Installations

Spanish developer Acciona has closed a $453 million syndicated green loan for the construction and operation of its 480 MWp Aldoga Solar Farm on the Queensland central coast.

PV Hardware (PVH) has released PVH Terra, a foundation system designed to improve solar plant installation on challenging terrain. The system aims to improve stability in expansive soils, frost-affected areas, and sites with poor geotechnical conditions while reducing costs and environmental impact.

New Zealand-headquartered gentailer Meridian Energy is installing a 1.21 MW rooftop solar system on an Auckland brewery roof owned by global beverage company Lion, which will partly power the facility’s annual electricity needs.

A 61 MW off-grid hybrid system powering the Tropicana gold mine in Western Australia is reporting better than expected performance outcomes from the 24 MW solar farm, grid-forming 13 MW battery energy storage system and 24 MW wind turbines.

The integration of renewable energy and digital infrastructure is a growing area attracting investors, according to survey findings by a new IMF Investors report, showing 80% of a survey respondents plan to increase their infrastructure equity in renewable energy and environmental options.

Cloud energy storage has been investigated as an efficient optimisation method for vehicle-to-grid charging stations, where power between them could be exchanged without physical connections.

China-headquartered smart solutions company Leapting’s specialised robots are helping speed up the installation of Neoen’s Culcairn solar farm in New South Wales, which the company says reduces labour intensity and mitigates construction safety risks.

University of New South Wales’ researchers using artificial intelligence to aid analysis of solar cell degradation, developing innovative green ammonia production and an end-of-life electric vehicle battery solution are recipients of commercialisation grants.

Robots on solar sites are not new; they have been deployed to automate everything from operations and maintenance to inspection and cleaning. In recent months, there has been an uptick in interest in robots for installation, particularly among utility-scale solar developers dealing with staff shortages, safety concerns, rising costs, and pressure to build.

Fortescue Metals Group has submitted a proposal to the Environment Protection Authority for approval of its proposed 644 MW Turner River solar hub near Port Hedland to power iron ore mining operations.