Japanese utilities giant’s proposed takeover of Genex lands FIRB approval
Japanese energy utility J-Power’s proposed acquisition of Australian renewables and pumped hydro developer Genex Power has received Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
Drone technology delivers transmission first for Powerlink
Queensland network operator Powerlink is claiming a first for the Asia-Pacific region after partnering with Australian technology company Infravision, which uses drones for aerial power line installation, to connect a renewable energy project in north Queensland to the national grid.
WA green lights first solar project under streamlined approvals process
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation’s ambition to be a key player in Australia’s clean energy transition has received a boost with the Western Australian government fast tracking approval for a 150 MW solar project in the Pilbara.
Enel Green Power secures finance for NSW solar and storage project
The Quorn Park Hybrid Project, that will comprise an 80 MW solar farm and two-hour battery energy storage system, is expected to commence full operations in early 2026 with developer Enel Green Power Australia announcing the construction phase will begin within the next quarter.
Longi claims 34.6% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
The European Solar Test Installation has confirmed Longi’s achievement of a world record-breaking efficiency rating of 34.6% for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell.
Weekend read: Southeast Asian solar’s bright future
Ibrahim Ariffin and JP Grayda, from Afry Management Consulting, examine two promising ASEAN markets, the Philippines and Malaysia, and the challenges they face as they strive to hit renewable energy targets. The long-term outlook is broadly positive, despite some uncertainties.
CSP green methanol plant firms ties with German fuel giant
Thermal solar company Vast Renewables and German-headquartered energy company Mabanaft have further cemented their partnership with a joint development agreement to advance Vast’s CSP-powered green methanol reference plant, Solar Methanol 1.
RMIT leads global research into solar panel recycling
Melbourne’s RMIT University researchers are in Europe leading an international network focussed on advancing the reuse and recycling of solar panels, including critical mineral recovery.
AGL and Origin switch gears on energy transition strategy
AGL Energy has followed suit with Origin Energy to say it will shift from direct investment into renewable energy generation toward decarbonisation targets, favouring alternatives like pumped hydro, gas and batteries.
UNSW team creates vortex generators for passive solar module cooling
University of New South Wales researchers have created vortex generators that can reportedly reduce the operating solar module temperature by up to 2.5 C. They built two different prototypes, based on aluminum and a conductive 3D printable polymer, and tested them under several scenarios in an experimental setting deployed in Sydney.
