Queensland’s Court of Appeal has dismissed the government’s application to enforce regulation requiring licensed electrical workers to mount and fix unplugged solar panels.

Walcha Energy – a joint venture between Australian developers Energy Estate and Mirus Wind – has lodged the scoping report with the NSW planning authorities for a 700 MW solar farm, a 100MW/150MWh battery and its plans for a renewable energy hub at Uralla.

Last year, Australia shattered all records in terms of investment in renewables and capacity additions, but a range of concerns for solar PV developers, including network constraints, delays and grid connection issues, are looming over the nation’s clean energy sector, according to an annual overview drafted by global policy network REN21.

Australian mining giant BHP and its strategic partner Mitsubishi Development, the holding company of Mitsubishi’s coal investments in Australia, have pledged to pursue emissions reductions, including from the life-cycle use of marketed products.

More regional Western Australians will have the opportunity to install rooftop solar panels on their premises with 10 MW of additional renewable energy generation released on Horizon Power microgrids.

Two Western Australian mines will be powered by renewable energy hybrid microgrids echoing a global shift away from fossil fuels in the mining sector.

Metka Egn has announced the acquisition of six projects located in New South Wales and Queensland.

Melbourne-based Presbyterian Ladies’ College will be powered solely by wind and solar with the help of a power purchase agreement inked with electricity retailer Flow Power and on-site PV.

Mildura Rural City Council reports a milestone in helping businesses to upgrade their buildings with solar and become more energy efficient and sustainable, while Greater Shepparton sees great results from going solar.

With the trading suspension lifted, the ASX-listed contracting company says its fear of cost blowouts on a 34 MW Victorian project has been allayed by the ongoing good faith negotiations with client Enel Green Power.