The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Equinor, Oyster Renewable, ENGIE, and others.
Equinor Delays First Power from $7.5 Billion Empire Wind Project to First Half of 2027
Norwegian energy company Equinor has revised the first electricity generation schedule for its 810 MW Empire Wind offshore project near New York. The update was disclosed during its October 28 quarterly results discussions and reported October 30. The approximately $7.5 billion development is 80 percent complete, but delays involving US-built support vessels have affected turbine installation preparations. The project will incorporate 54 Vestas turbines rated at 15 MW each. Turbine installation is now expected to begin during early 2027, with first electricity generation targeted for H1 2027. Delays involve specialised tugboats and barges required to transport turbine components from the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to the offshore installation vessel.
Oyster Renewable Starts Phase Two of Madhya Pradesh Hybrid Project Under ₹6,500 Crore Investment Plan
Oyster Renewable Energy has initiated the second phase of its wind-solar hybrid development at Agar Malwa in Madhya Pradesh. The company announced the foundation-laying milestone October 29. The project combines wind generation, solar electricity and battery storage to supply commercial and industrial customers. The new phase follows commissioning of approximately 216 MW of hybrid capacity in Madhya Pradesh, associated with Oyster’s renewable electricity project for Jindal Stainless. Oyster plans to develop approximately 800 MW of hybrid capacity across Madhya Pradesh, involving investments exceeding ₹6,500 crore. The planned portfolio is expected to generate more than 4,500 million units annually when fully developed. Capacity specific to the newly initiated phase has not been disclosed.
ENGIE Starts Construction of 150 MW/300 MWh Hazelwood 2 Battery Storage Project in Australia
French energy company ENGIE has started construction of the 150 MW/300 MWh Hazelwood 2 battery storage expansion in Victoria, Australia. The construction milestone was reported October 29. The project is being developed with Sungrow as technology supplier and Elecnor Australia as the balance-of-plant contractor. Equipment includes 66 Sungrow PowerTitan 2.0 battery units, 33 power conversion systems and an EMS3000 controller. The installation will use grid-forming technology to support electricity network stability and renewable-energy integration. Hazelwood’s existing battery provides 150 MW/150 MWh. Following completion of the expansion, the former coal power station site will accommodate 300 MW/450 MWh of battery storage. Commercial operation is targeted for 2028.
