In this Weekly Dispatch:
- NSW launched its biggest-ever renewable energy tenders this week, opening Tender 8 for 2.5 GW of new generation (with a new hybrid solar-battery LTESA product) and Tender 9 for 12.5 GWh of long-duration storage, as the state aims to replace its ageing coal fleet.
- Green light to build first Aussie-made electric ferry. After it’s built, the new 24-metre, battery electric ferry will be trialled for 12 months from early 2028 and is likely to service the new Sydney Fish Markets route when it enters passenger service in 2029.
- Edify Energy reached financial close on the Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap solar and battery projects in central Queensland, Australia’s largest solar-battery hybrid projects currently under construction. The 720 MW solar and 600 MW / 2,400 MWh BESS projects are backed by a 20-year offtake with Rio Tinto and financed through a consortium of 14 domestic and international lenders.
- Star of the South opened its draft Environmental Impact Statement and Victorian Environment Effects Statement for public review, marking the first step in Australia’s first offshore wind environmental approvals process. It could take an additional five years to become fully operational.
- EDP wins AU$3 million ARENA funding for bushfire-resilient microgrid in regional Australia.
- METI’s ANRE (Agency for Natural Resources and Energy) held a committee meeting on May 20th, where many of its members emphasised the importance of coal thermal power for Japan, given the ongoing Middle East crisis.
- Osaka Gas unveils 1.24 GW LNG Himeji power plant.
- Podcast of the week: Let Me Sum Up talk about depleting oil reserves and flexible data centres.