Bella Peacock
A plan to make a plan: Australia’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy unveiled
The Albanese government’s National Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy includes just five new initiatives, four of which are still in the “development” or “preparation” stages. While there is a general sentiment the 56-page strategy is ‘a step in the right direction,’ numerous stakeholders have already pointed to its glaring omissions.
Hydrogen truck to be showcased at Brisbane convention before Pepsi trials
Australian company Pure Hydrogen will showcase its ‘Taurus’ hydrogen fuel cell prime mover at the Brisbane Truck Show in May. The demonstration will be immediately followed by a trial at PepsiCo Australia, which will use the truck at one of its Brisbane manufacturing sites.
NZ hydrogen startup claims it’s ‘cracked the iridium problem,’ raises $2.3m in seed round
A newly-launched New Zealand startup claims its catalyst layer technology reduces the amount of iridium and platinum needed for electrolysis by a factor of 25. The startup, a spinout from a research institute, has raised NZD 2.5 million ($2.3m/USD 1.55m) in a seed funding round.
‘Record’ renewables under construction says report which contrasts earlier analysis
Industry peak body the Clean Energy Council has arrived at a starkly different conclusion about Australia’s large-scale renewable segment in 2023 compared to independent analyst Sunwiz. In its latest report, it hails the number of utility projects under construction and is highly optimistic about the segment’s prospects.
‘Monumental mistake’: experts alarmed by major NSW-Victoria interconnector plan
In a strongly-worded submission, two experts claim AEMO’s backbone interconnector proposed between Victoria and New South Wales is a “monumental mistake” and relies on analysis that is “biased, flawed and in parts dishonest.”
Zero solar export limits soon to be heavily restricted
The Australian Energy Regulator has handed down its final decision on when electricity networks are permitted to impose zero export limits on rooftop solar systems. The answer: almost never.
Adelaide company granted license to explore hydrogen storage in SA’s underground salt caverns
South Australian technology company EntX has been granted a license to explore salt deposits along the western side of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia for the purpose of hydrogen storage.
5 GW green hydrogen project wins bid for SA’s Eyre Peninsula
Canadian-headquartered clean energy firm Amp Energy has secured the rights to develop a green hydrogen project with up to 5 GW of electrolyser capacity on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Amp has signed an agreement with iron ore miner Iron Road which owns the coastal site, including the Cape Hardy Port Precinct.
Australia’s approval of renewable projects has doubled, says Plibersek
Australia federal Labor government has approved 11 new renewable energy and transmission projects in since the election in May 2022. There are currently another 95 renewable projects under assessment.
Perth-company with UWA hydrogen technology signs deal with Japan
Seeking to commercialise hydrogen technology developed by the University of Western Australia, Perth-based Hazer Group has entered into a somewhat vague agreement with Japan’s Chubu Electric Power Company and engineering firm Chiyoda Corporation.
