2023

New Zealand’s large-scale solar market is set to shift up a gear with the government announcing two new projects with a combined generation capacity of more than 500 GWh per annum have been referred for fast-track consenting.

Researchers at Macquarie University in Sydney have developed a new microwave technology that could advance solar-cell production by improving manufacturing processes and making them easier to recycle.

Energy and environment ministers from the Group of Seven nations have announced new targets for solar power and offshore wind capacity after vowing to drastically increase renewable energy development and accelerate the phase out of “unabated” fossil fuel use.

Trina Solar’s tracker subsidiary has launched a new version of its Vanguard single-axis two-in-portrait (2P) tracker. It uses multiple motors on one tracker row, reportedly allowing it to withstand higher wind loads and reduce tilt angle misalignment. The new solution is compatible with large modules up to 685 W.

Salgenx has developed a way to produce graphene on demand from its saltwater flow battery. The tech exploits the electrochemical properties of the battery’s cathode to exfoliate graphite into individual layers of graphene. The company says it can produce graphene for less than USD 1.25 ($1.85) per gram, providing storage businesses with an additional revenue stream.

Cannabis prohibition drove a culture of clandestine production in the past and solar helped growers to cultivate it at remote, off-grid sites. Now, as a global commercial cannabis market emerges, solar has an even bigger role to play, reports Blake Matich.

Australian mining and processing company IGO and billionaire Andrew Forrest’s Wyloo Metals will progress plans to build the nation’s first integrated battery material facility in Western Australia after the state government approved the allocation of land for the up to $1 billion project.

The federal government is increasing its investment in green hydrogen and low-emissions steel with $50 million in research and development funding to help progress the technologies as a new report warns that Australia must act quickly or risk being left behind in the race to become a renewable energy superpower.

Observations shared by solar data and forecasting provider Solcast have shed new light on the impressive performances of New South Wales solar farms which dominated the utility PV generation performance rankings last month.

Green energy investment manager Quinbrook Infrastructure is spreading its reach into the “exploding” renewable fuels and biogas sectors with the acquisition of United States-headquartered developer PurposeEnergy which specialises in converting food and beverage residuals and wastewater into renewable energy.