Why is Australia embracing solar energy storage solutions?

To support this new solar-driven energy mix, Australia has successfully embraced energy storage solutions to balance the fluctuations in solar energy generation, paving the way for a more reliable and sustainable energy future.

How is energy stored in Australia?

Currently storage of electrical energy in Australia consists of a small number of pumped hydroelectric facilities and grid-scale batteries, and a diversity of battery storage systems at small scale, used mainly for backup. To balance energy use across the Australian economy, heat and fuel (chemical energy) storage are also required.

Can energy storage improve Australia's electricity supply?

Australia’s electricity supply needs to reach a minimum of 50% renewable energy by 2030 and zero emissions well before 2050 to efectively tackle climate change. Energy storage technologies are a vital complementary technology to renewable energy enabling Australia to transition to a clean, reliable, afordable electricity grid.

Which energy storage technology is best for Australia's energy needs?

The CEC said emerging LDES technologies coupled with the energy storage systems in place, would be the best suite to appropriately manage Australia’s needs. In March this year, the ARENA held an Insights Forum which covered energy storage and technologies that can bring system security to the grid.

Is new energy storage a must-have in Australia?

Apart from in South Australia, where wind and solar PV already comprise 57% of power generated (AER 2017), significant new energy storage is not yet a must-have for most Australian states.

What is South Australia doing with energy storage?

As a result, South Australia is already pursuing a number of energy storage projects including the Tesla-Neoen battery that began operating in December last year, solar thermal power with storage and potentially the world’s second pumped hydro plant using seawater.