Intensive testing has exposed a range of faults in both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries and battery management systems. ITP Renewables shares some key findings from its testing program and findings and how its program is providing valuable feedback to suppliers and the wider industry.

Octopus Energy Investments, the UK’s largest investor in utility scale solar, which set up an office in Melbourne last year, has rebranded itself as Octopus Renewables as the £3 billion (AU$5.3 billion) global fund manager looks to throw its considerable weight behind the global energy transition to renewables.

Far North Queensland is looking set for another large-scale solar farm as the Tablelands Regional Council approved the development of a 81 MW solar PV facility near the town of Tolga in the Atherton Tablelands.

Chargefox, Australia’s only public ultra-rapid EV charging network, has demonstrated its rapid growth by opening the most powerful EV charging station in the Southern Hemisphere. At the same time it announced its partnership with Yurika and the Queensland Government to manage the 17 fast charging sites that make up the Queensland Electric Super Highway.

Evie Networks, largely funded by coal baron Trevor St Baker’s St Baker Energy Innovation Fund to the tune of $28 million, has announced its partnership with U.S. software company EV Connect to help systematise Evie’s proposed ultra-fast highway charging network. The network could enable affordable EV options to pick up speed in Australia. 

Applications for ARENA’s A-Lab Incubate 2019, a three-day innovation lab where teams are invited to develop high-impact projects looking to forward Australia’s transition to renewable energies, officially opened this month. Participants receive intensive expert assistance and access to potential investors including ARENA, CEFC and private investment funds.

Offgrid installations formed an early training ground for many veterans of Australia’s solar industry – often in particularly tough conditions. Bunjil Energy CEO and Co-founder Isaac Harrison shares this experience and is putting it to work to pursue his vision for Eco Solar Farms and empowering indigenous communities through PV.

The Australian Battery Performance Standard Project (ABPS) was launched in June of 2018 and has now advanced into its second and last stage after completing an intensive period of analysis and calibration. Along with the recently completed ITP Renewables testing, Australia will soon have comprehensive standards across the board. The ratification of performance standards would solidify Australia’s place as a front-runner in the global battery storage industry.

Chinese PV module maker Risen Energy has announced that it is advancing rapidly towards the completion of its 121 MW Yarranlea Solar Farm in Queensland, with construction scheduled to conclude as early as October 2019.