Origin Energy’s decision to extend the operation of Australia’s largest coal-fired power station until 2029 has come under fire with the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis warning it creates uncertainty that could threaten new renewables investment.

South Australia-based renewables developer Green Gold Energy says it has received connection approval for a 108 MW solar farm and 440 MWh battery energy storage system being developed in the state’s northeast.

Akaysha Energy says its Brendale battery energy storage system in Queensland has commenced commercial operations close to five months ahead of schedule.

Solar and wind now provide 99% of new generating capacity in Australia. Renewables supply more than 40% of power to the main grid. Australia will need six times as much solar and wind to reach net zero through the electrification of everything. This means building new transmission corridors, as existing lines were built to connect cities with coal power stations. But the best solar and wind resources lie in different places.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have achieved a record-setting power conversion efficiency with solar cells made from antimony chalcogenide, an emerging PV material regarded as a strong candidate for next-generation solar technology.

Smart Commercial Energy has unveiled a new prefabricated vertical rooftop solar system for the Australian market as part of a collaboration with Norwegian clean energy company Over Easy Solar.

Australia has led the charge in solar energy, setting the standard for solar panel adoption worldwide. The Snapshot of Global PV Markets 2024 report published by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme shows that more than 30% of Australia’s households are fitted with rooftop solar PV units, harnessing the sun’s power to meet their energy needs.

Australian households, small businesses and community organisations have installed a record-setting 200,000 battery energy storage systems since the launch of the federal rebate in July with the $7.2 billion initiative now expected to deliver more than 2 million home batteries by 2030.

The Australian government will pump almost $25 million into a national solar panel recycling program in a bid to reduce landfill and recover valuable metals and minerals that can support the renewable energy transition.

Incat Tasmania has started harbour trials of the largest battery-electric ship constructed to date with the 130-metre vessel moving under its own battery-electric propulsion for the first time.