New rules introduced by the Australian Energy Market Operator that require significantly more gas generation to operate when wind output is high in South Australia appear to signal the end of cheap wind energy in the state.

The battery storage industry is warning that the market for lithium-ion battery installations could be killed even before it has taken off if proposed new Australian standards do not fall in line with international installation guidelines.

The coal industry is facing a new crisis point as a group of leading scientists call for the construction of new coal generators to cease within three years, and as the industry’s flagship “clean coal” and carbon capture and storage project went up in smoke in the US.

Energy consumers – armed with rooftop solar PV and battery storage – are going to play a critical role in the management of Australia’s grid as it transitions to a low-carbon future, the Australian Energy Market Operator says.