Big Batteries Create Skinny Ducks, Reduce Gas - CleanTechnica

The article highlights a significant surge in large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) across Australia, driven by government incentives like the Cheaper Home Battery program and the country's abundant solar resources. These big batteries are helping to smooth out the solar "duck curve" by storing excess midday solar power, thus reducing reliance on gas-fired electricity generation. Notably, the success of the Tesla Big Battery at Hornsdale has spurred international companies to invest heavily in Australian battery projects, signaling a major shift toward cleaner, more reliable grid infrastructure. Several major projects are underway or planned, including Trina Storage's delivery of up to 5 GWh of battery systems between 2026 and 2028, in partnership with UK-based Pacific Green, and Akaysha Energy's Elaine BESS in Victoria, a 311 MW/1,244 MWh facility financed by BlackRock and others, which will connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM) and support renewable integration. Akaysha is also