Ergon plans ‘Queensland first’ microgrid in state’s far north
Queensland government-owned utility Ergon Energy has announced it will build the state’s first network-connected microgrid as it investigates how to best utilise distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar, and improve the reliability of electricity supply in edge-of-grid communities.
Remote Vanuatu healthcare centres fitted out with rooftop solar
Australian government initiative REnew Pacific in partnership with disaster relief organisation Respond Global are installing 20 off-grid solar power systems and refurbishing 20 additional health facilities in Vanuatu, to enable reliable 24/7 electricity in some of the island nation’s most remote communities.
Malaysia introduces rooftop solar aggregation scheme
Malaysia’s first rooftop aggregation initiative for solar systems is now live. The program allows homeowners to lease or rent their rooftop for solar generation, with the electricity produced sold to commercial and domestic customers within a 5 km radius.
Three new Victorian community batteries to operate in virtual power plant
Energy from three new community batteries to be built by Melbourne-based Yarra Energy Foundation will be managed by Victorian electricity company Diamond Energy’s virtual power plant.
Chemitek Solar launches new antistatic soiling mitigation coating
The Portuguese company said its new anti-soiling solution lasts for at least a year. It can be applied during routine cleaning operations by mixing it directly in the cleaning water.
Demand for agrivoltaic projects in New Zealand growing
New Zealand solar farm developer Lightyears Solar has turned on the Waingawa Solar Farm, a 4.7 MW community agrivoltaic project, utilising 7,700 solar panels, noting a significant increase from landowners in hosting solar arrays.
Community batteries charge on across New South Wales and Victoria
Over 30 community batteries have been launched since 1 April 2025 backed by federal government grants as part of its $200 million deployment of 400 community battery installations across Australia.
Agrivoltaic partnership to drive social licence for landholders hosting solar
Agrisolar Cooperative Research Centre has partnered with a private consultancy to accelerate on-farm renewable energy adoption and protect productive agricultural land.
Pioneering ‘solar garden’ scores sustainability award
Australia’s first large-scale solar garden, the Haystacks Solar Garden in the New South Wales Riverina region has been named among the winners of the country’s longest running sustainability awards.
Senate inquiry recommends households install rooftop solar and batteries
The Australian senate inquiry into residential electrification final report gives bipartisan support to leverage rooftop solar and recommends federal, state and territory governments promote the uptake of consumer energy resources.
