Rapid large scale solar segment growth potential risk to quality
The rapid build out of a large pipeline of utility scale PV projects around Australia could stretch the experienced installation labour force, threatening quality. Solar industry veteran and the Managing Director of PI Berlin Lars Podlowski made the warning as the company expands into Australia through its acquisition of quality assurance provider SolarBuyer.
CEFC steps up to finance 70 MW Oakey 2 project
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is continuing to foster utility scale PV growth in Queensland, providing $55 million in non-recourse project finance to the Oakey 2 Solar Farm. Canadian Solar will supply modules for the project and will also serve as EPC.
SA Water to install 100 kW floating array, announces $10 million solar, storage tender
South Australia’s water utility will install a trial floating PV array on its Happy Valley Reservoir. The 100 kW system will be installed in 2018 and is a part of the utility’s plans, announced today, to reduce its net electricity costs to zero by 2020.
Australia Post installs 2.1 MW at Sydney parcel facility
In what it claims is Australia’s largest single rootop PV array, Australia Post has added 2.1 MW of PV to its Sydney Parcel Facility in Chullora.
CEFC hits 1 GW milestone, provides $207 million debt finance to Wirsol projects
After agreeing to provide debt finance to two Wirsol projects with a combined capacity of 200 MW, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has achieved the milestone of having funded 1 GW of large scale solar projects. The two loans to Wirsol allow construction of the projects to get underway before PPAs have been signed.
Akuo Energy to build 50 MW PV project in Bali
France’s Akuo Energy has achieved a milestone in the development of a 50 MW solar PV plant in Bali. The project indicates that Indonesia’s new renewable program may lead to an increase in PPAs for renewable projects in certain regions.
Maoneng signs PPA for 300 MW in New South Wales
Chinese/Australian developer Maoneng has signed a 15-year PPA to provide energy company AGL with 300 MW of PV projects, to provide up to 800,000 MWh of electricity per year. The projects form part of AGL’s plan to replace the coal-fired Liddell Power Station, set to close in 2022.
Construction begins on Australia’s first hybrid solar+wind+storage plant in Queensland
Ground was broken on the 60 MW project in a ceremony held on Monday. Developer Windlab limited says it expects the $160 million project to be completed in late 2018.
CRC-P awards $8.34 million for three green projects
Under the Cooperative Research Center Program 4th Selection Round, the Australian Federal Government will extend a grant for a smart home energy management system. Other awarded green projects involve an energy storage technology alternative for lithium-ion batteries and innovative generation of low cost, zero-emission, reliable electricity.
EDF launches 30 GW solar plan
French energy giant, EDF has announced a plan to develop 30 GW of solar projects in France between 2020 and 2035.
