Powertech warns skills shortage poses threat to energy transition
Western Australian engineering outfit Powertech has called for targeted government funding and focused training schemes to combat a looming workforce crisis that it says threatens Australia’s renewable energy industry growth plans.
Halocell partners with UQ to advance world-record solar tech
New South Wales-based perovskite cell producer Halocell Energy is partnering with University of Queensland researchers to accelerate the commercial production of lead-free solar panels based on record-breaking tin-halide PV cell technology.
Genex reaches construction milestone on 2 GWh pumped hydro project
Construction of the 2 GWh Kidston pumped storage hydro project being developed in northern Queensland has reached a key milestone with the successful installation of the initial spiral case in the underground powerhouse.
Drivers hedge bets with charger drama holding EV uptake back
Range anxiety has long been seen as the main obstacle stopping drivers from going electric. But range isn’t the real issue. The average range of a new electric vehicle is more than 450 km, and top models offer more than 700 km per charge. By contrast, the average car is driven about 33 km per day in Australia as of 2020.
Sofar releases two new C&I energy storage solutions
Chinese storage manufacturer Sofar has released a flexible energy storage system for small and medium-sized commercial and industrial users, as well as a storage cabinet for AC-coupled scenarios.
Sunport Power launches lightweight n-type glass module with 22.5% efficiency
The Chinese manufacturer told pv magazine that high production costs and low module prices influenced its decision to change its well-known metal wrap through technology out for mass produced N-type technology for its latest product.
Ergon plans ‘Queensland first’ microgrid in state’s far north
Queensland government-owned utility Ergon Energy has announced it will build the state’s first network-connected microgrid as it investigates how to best utilise distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar, and improve the reliability of electricity supply in edge-of-grid communities.
Concentrated solar plant turns to plastic mirrors to power clean heat
South Australia researchers will team with industry partners to build a concentrated solar thermal plant in New South Wales featuring lightweight plastic mirrors that incorporate an aluminium-silica reflective coating to produce industrial heat or electricity.
Researchers warn of ‘hidden contaminants’ that could increase TOPCon, HJT solar module humidity-induced degradation
Australian researchers have identified five contaminants that could increase damp heat-induced degradation in TOPCon and heterojunction cells and modules. Their analysis has shown these contaminants could originate from improper handling during cell or module processing.
ClearVue does manufacturing and distribution deal for NZ
ClearVue Technologies has entered the New Zealand market through an exclusive manufacturing and distribution agreement for its solar glass and building integrated PV technology with Viridian Glass, the nation’s largest glass fabricator.
