Renewable energy projects predicted to drive $20 billion construction boom
Spending on building renewable energy infrastructure is forecast to peak at $20 billion in 2026, stimulated by the Australian government’s target of 82% electricity from renewables by 2030, but caution remains over workforce capability.
NT community claims ‘Australian first’ with solar-powered microgrid
Residents in the remote Northern Territory community of Marlinja are preparing to power up what is being described as Australia’s first 100% First Nations-owned and grid-connected solar microgrid.
Research shows repaired PV modules can perform with acceptable losses
A research group in Spain has demonstrated the technical feasibility of using repaired solar modules with satisfying results. However it warned that there is an urgent need to define a protocol for evaluating the features of a “viable” repaired panel.
CEFC confirms $490 million commitment to accelerate NSW grid transformation
Development of the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is predicted to now accelerate with the federal government’s green bank announcing a $490 million commitment to support the development of key grid infrastructure in the New South Wales central west.
Stationary energy storage key priority in new national battery strategy
The Australian government has announced its new multi-billion-dollar National Battery Strategy aiming to boost the country’s domestic battery manufacturing capabilities and critical minerals processing capacity.
Renewables sector hauls two-year Eraring extension over the coals
The New South Wales government has confirmed the Eraring Power Station will remain open two years beyond its planned 2025 closure date, with the black coal-fired power plant to now remain in operation until August 2027, with the potential for a further extension until April 2029.
Bowen targets 20% market share with Solar Sunshot
Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen believes the federal government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot initiative could result in domestic manufacturing providing 20% of the nation’s PV panel needs by the end of the decade.
NSW awards new funding to accelerate 6.5 GWh of battery projects
Grid connections for four battery energy storage projects with a combined capacity of more than 6.5 GWh are to be fast-tracked by the New South Wales government as it seeks to ensure electricity reliability as coal-fired generation exits the system.
CSIRO analysis reveals large-scale solar still cheapest electricity technology
The CSIRO GenCost report shows renewables remain the cheapest new build electricity technology in Australia, with utility-scale solar emerging as the golden child, despite inflationary pressures, supply chain constraints and costs associated with additional storage and transmission.
Federal government rejects Queensland solar project
The Australian government has knocked back a proposed 100 MW solar farm being developed amid coal-seam gas projects dotted across the Surat Basin in Queensland’s Western Downs region.
