Federal government launches $50 million microgrid funding program
Up to $20 million of grants will be awarded for microgrid feasibility studies across Australia through the first round of the Federal Government’s Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund. The fund aims to provide more secure, affordable and reliable power to regional communities and save “hundreds of millions of dollars” on network upgrades.
“I said ‘Lord Howe!’” Iconic island to receive solar + battery storage installation
Lord Howe Island is set to finally receive a solution to its energy problems with the installation of a solar + battery storage system that will reduce its reliance on diesel fuel.
Coffs Harbour begins rapid solar uptake
Coffs Harbour City Council has begun a rapid uptake of solar PV as it looks to meet its target of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Off-grid PV-based power systems more reliable than poles and wires for rural WA
Western Australia’s regional and remote energy provider, Horizon Power, is toppling traditional energy infrastructure in favour of solar-plus-battery systems with backup diesel generation. Farmers list surprising reasons why they’re thrilled to disconnect…
Council takes EV, rooftop PV, renewables PPA initiatives towards carbon neutrality
Victoria’s Hobson Bay City Council has announced a range of initiatives to move towards its carbon neutrality goals, including a renewable energy power purchase agreement, deployment of EV infrastructure and rooftop solar.
Horizon becomes first utility to replace overhead network with stand-alone solar and battery systems
Today’s project milestone saw the disconnection of the properties from overhead lines and will enable 64 kilometres of poles and wires to be replaced by off-grid solar+battery solutions.
Blue Mountains going carbon neutral
Blue Mountains City Council has set a firm carbon neutrality target for 2025 after getting the nod from the Three Sisters. The region is quickly becoming known for its sustainability.
Sonnen rolls out batteries to Australia’s most sustainable residential development
Aquarevo, VIC, Australia’s most water and energy efficient residential development, has seen its first instalment of sonnenBatteries at its showcase house, allowing residents to see the German designed, Aussie made energy storage technology in action.
Sunovate, like the hot air it puts to good use, is on the rise
After celebrating Sunovate’s first demo project, pv magazine Australia sat down with Co-Founder and Managing Director Cesira Leigh to talk all things Sunovate, how the rising Aussie solar PV innovator came to be, and where it’s going.
French start-up launches solar engine
The invention converts the energy produced by PV cells directly into mechanical motion without the need for batteries or power electronics. Its developers claim the robustness of the solar motor can drive water pumps and ventilation turbines for more than 20 years without the need for maintenance.
