The coupling of solar PV energy facilities with water treatment plants continues to grow in popularity with two Queensland councils taking the plunge this week, announcing plans to commence construction on behind-the-metre solar farms.

With the Victorian Government determined to make Victoria a renewable energy leader, one of the smallest local government areas (LGA) in the state is doing its bit to make a big impression with small-scale solar PV uptake, giving free rooftop solar systems to community organisations as part of the Yarra Solar Program.

Geelong oil refinery owner Viva Energy remains on track to become a producer of green hydrogen using solar energy after signing a landmark deal with US-headquartered hydrogen vehicle company Hyzon Motors to work together to provide zero-emission vehicles coupled with hydrogen refuelling solutions in Australia.

Enova Community Energy have confirmed clean energy giant Tesla will supply the battery for its first grid-scale shared community battery and peer-to-peer solar energy trading project being developed in the New South Wales Hunter Region.

Western Australian Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup has unveiled an ambitious new energy policy in the lead up to the state election, announcing a $400 million jobs and renewable energy plan which would see coal phased out along with big investments in solar, wind and hydrogen.

Energy utility AGL has reaffirmed its ambition to have 850 MW of new large-scale battery storage in its portfolio by the end of 2024 after announcing falling power prices and an outage at the coal-fired Liddell Power Station in New South Wales had wiped out more than a quarter of its half-yearly profit.

The highly successful Western Australian community battery rollout continues with the expansion of the PowerBank trial, run by the state’s biggest generator and retailer Synergy in conjunction with state-owned network operator Western Power.

Long-standing solar PV manufacturer Suntech is set to expand its offerings in the Australian market with the imminent release of sister company Sunways’ range of single-phase inverters.

Oil and gas exploration and development company Real Energy continues to pursue its hydrogen ambitions, entering into a key partnership with Port Anthony Renewables to build and develop a large-scale hydrogen production facility in eastern Victoria.

Australian engineer Daniel Westerman has been chosen to head the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) as the nation continues to navigate a rapid transformation of the generation mix.