Ev Foley
RMIT leads global research into solar panel recycling
Melbourne’s RMIT University researchers are in Europe leading an international network focussed on advancing the reuse and recycling of solar panels, including critical mineral recovery.
AGL and Origin switch gears on energy transition strategy
AGL Energy has followed suit with Origin Energy to say it will shift from direct investment into renewable energy generation toward decarbonisation targets, favouring alternatives like pumped hydro, gas and batteries.
Upsurge of SMEs borrowing to invest in green vehicles and equipment
Green finance for vehicles and equipment is selling like hot cakes in Western Australia where National Australia Bank has seen a 305% increase in loans there in a six month period, and demand for electric bus loans are up 168%, new data finds.
Pacific Blue starts build of 60 MW battery in South Australia
Pacific Blue Australia has turned the sods on construction of its $100 million, 60 MW / 130 MWh grid scale battery at Clements Gap in South Australia and is the company’s first storage system scheduled to commence operation in 2026.
Landmark PPA inked through $700 million program to source 500 GWh per year
Investment fund managers IFM Investors and QIC have inked Australia’s largest power purchase agreement worth $700 million through its infrastructure renewable energy program which has a potential total size at peak of 500 GWh per year.
Frontier Energy boosts Waroona battery duration
Renewables developer Frontier Energy has boosted the duration of the 80 MW battery energy storage system planned for the Waroona Renewable Energy Project being developed near Perth by 12% to 4.5 hours. The first stage of the project is to also include a 120 MW solar farm.
65 MW agrivoltaic project gets consent in New Zealand
United Kingdom renewables company Ethical Power has the green light to develop the agrivoltaic 65 MW Buckleys Road Solar Farm and battery energy storage system in New Zealand’s south island.
Queensland budget amps up renewables with $26 billion investment
The 2024–25 Queensland Budget has delivered on its commitment to invest $26 billion into the state’s energy transformation, funding the renewable energy sector and grid infrastructure to progress its legislated target of 75% emissions reduction by 2035.
Project Symphony virtual power plant pilot hits right notes for future markets
A West Australian government virtual power plant technology pilot, Project Symphony, has successfully proven rooftop solar, batteries and major appliances can play an integral role in the state’s energy transition and create $920 million in value over the next decade.
Renewable developments not on track to meet targets: CEC report
After a lacklustre 2023, the Clean Energy Council’s new quarterly report paints a positive picture of renewable energy projects’ financial commitments, construction, and commissioning, but warns the numbers fall short of hitting the 82% renewables by 2030 target.
