RMIT leads global research into solar panel recycling
Melbourne’s RMIT University researchers are in Europe leading an international network focussed on advancing the reuse and recycling of solar panels, including critical mineral recovery.
UNSW team creates vortex generators for passive solar module cooling
University of New South Wales researchers have created vortex generators that can reportedly reduce the operating solar module temperature by up to 2.5 C. They built two different prototypes, based on aluminum and a conductive 3D printable polymer, and tested them under several scenarios in an experimental setting deployed in Sydney.
Upsurge of SMEs borrowing to invest in green vehicles and equipment
Green finance for vehicles and equipment is selling like hot cakes in Western Australia where National Australia Bank has seen a 305% increase in loans there in a six month period, and demand for electric bus loans are up 168%, new data finds.
Modular solar solution helps mining operation shift to renewables
Modular solar specialist 5B’s pre-assembled and relocatable Maverick solar solution has been unfolded in another off-grid hybrid renewable energy project as the decarbonisation of Australia’s mining sector continues.
Frontier Energy boosts Waroona battery duration
Renewables developer Frontier Energy has boosted the duration of the 80 MW battery energy storage system planned for the Waroona Renewable Energy Project being developed near Perth by 12% to 4.5 hours. The first stage of the project is to also include a 120 MW solar farm.
65 MW agrivoltaic project gets consent in New Zealand
United Kingdom renewables company Ethical Power has the green light to develop the agrivoltaic 65 MW Buckleys Road Solar Farm and battery energy storage system in New Zealand’s south island.
Queensland budget amps up renewables with $26 billion investment
The 2024–25 Queensland Budget has delivered on its commitment to invest $26 billion into the state’s energy transformation, funding the renewable energy sector and grid infrastructure to progress its legislated target of 75% emissions reduction by 2035.
Jemena partners with Solarig for green hydrogen projects
Spanish renewable project developer Solarig has signed an agreement with Australian electricity and gas company Jemena to collaborate on the development of green hydrogen projects, dropping a pin on regional New South Wales.
Indonesia targets more than 5.7 GW of rooftop solar by 2028
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Indonesia has set a quota of 5,746 MW of rooftop solar to be deployed between 2024 and 2028. The Jakarta-based Institute for Essential Services Reform anticipates rooftop solar to be more commonly adopted by commercial and industrial consumers than residential users, following the abolishment of net-metering earlier this year.
AGL tips $150 million into UK-born smart energy platform
Energy major AGL will invest $150 million for a 20% stake in smart energy platform Kaluza in a move the utility hopes will radically transform its retail operations and deliver significant savings.
