Woodside reveals large-scale solar plan for Western Australia
Oil and gas giant Woodside Energy is exploring a move into large-scale solar PV, floating plans to develop a 100 MW solar plant alongside its Pluto liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Fronius launches new inverter for large-scale PV plants
The 50 kW version of the new inverter features an efficiency of 98.6% and a European efficiency of 98.1%. It can be deployed with a decentralised approach, next to the PV modules, or centralised, at the grid connection point.
Stanwell announces new battery as part of state storage blitz
The Queensland Government is doubling down on its renewable energy strategy, announcing the state’s largest battery is soon to be connected to the grid and unveiling plans to build a large-scale standalone battery alongside the coal-fired Tarong Power Station.
Dug Technologies targets renewables hot spot for new data centre
Australian software firm Dug Technology has revealed its ambition to build the “world’s first” carbon-free data centre powered by renewable energy in Western Australia’s coastal city of Geraldton.
Microgrid research project aims to help farmers and the network
A microgrid research project taking place in four farming communities located in New South Wales and Queensland. Over 50 smart meters are collecting real-time energy data to determine models and microgrid solutions to help farmers struggling with high electricity bills, and to help the struggling network of energy infrastructure.
Plans for $1bn of solar-powered green hydrogen and ammonia in Abu Dhabi
Details are thin on the ground as yet, but Emirati newspaper The National has reported the port facility will be linked to an 800 MW solar field at the site.
Large-scale solar PV slows as big battery investment takes off
Renewable energy developers in Australia have turned their attention to energy storage with the level of investment in utility-scale batteries skyrocketing by more than 300% in the past three months but that has been offset by a worrying decline in the number of large-scale solar PV and wind projects reaching financial close.
Solar saves NSW City Council $46,000, prompts plans for a third system quadruple the size
In the twelve months since its solar systems were installed, Wagga Wagga City Council saved over $46,000. Given the success, the Council tells pv magazine Australia it is now planning an additional 500 kW system.
Smart meters allow excess midday solar energy to be soaked up locally in ‘innovative’ NSW program
A new program has launched on the New South Wales south coast enabling solar generated on residential rooftops to be consumed locally by hot water systems through smart meters alone, helping manage the growing problem of variable electricity in the grid without requiring new infrastructure.
Victoria bans door-to-door sales for solar companies, introduces $1 million fine for wrongful disconnections
Victoria’s state government has introduced new rules for solar businesses and energy retailers banning on door-to-door sales of products and announcing penalties of up to $1 million for retailers that wrongfully disconnect the electricity of vulnerable Victorians.
