South Korean electronics and solar PV module manufacturer LG Electronics has announced its new range of solar panels featuring half-cut cell technology and gap-free design for the Australian rooftop market.

Spanish renewables developer X-Elio expects its 200 MW Blue Grass Solar Farm will achieve full commercial operations early this year after it reached financial close for the $215 million project being developed near Chinchilla in Queensland’s Western Downs region.

Australian investment manager Infrastructure Capital Group has stepped into the solar energy sector with the acquisition of a majority stake in a ~300 MW solar PV and energy storage portfolio from clean technology developer and investment firm Providence Asset Group.

Last year saw Australians install rooftop solar like never before, with 40% more installed in 2021 than in 2020. Solar system installations now make up 7% of the energy going into the national electricity grid.

Australian renewable energy developer Maoneng’s 240 MWp/480 MWh big battery project proposed for Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is a step closer to realisation after it secured development approval from the state government.

The Australian arm of German-headquartered renewable energy developer BayWa r.e has added to its growing portfolio of solar PV projects with state and local governments providing the tick of approval for a proposed $18.9 million solar farm to be constructed near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.

Western Australian renewables company Global Energy Ventures is steaming ahead with its plan to establish a massive 2.8 GW green hydrogen production and export facility on the Tiwi Islands off the coast of the Northern Territory, announcing it has already commenced the development program.

Australian green hydrogen production for export and domestic use could generate more than $50 billion in 2050 but how close are we really to a green hydrogen industry? And which states are best placed to host it? Swinburne University of Technology senior research fellow Steven Percy examines Australia’s green hydrogen marketplace.

Construction of a new $2.3 billion electricity interconnector that will link the South Australian and New South Wales energy networks is expected to commence early this year following the South Australian Government’s approval of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement.

The much-delayed Sunraysia Solar Farm is seemingly a step closer to commencing production – more than 24 months behind schedule – with Australian engineering firm Decmil Group confirming the PV project has been given the green light following the successful completion of the required hold point testing.