A new report from the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute shows that concentrating solar thermal power has a major role to play in cost-effectively decarbonising electricity, industry and fuels over the short- and long-term.

British-headquartered oil and gas major bp will look at deploying a 100 MW electrolyser to produce renewable hydrogen for domestic and export markets as it seeks to transform its former Kwinana oil refinery site in Western Australia into a green fuels hub.

A former car manufacturing site turned “innovation precinct” in South Australia is one step closer to being powered by 100% renewable sources with a 4.5 MWh battery energy storage system having officially commenced operations.

Electric vehicle and battery energy storage manufacturing giant Tesla is aiming to “disrupt the traditional incumbents” in Australia’s electricity retail sector with its application for an electricity retailer licence having been accepted by the market regulator.

The Western Australian government has introduced a new environmental assessment exemption order in a bid to facilitate smoother and faster approvals for major renewable energy projects and support the state’s decarbonisation efforts.

Japan-headquartered renewables developer Bison Energy has signed a supply agreement with tracker manufacturer GameChange Solar that is to underpin the development of five Australian solar projects totaling more than 125 MW.

Former Sun Cable chief executive David Griffin has been appointed to the top job at Australian modular PV array manufacturer 5B where he will oversee the continued rollout of its solar energy solution.

Amid predictions Australia’s energy system faces a summer of extreme demand, the market operator has forecast that renewables, including 2 GW of generation capacity from new wind and solar projects, will counter the risk of power outages.

CS Energy has signed an agreement with United States-headquartered GE Vernova for the supply of key equipment for Queensland’s first “hydrogen-ready” gas peaking power plant which will initially be capable of operating on 35% renewable hydrogen.

Australian lithium explorer St George Mining’s critical minerals strategy has received a significant boost with global battery industry giant Shanghai Jayson New Energy Materials tipping a further $3 million into the Perth-based company.