Year in review: Solar and storage trends in 2024
In five key trends, pv magazine looks back over a year that saw PV module prices fall lower than many thought possible, while demand was restrained by grid congestion, among other challenges. Energy storage has had a strong year and geopolitics is seeing solar and battery manufacturing enter new regions as competition drives technical innovation.
South Australian technology accelerates discovery of critical minerals from space
South Australian-based space technology company Fleet Space has developed an intelligent platform in communication with a low orbit satellite, that can identify critical minerals and accelerate their extraction for use in clean energy technology.
Goulburn River solar farm NEM connection works announced by Transgrid arm Lumea
The commercial arm of Transgrid, Lumea, will connect one of New South Wales’ largest solar farms to the grid, providing a major boost to the state’s transition to renewables with enough clean energy to power nearly a quarter of a million homes.
Total renewable energy capacity CER approved in 2024 almost double of 2023
The Clean Energy Regulator has released the November 2024 large-scale renewable energy target market data showing that 4,156 MW from 506 power stations was approved in 2024, with 510 MW in November 2024 alone, up from a total of 2,206 MW in 2023.
Kiwi joint venture plans New Zealand’s biggest solar farm on North Island
Aotearoa New Zealand’s Nova Energy has partnered with gentailer Meridian Energy to build the 400 MW Te Rahui solar farm, to become the country’s largest, while more solar projects are expected to quickly come on line following the government’s passing its fast-track approvals bill into law.
Remote businesses swap diesel generation for off-grid clean energy subscriptions
An alliance of clean energy companies are establishing off-grid solar arrays and battery storage units in remote communities to enable local businesses to source reliable renewable energy by subscription.
Australia inks deal with South Korea to boost hydrogen supply chains
Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have signed a new bilateral agreement to step up climate and energy cooperation and build new clean energy industries and trade opportunities.
JXTC looks to serve up increased cell efficiency
The solar industry has dragged its heels on the issue of silver-dependence for cell metallisation, but China’s Jiangsu Xianghuan Technology (JXTC) is moving into commercial production with a copper plating process that overcomes many of the challenges that have limited interest from cell manufacturers.
Major NSW transmission projects get a towering $1.9 billion CEFC investment
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has committed up to $1.9 billion to back developer Transgrid in delivery of tranmissions projects HumeLink and the New South Wales side of the Victoria-NSW Interconnector.
Kiwi developer’s 20 MW solar array to power 2,000 homes from 2025
Aotearoa New Zealand developer Far North Solar Farm has 70% of modules installed at its 20.8 MW Pukenui solar farm, earmarking early 2025 to start generating electricity.
