Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this initiative has launched a transformative $75 million solar generation and battery storage project in Vanuatu.
[pdf] Underground pumped hydro storage utilizes abandoned mines as base assets to enhance the grid and add renewable energy. The facilities take advantage of geologic leverage with more energy storage capability while rebuilding retired mining towns that had once prospered.
[pdf] The project, considered the world's largest solar-storage project, will install 3.5GW of solar photovoltaic capacity and a 4.5GWh battery storage system. The project has commenced in November 2024.
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