WA energy minister shifts focus from solar subsidies to battery incentives
The Western Australia government has signaled scrapping or winding back subsidies for rooftop solar, while looking for ways to boost battery uptake.
CEC: 3.1 GW of solar in construction pipeline, policy uncertainty undermines long-term investment confidence
According to the latest statistics from the Clean Energy Council (CEC), there are 42 wind and solar projects totaling 6239 MW worth close to $10 billion currently in construction or due to start soon across Australia. The unprecedented large-scale renewables activity is, however, surrounded by growing uncertainty over future policy and regulatory change.
CEFC invests in 1,100 MW clean energy projects in FY18
Looking back on the 2017-18 financial year, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has confirmed it provided $1.1 billion towards renewable energy projects, including 10 large-scale solar projects.
Victoria’s 100 MW solar farm receives financial green light
Having finalized the financing agreement for the project, French renewable energy producer Neoen announced that full construction on Victoria’ Numurkah Solar Farm is ready to commence this week, with major supply contracts previously secured for the Laverton steelworks and the Melbourne tram network.
Module price declines could result in $60/MWh utility scale solar
Falling module prices could very well dramatically enhance the competitiveness of large scale solar in Australia – pushing the price at which PV can be produced below the wholesale curve. Rystad Energy believes that with a 20-30% module price decline, as has been forecast, $60MWh utility scale solar could become the new reality.
The figures for China’s booming PV industry will be seen with a tinge of regret
In what analysts worldwide are sure to look back on as the last golden period for global solar – at least for the immediate future – China saw more impressive figures for PV manufacturing in the first half of the year. Then the government stepped in.
Tasmania undertakes FiT review, inaugurates major commercial solar PV project
The Tasmanian government is undertaking a review of the FiT support scheme, which it says will lower the cost of electricity for Tasmanian households and small businesses. With one of the state’s largest commercial solar PV projects commissioned yesterday, the government is edging towards its objective of making Tasmania’s electricity 100% renewable by 2022.
Sunshine Coast Solar Farm doubles expected savings in first year
The 15 MW Sunshine Coast Solar Farm at Valdora, Queensland, has far exceeded savings expectations in its first year of operation while offsetting 100% of the local council’s energy usage across all facilities and operations.
US fund New Energy Solar acquires 87 MW Beryl
The Beryl Solar Farm, under development in New South Wales, has been purchased by PV asset fund New Energy Solar. 87 MW Beryl is the second Australian First Solar project to be purchased by New, with its 15-year PPA in place attractive to the asset owner.
Risen touts local contractors, construction on 121 MW Yarranlea begins “in earnest”
Chinese module maker Risen Energy has begun major earthworks and site preparation before mounting system installation at the 121.5 MW Yarranlea project in Queensland. While Risen has not tapped local financing for the project, indeed any outside finance at all, the company has highlighted its local contractor workforce, in a statement today.
