Development Approval in June last year, and Stage 1 of the project is intended to see the These reports found that, in recent years, the first electricity generated in early 2021. For control of frequency in the power system has further information and updates: been deteriorating. This deterioration is www.srproject.com.au mainly due to the detuning of the frequency responsiveness from existing synchronous Source: GE Renewable Energy generating plant. At the same time the increased connection of variable generating technologies makes the task of managing Consultation commences on power system frequency following system disturbances more challenging. proposed rules to better control power system The final report of the AEMC’s Frequency control frameworks review highlighted several frequency issues with the existing market and regulatory 19 September arrangements for frequency control, and The AEMC today commenced consultation on included a collaborative work plan that set three rule change requests that relate to how out a series of actions that would be electricity generators operate their progressed by the AEMC, AEMO and the AER equipment to help control the frequency in to address issues related to frequency control the power system. in the national electricity market over the short, medium and long term. Stable frequency is an important part of maintaining a secure power system. AEMO’s rule change requests are related to Frequency varies whenever electricity supply this work plan. In particular, the action that does not exactly match consumer demand AEMO communicates whether there is a need and uncontrolled changes in frequency can to implement interim measures to address cause blackouts. the deterioration in frequency performance before a longer-term mechanism for Chief amongst the proposed changes is the frequency control is implemented. introduction of a mandatory obligation for all registered generators in the national The Commission acknowledges the immediate electricity market to help to control power need to improve frequency performance in system frequency. Further proposed changes the power system and sees the three rule would see the removal of incentives which change requests as an opportunity to improve may have caused generators to become less power system security, which the AEMC has responsive to frequency over time. identified as one of the five key priority areas for reform in the national electricity market. Two of the rule change requests were submitted by AEMO, and the other by Dr In determining a solution, the Commission will Peter Sokolowski, a power systems academic seek to address system security first and from RMIT University. foremost. When the fundamental system security needs are met, the Commission will Each of these rule change requests builds on seek to investigate further improvements to previous work undertaken by AEMO and the

Page 16 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) the frequency control arrangements to will supply electric motor compressor and increase the overall economic efficiency of turbine generator solutions for Hydrostor’s frequency control in the national electricity projects globally. market. Hydrostor expects to use the financing to Submissions on the consultation paper are complete construction of its second due by 31 October 2019. commercial reference facility, its Angas Project in Australia, and to advance the Source: AEMC company’s pipeline of large-scale A-CAES projects. Those projects represent over 2 GW and 16 GWh of deployment potential in the Hydrostor announces close of USA, Canada, Chile and Australia, while the company expands opportunities with US$37 million growth financing significant global project potential across 19 September many other markets. Funding highlights accelerating shift toward higher-value long-duration energy storage “Hydrostor’s A-CAES is well positioned to technologies and market opportunities capitalize on the growing demand for flexibly- sited, long-duration energy storage as power Hydrostor, a leading developer of Advanced grids continue to decarbonize and adapt to Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) higher penetrations of intermittent renewable projects, announced today the closing of energy,” said Hydrostor CEO, Curtis US$37 million (C$49 million) in growth VanWalleghem. “This funding will enable our financing. RBC Capital Markets acted as development team to continue advancing the Hydrostor’s advisor on the transaction. late-stage projects we have under way. We are thrilled to collaborate with, and benefit Meridiam, the global developer, asset and from, the expertise of Meridiam in project fund manager specializing in sustainable development and financing; BHGE’s industry- infrastructure and energy transition projects, leading technology, service capabilities and has formed a strategic partnership to support commitment to advancing low-carbon the origination and development of Hydrostor solutions; and Elemental Energy’s renewable projects. Elisabeth Hivon, partner at project development and operations Meridiam, has joined Hydrostor’s Board of experience.” Directors. “Meridiam is thrilled to be joining Hydrostor Renewable energy developer and in the development of its future A-CAES independent power producer Elemental projects in Canada, the USA, Australia and Energy participated in the fundraising. Chile. We believe that the unique expertise of Hydrostor also received additional funding our two firms, combined with the know-how from existing investors including Canoe of other strategic partners, will position our Financial, ArcTern Ventures, MaRS Catalyst team for success in developing numerous Fund and Lorem Partners. The financing projects which will improve renewable energy included a combination of equity, debt, reliance and contribute to the reduction of project development and cash commitments, greenhouse gas emissions,” said Elisabeth and an asset acquisition. Hivon, new board member representing Meridiam. Energy Technology company Baker Hughes, a GE Company (BHGE), will also be a strategic The funding announcement comes on the partner. BHGE’s turbomachinery technology heels of recent milestones associated with forms a critical part of the overall A-CAES Hydrostor’s Angas A-CAES Project in South system, and as part of the agreement, BHGE Australia. That project has achieved

Page 17 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) permitting approval, started construction and received AUD$9 million in combined funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Advancing Renewables Program, and the South Australian Renewable Technology Fund (separate from and additional to this financing). The company’s other commercial reference system is the Goderich A-CAES Facility in Ontario, Canada, which is contracted to the province’s grid operator, IESO, and expected to be operational in the next month. The Goderich Facility was recently selected as a finalist for this year’s Energy Storage North America (ESNA) Innovation Award.

In recent weeks some of the most significant single investments ever made in energy storage have been in companies focused on long-duration technologies that can address immediate, high-value opportunities. According to research firm Wood Mackenzie, global energy storage deployments will grow thirteenfold over the next six years, from a 12 gigawatt-hour (GWh) market in 2018 to a 158 GWh market in 2024. Such growth “will include a shift from short-duration systems providing high-value, but limited-size markets such as frequency regulation, to long-duration systems that can start to displace diesel, oil and natural-gas peaker plants.”

Source: Hydrostor

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