In today's world, renewable energy is becoming increasingly important, and many countries are exploring and implementing new technologies and approaches to transition to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. In this context, the Australian experience in the field of renewable energy is of particular interest. Australia, known for its rich energy heritage, has pioneered the use of renewable energy and the development of innovative solutions to address its energy needs.

 The Australian energy system includes a variety of components, such as competitive electricity markets, the gas system and the retail energy trading sector. The Australian electricity system has competitive electricity markets where various participants, including producers, distributors and retail electricity suppliers, interact and trade energy. In addition, there are regulated network that ensure the transmission of electricity from producers to end users.

 There have been significant changes in the use of renewable energy sources in the Australian energy system. In 2022, the total volume of electricity production was 273 265 gigawatt-hours (GWh), which means an increase of 2% compared to the previous year. The share of renewable energy sources in total production was 32%, and the largest source was solar energy (14%), followed by wind energy (11%) and hydropower (6%). Fossil fuel-based energy sources contributed 68% to total electricity production, while coal remained the main source, accounting for 47% of total production. These data reflect the overall picture of electricity production in Australia and highlight the growing share of renewable energy sources in the country's energy mix.

The development of renewable energy in Australia has had a long way, starting from the first steps and progressing to the current state.

 The main stages of development

 1. Early steps (before 2000):

   - In the 1970s, the first attempts were made to use renewable energy sources in Australia. Most of them were related to wind and solar energy, including experimental projects and the installation of small capacities.

   - In the 1990s, the first national and state programs to support renewable energy were developed. This created the basis for further development of the industry.

 2. Implementation of fitting laws (2000-2010):

   - In 2000, Australia introduced a system of fitting laws mandatory for energy supply companies. Fitting laws required that a certain percentage of the energy consumed by the grid be supplied from renewable sources.

   - Tax incentives and subsidies have been introduced for investments in renewable energy. This stimulated the emergence of new wind energy, solar energy and hydropower projects.

 3. The renewable energy boom (2010-2018):

   - During this period, there was a significant increase in renewable energy in Australia. Wind power and solar energy have become the main areas of development.

   - In 2011, the first commercial solar power plant with a capacity of 1.2 MW was launched. This was followed by new large-scale solar energy projects.

   - Wind energy has also been developing rapidly. Large wind farms were launched, such as Snowtown (370 MW) and MacArthur Ridge (420 MW).

 4. Policy changes and expansion of renewable energy (after 2018):

   - In 2018, federal elections were held in Australia, after which political changes took place that had a negative impact on renewable energy. However, despite this, the growth of the industry continued.

   - The states and territories of Australia have become active in spreading renewable energy. Victoria and South Australia have announced plans to build large energy storage batteries, as well as to increase the capacity of solar and wind power plants.

   - In 2020, the implementation of the Sunshine State project began in Australia, which provided for construction of the world's largest solar power plant with a capacity of 10 GW.

 Currently, Australia continues to develop renewable energy and is taking measures to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its energy system. Renewable energy is becoming more competitive, and investments in this industry are growing, which allows the country to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.

 Measures to support the development of renewable energy

 1. Increasing climate ambitions: The adoption of the Climate Change Act of 2022, doubling the emissions reduction target by 2030 and setting a goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050 are important steps in support of climate goals. This provides clear direction and marketing confidence for renewable energy projects.

 2. Joining the Global Methane Pledge: Australia's accession to Global Methane Pledge demonstrates its commitment to reduce harmful emissions in all sectors. This allows the country to focus on developing clean energy sources and facilitating a global energy transition.

 3. Increasing the share of clean energy: Australia aims to ensure that clean sources of electricity account for more than 80% of its energy mix by 2030. This encourages the country to continue developing solar energy, as well as pay attention to the flexibility of electricity supply system through interconnections, storage systems and a variety of renewable energy sources.

4. Initiatives of the Australian Energy Supply Plan and Capacity Investment Schemes: Government initiatives such as the Powering Australia Plan and the Capacity Investment Scheme play an important role in increasing the flexibility of the electricity supply system. They contribute to the development of interconnections, energy storage and a variety of renewable energy sources.

 5. Supporting the export of energy and strategically important minerals: Australia continues to be a major exporter of energy and strategically important minerals used in clean energy technologies. The country is committed to advancing progress in the fields of hydrogen, strategically important minerals and sustainable supply chains, which contributes to the global energy transition and ensures energy security in the future.

 The enabling environment for investment

 Australia is taking measures to create an enabling environment for renewable energy investments, including national renewable energy share targets, investor support through various financial incentives such as reverse-feed tariffs and renewable energy certificates, and the establishment of financial institutions such as Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). In addition, various states and territories are also implementing their own initiatives to support renewable energy.

Investing in batteries is part of strategy to develop renewable energy and improve the sustainability of its energy system. Battery systems are an important element for storing energy that is generated from variable sources, such as solar and wind energy. This helps to smooth out fluctuations in production and ensure continuity of electricity supply.

 Integration of large-scale battery systems and use of efficient technologies

 One of the most famous projects in Australia is the Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia. This project was developed by Tesla and includes the installation of lithium-ion batteries on the territory of Hornsdale Wind Farm.

The first 100 MW/129 MWh were completed in November 2017. During the first two years of operation, the Hornsdale backup power unit confirmed the advantages associated with large-scale power system batteries in the national electricity market and saved South Australian consumers more than $150 million. Following this success, the expansion to 50 MW/64.5 MWh was completed in September 2020. As part of this expansion, the entire 150 MWh capacity is being modernized to include a virtual machine mode from Tesla, which will allow the battery to provide inertia support services for the electric grid.

 In addition to large-scale battery systems, the technology of "Neighborhood batteries" is being studied, which is the latest technology that can make a significant contribution to the transformation of the energy system in Victoria and, more broadly, in Australia. Within the framework of program "Energy Storage and Network Integration" at the Australian National University (ANU), many studies were conducted on the socio-techno-economic aspects of batteries in neighborhoods. Research shows that this type of battery can provide a wide range of benefits for all participants in the energy process, whether they are power grid operators, energy suppliers, consumers, governments or local authorities.

 What these batteries have in common is that they are all located close to consumers, connected to the distribution network and can provide energy storage for hundreds of homes. They vary in size from cabinet to container, with a capacity of 0.1 to 5 MW and complement household batteries and large-scale batteries.

ANU creates training programs in cooperation with local companies, therefore, in addition to theory and the use of software for designing such as PVSyst and OpenWind, opportunities are provided to visit wind farms and SPP.

During Royalla Solar Farm's visit, it was possible to observe the application of "Solar Grazing", which is the most common form of land sharing for large-scale power plant solar farms due to compatibility with land-based solar photovoltaic panels. The integration of solar energy and grazing on one site provides an opportunity for renewable energy operators and owners/farmers to work in partnership to maximize the productive use of rural land and reduce operating costs for all parties.

The program also provided access to the Capital Wind Farm with an installed capacity of about 140 MW, which consists of 67 wind turbines scattered across the picturesque hills of rural New South Wales. The manager of the facility noted the importance of interaction with society and consultation with residents to inform them about changes and give them the opportunity to make suggestions. In addition, social benefits and contributions are provided to support local projects and initiatives.

An important stage in the global energy evolution

The Australian experience in the field of renewable energy represents an important stage in the global energy evolution. The use of large-scale battery systems, such as the Hornsdale Power Reserve, has proven the enormous potential of renewable energy sources to ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The development of the renewable energy sector in Australia has acquired strategic importance, confirming the benefits that these sources can bring to the national energy system.

The success of Hornsdale Power Reserve in optimizing the operation of the electrical network and reducing costs for consumers is an encouraging example for the global community. The final conclusion emphasizes that the integration of large-scale battery systems and the use of efficient technologies, such as Tesla's Virtual Machine Mode, can play a key role in stimulating the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Thus, the Australian experience in the field of renewable energy plays an important role in the global fight against climate change and the transition to sustainable development. This experience demonstrates the opportunities that are opening up for countries seeking to diversify their energy resources and reduce their dependence on traditional fossil fuels. Continued investments in renewable energy and scientific research in this area will have a long-term positive effect on the environment and the well-being of society.