Morningstar Australasia

Potentia Energy has secured $553mn in financing to optimise its operational renewable assets and support the delivery of six new projects totalling over 600 MW of capacity across Australia.
Inlyte Energy has successfully completed factory validation testing of its first full-scale iron-sodium battery, witnessed by Southern Company, paving the way for a pilot installation in the United States in early 2026.

Aging coal plants: renewable mix now cheaper option for Kentucky

A new independent study shows that maintaining aging coal plants increases electricity bills in Kentucky, while a renewable-based energy portfolio could generate up to $2.6bn in savings by 2050.
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Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources has acquired Shepherd Power and partnered with NOV to scale up modular reactor manufacturing by the next decade.
The Australian government has launched the opening of five offshore gas exploration blocks in the Otway Basin, highlighting a clear priority for southeast supply security amid risks of shortages by 2028, despite an ambitious official climate policy.

China confirms 2026 for Linglong One, the world’s first land-based SMR

China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.
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BlackRock sold 7.1% of Spanish company Naturgy for €1.7bn ($1.99bn) through an accelerated bookbuild managed by JPMorgan, reducing its stake to 11.42%.
The United States seized a vessel suspected of transporting sanctioned oil from Iran and Venezuela, prompting a strong reaction from Nicolás Maduro's government.

Drax to invest up to £2bn to transform coal power station into data centre

Drax plans to convert its 1,000-acre site in Yorkshire into a data centre by 2027, repurposing former coal infrastructure and existing grid connections.
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The International Energy Agency lowers its global oil supply forecast for 2026 while slightly raising demand growth expectations amid improved macroeconomic conditions.
Queensland, Australia's leading coal-producing state, has scrapped its 2035 renewable energy targets, citing competitiveness and energy cost stability as key priorities.

EDF installs 180-tonne synchronous compensator in Guadeloupe to secure power grid

EDF has inaugurated a synchronous compensator in Guadeloupe to enhance the stability of an isolated power grid, an unprecedented initiative aiming to reduce dependence on thermal plants and the risk of prolonged outages.
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South Sudanese authorities have been granted responsibility for securing the strategic Heglig oilfield following an agreement with both warring parties in Sudan.
Neoen begins construction of a new 305 MW stage in Australia, raising its total battery storage capacity in the country to 2 GW, and signs two additional virtual battery contracts with ENGIE.

Newheat partners with Sunmark Chile to supply renewable heat to Chilean mines

French firm Newheat forms a joint venture with Sunmark Chile to develop large-scale solar thermal heat projects for the mining sector, targeting decarbonisation of copper extraction processes in Chile.
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NGE and the Agence Régionale Énergie Climat Occitanie form a partnership to develop a heating and cooling network designed to support economic activity in the Magna Porta zone, with locally integrated production solutions.
The European Commission enforces a new governance of electricity grids through eight energy highways, putting pressure on France as Spain and Portugal push to triple interconnection capacity by 2040.

Germany to raise allowed electricity grid revenues from 2029

Germany will allow a minimum 1.4% increase in grid operator revenues from 2029, while tightening efficiency requirements in a compromise designed to unlock investment without significantly increasing consumer tariffs.
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Berlin maintains crop-based biofuels, bans palm oil from 2027, and ends double counting, securing GHG compliance and agricultural demand through 2030.
Scatec has begun commercial operation of the second phase of its 120 MW solar project in Mmadinare, marking a strategic step in Botswana’s energy sector.
Chinese manufacturer EVE Energy has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with Sweden’s Vimab BESS AB to supply batteries and energy storage solutions in Northern Europe.
Huawei's full-lifecycle battery safety rating system has been officially validated by a national technical committee, marking a key milestone for large-scale energy storage deployment.

InCommodities signs 15-year storage deal with AMPYR in Australia

AMPYR Australia and InCommodities have signed a 15-year partnership for the Bulabul BESS project, marking the Danish trader’s first long-term commitment in the Australian energy storage market.
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Tokyo Gas and Okaya & Co. will begin construction in December 2025 of a 25 MW/75 MWh battery energy storage system in Hokkaido, with commercial operations expected in 2028 or later.
US-based CETY has been awarded a $10mn contract to build a battery energy storage system in New York State, marking the first in a series of planned installations across the region.

Engie secures 280 MW battery storage contract in India for 2027

French energy group Engie wins its second-largest global battery storage project with a capacity of 280 MW, awarded by a state-owned company in Gujarat, India.
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Nostromo’s IceBrick system becomes the first behind-the-meter thermal storage device to participate in California’s wholesale energy market, in partnership with Olivine, marking a milestone for commercial buildings.
Pacific Green has received approval from the Victorian government for its second energy storage park in Australia, a 1GW project to be developed over 36 months in Portland’s industrial zone.

TagEnergy invests in a 150 MW storage system in Australia

TagEnergy launches a 150 MW storage project at the Golden Plains wind farm site, strengthening its investment strategy in Australia's energy infrastructure.
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CATL, Sun Village and Marubeni Power Retail have signed an agreement to develop 2.4GWh of grid-scale storage capacity in Japan, without a defined schedule, leveraging investment, construction and commercial management synergies.
Northland Power has acquired two energy storage projects in Poland from Greenvolt Power Group, consolidating a strategic partnership in a transitioning market.

Battery storage market projected to reach $99.67bn by 2033

The global battery energy storage systems market anticipates 28.8% annual growth through 2033, supported by industrial electrification, government incentives and grid modernisation efforts.
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Group1 and Michigan Potash & Salt Company have signed an agreement to create a domestic potassium-based battery supply chain, relying on local mining and production free from critical metals.
A battery storage project developed in Shiga Prefecture marks a new step for the Japanese industry, with the official commissioning of a 4MWh facility aimed at the primary balancing market.

au Renewable Energy invests in nine high-voltage storage sites in Japan

Nine battery storage projects totalling 18MW will be built by au Renewable Energy across the Chubu, Kansai and Kyushu regions, with commissioning scheduled through March 2027.
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ACEnergy’s Central BESS project has been approved with a $3.6mn benefit-sharing plan for local and Indigenous communities.
Operator Fullmark Energy has finalised a $46mn investment tax credit transfer linked to its 125MW Redwood storage portfolio in Southern California, strengthening its ability to pursue further growth in the sector.

Eos Energy raises $76.9mn through exercised public warrants ahead of expiry

Eos Energy confirmed the expiry of its public warrants following the exercise of 6.7 million units, generating $76.9mn to finance its industrial projects in the United States.
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Trina Storage and Pacific Green Energy Group have signed a memorandum of understanding for the supply of 5GWh of battery systems by 2028, reinforcing their activities in the Australian and international energy storage market.
HyperStrong commits to purchase at least 200 GWh of battery cells from CATL by 2028, as part of a strategic partnership aimed at structuring a global energy storage ecosystem.