David Carroll
Ark Energy floats 3 GW renewables hub for Queensland
International metals group Korea Zinc’s Australian subsidiary Ark Energy has announced it will build 3 GW of renewable energy generation in north Queensland as part of plans to produce more than 1 million tonnes of green ammonia per annum for export by 2032.
There’s a huge surge in solar production under way – and Australia could show world how to use it
You might feel despondent after reading news reports about countries doubling down on fossil fuels to cope with energy price spikes.
Work begins on Australia’s largest rooftop solar PV build
Renewable energy investment fund Solar Bay and logistic company Logos have commenced construction of Australia’s largest roof-mounted solar PV system, airlifting in the first of more than 120,000 solar panels that will be installed atop an 800,000sqm industrial warehousing facility in south-western Sydney.
Alinta gives green light for WA solar and battery project
Power utility Alinta Energy expects work on a 45 MW solar farm and 35 MW battery energy storage system planned for Western Australia’s Pilbara region to commence before the end of the year following the signing of a large-scale renewable power purchase agreement with international mining giant BHP.
Fortescue plans additional 2 GW to 3 GW of renewables as part of $9.2 billion investment
Australian-based mining giant Fortescue Metals Group has announced it will deploy an additional 2 GW to 3 GW of renewable energy generation and battery storage as part of a more-than $9 billion plan to decarbonise its iron-ore operations by 2030.
Shift in energy system helps Victoria smash emissions targets
Victoria’s ongoing transition to renewable energy sources, including the installation of hundreds of thousands of rooftop solar PV systems, has helped the state “smash” its 2020 emission reduction targets on the path to net zero by 2050.
Electric planes are coming: Short-hop regional flights could be running on batteries in a few years
Electric planes might seem futuristic, but they aren’t that far off, at least for short hops. Two-seater Velis Electros are already quietly buzzing around Europe, electric sea planes are being tested in British Columbia, and larger planes are coming.
UK investment firm makes $36 million move into NSW solar market
United Kingdom-headquartered investment firm Global Sustainable Energy Opportunities has increased its Australian solar PV portfolio, committing $36 million (£21.2 million) to acquire three more solar projects with a combined capacity of 15 MW.
Solar-powered ‘backpacks’ to help bring birds back from brink
Tiny solar-powered, satellite backpacks are being used to track one of Australia’s rarest bird species as part of a 10-year, $175 million conservation effort between the New South Wales, South Australian and Victorian governments.
Todd proposes 400 MW solar farm for New Zealand’s North Island
New Zealand’s large-scale solar PV market is poised for a momentous shift with energy company Todd Generation pursuing plans to establish a 400 MW solar farm at Rangitāiki on the North Island.
