The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) says 16 renewable generators (solar, wind and battery) totalling 1.73 GW have been commissioned in the east coast National Electricity Market (NEM) between July 2020 and June 2021, while another 33 generators totalling 2.68 GW have been registered.

In its fifth State of the System update, a regular round up of development in the east coast energy system, the AEMO highlighted an increase of 600 MW of renewable generators had been registered and 480 MW commissioned compared to the previous financial year.

Additionally, 18 projects with a total capacity of 2.1 GW became committed after completing the first stage of the connection process, while there was a decline of 1.49 GW in committed generation compared to the prior financial year.

Since July 1, six new generators with a total capacity of 953 megawatts (MW) achieved registration, including:

  • Wandoan Battery Energy Storage (QLD/100 MW);
  • Victorian Big Battery (VIC/300 MW);
  • Stockyard Hill Wind Farm (VIC/286 MW);
  • Bulgana Green Power Hub (VIC/104 MW) (capacity increase from 100 MW to 204 MW);
  • Suntop Solar Farm (NSW/150 MW); and
  • Mannum-Adelaide Pipeline Pumping Station No 2, PV Units 1-6 (SA/13 MW).

 

WA local governments to commit to zero emissions

Western Australian local governments are poised to sign up for an Australian first renewable energy agreement, which has the potential to deliver 100% renewable power to 51 councils.

Negotiated by the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) and in a giant step towards zero emissions, local governments have until Thursday, November 18 to formalise their participation — which would make the project the largest of its kind undertaken in Australia.

WALGA President Mayor Tracey Roberts said the agreement would deliver both the option for 100% renewable energy for the sector’s contestable supply and savings of up to $5 million.

The WA Local Government initiative is the first renewables and carbon offset aggregation project granted authorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

It will access the renewable energy supply from three WA wind farms at Albany, Emu Downs and Collgar wind farm.

Roberts said WALGA had worked on developing the agreement with a steering group comprising senior representatives from a number of Local Governments.

“The enthusiasm for this project in the sector and the terms that have been achieved for the community are outstanding,” Roberts said.

“There is a genuine appetite in the Local Government sector to lead the way on zero emissions and the shift to renewable energy is a giant step in the right direction.”

“Sourcing renewable energy from WA providers was a strong requirement of the sector, and further supports the direct benefit to the community in supporting local industry.”

Chevron sets 2050 net zero aspiration

Chevron has set a 2050 net zero aspiration for upstream scope 1 and 2 emissions in in its updated Climate Change Resilience report.

The company said it intends to reduce carbon emissions by more than 5 percent from 2016 levels by 2028 – meaning emissions reductions of 30 mmtpa CO2.

This report, which is in line with the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD), describes the company’s Portfolio Carbon Intensity (PCI) target inclusive of Scope 1 and 2 as well as Scope 3 emissions.

Scope 1 includes direct emissions of the six Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gases (GHG), Scope 2 includes indirect GHG emissions, and Scope 3 includes other indirect emissions, including use of products.

As Bloomberg states, this marks the first time Chevron has outlined a multi-decade strategic commitment to reduce emissions.

Chairman Michael Wirth said: “To communicate our progress in lowering the overall carbon intensity of our traditional operations and growing lower carbon business lines to help address Scope 3 emissions, we are introducing a portfolio carbon-intensity metric.

“This approach will measure the full value chain carbon intensity of our entire business.

“We are also introducing a net zero aspiration for Upstream Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

“We believe we have a competitive advantage to deliver carbon solutions that are good for our stockholders and all stakeholders.”

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