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.
Solar PV employed about 3.4 million people in 2021
A new report published by the International Energy Agency shows solar PV provided employment for approximately 3.4 million people in 2021 with almost half of the workers employed in China, about 280,000 in North America, over 260,000 in Europe, and some 50,000 in Africa. The vast majority of workers were employed in manufacturing and installation of new capacity, with solar jobs paying lower wage premiums than the nuclear, oil, and gas industries.
AGL plots solar and storage microgrid for farming operation
Electricity supplier AGL Energy will deploy a solar-powered microgrid featuring 5.4 MWh of battery energy storage on a commercial orchard in the New South Wales Riverina region in a bid to reduce the horticultural operation’s reliance on diesel-fuelled generators.
UK startup unveils solar trees for commercial, industrial areas
United Kingdom-based SolarBotanic Trees will begin offering its solar trees in early 2023. The systems will use monocrystalline cells with an efficiency of up to 24%, encapsulated in a 3D shape.
Scientists study transparent organic PV materials for solar window applications
A team of scientists in the United States have designed a transparent organic photovoltaic material for solar window applications in commercial buildings.
Zenith plans Australia’s largest off-grid hybrid power plant for mining op
Australian battery minerals company Liontown Resources will install what is shaping to be the nation’s largest off-grid renewable energy hybrid power station at its $545 million Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Western Australia, allowing the mine to be powered by 100% on-site renewables during periods of high wind and solar resource.
US poised to hit 336 GW of solar by 2027
Solar capacity in the United States is expected to grow from 129 GW today to 336 GW by 2027, according to the country’s Solar Energy Industries Association and research firm Wood Mackenzie.
IEA predicts global heat pump installs to hit 600 million by 2030
The International Energy Agency says that the deployment of 600 million heat pumps by 2030 could cover 20% of the annual heating requirements of buildings throughout the world.
Sharp unveils black-framed 410 W half-cut solar panels
Sharp’s newest PV modules feature white backsheets and are made for the needs of design-oriented customers.
Tasmania tips $2.5 million into solar irrigation project
Tasmanian farmers are set to turn to solar PV to cut energy costs with the state-owned irrigation authority announcing plans to install solar arrays at up to 13 existing pump station sites around the state, offsetting electricity usage and generating surplus power to be fed back into the grid.
