EnergyAustralia integrates solar PV into its C&I offering
EnergyAustralia has acquired a 49% stake in the Echo Group of companies which tailors energy efficiency solutions and solar installations for commercial and industrial energy consumers.
Victoria’s solar PV rebate out of stock for July
The July quota for solar PV rebates under Victoria’s Solar Homes program has been filled within days. The next release will be available in August.
South Australia gives 500 MW solar farm coupled with 250 MW battery go-ahead
One of Australia’s largest utility-scale solar arrays and the biggest energy storage facilities was given a tick of approval.
States take over on climate change, but NSW and Queensland make patchy progress
With no new measures to the reduce emissions in the electricity sector and no renewable energy target beyond 2020, federal government leaves little room for hope for policy driven renewables expansion. At a state level, ambitious renewable energy targets could help fill the policy void to a certain extent, but some states are falling short of their self-imposed targets for either renewable energy or emissions reductions.
Australia edges closer to national hydrogen strategy
Nine issues papers have been developed following national and international consultation as Australia seeks to tap the global transition to lower emissions sources of energy.
Victoria’s Solar Homes program returns with a bang
The first-in best-dressed Solar Homes program kicked off on Monday, with a half of solar rebates available in July snapped in the first day. The revamped scheme will be accompanied with a more stringent auditing program and other measures to optimize the rollout following difficulties that have plagued round one.
Under new asset management — Australia’s utility-scale solar farms
Year two of Australia’s utility-scale solar boom and the first wave of defects liability periods is rolling to an end, providing new opportunities for long-term maintenance and optimisation of plant performance. This week the Smart Energy Council and SolarPlaza raised a conference in the name of Solar Asset Management, to help address risks and responsibilities for these and future solar farming.
Santos petrol processing plant now powered by solar PV, thanks to AGL
AGL has completed a 2.12 MW ground-mounted solar PV system at Santos’ Port Bonython hydrocarbon processing plant in Whyalla, South Australia. The installation represents a step in the right direction for Santos’ emissions reduction program.
Western Australian mines to be powered with solar, wind and batteries
Two Western Australian mines will be powered by renewable energy hybrid microgrids echoing a global shift away from fossil fuels in the mining sector.
Next round of Solar Homes targets 42,000 resi arrays, 1,000 batteries
The Victorian Government has published its targets and caps for the 2019/20 round of the Solar Homes program. 40,0000 privately owned homes are set to receive government grants under the program, with an additional 2,000 systems on rental properties. 1,000 grants for retrofitted residential storage are also set to be subsidised in the latest round, in targeted areas.
