Utility Scale PV

The quickening exit of coal-fired generation from Australia’s energy mix – with 60% of capacity expected to be withdrawn from the National Electricity Market by 2030 – has emphasised the need for significant investment in renewable energy generation, storage, transmission, and system services.

The Australian arm of Spanish energy giant Iberdrola has broken ground on its 190 MW Avonlie Solar Farm with the ‘golden rows’ of solar panels installed at the project being developed in the New South Wales Riverina region.

The Australian Energy Market Operator has declared approximately $12.7 billion of investment in new transmission lines should begin “as urgently as possible” to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and energy storage, replace exiting coal-fired power plants, and deliver a more efficient and effective grid in eastern and south-eastern Australia.

A green hydrogen production facility planned for Brighton, Tasmania, is progressing with its developer, Countrywide Renewable Hydrogen, owned by ReNu Energy, announcing it has an option to lease its identified site and has drawn up a term sheet with a local contractor.

Tata Power’s engineering, procurement and construction unit has commissioned a 101.6 MWp floating solar project in the Indian state of Kerala.

The main winner of the first renewables auction in the Philippines was developer Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. (SPNEC), which secured five solar projects, or 1.35 GW of capacity.

South Australia utility SA Water has energised another solar PV plant as part of a $300 million solar investment designed to save on both costs and carbon. switching on a 10.3 MW solar system at its Rocky Gully pump station near Murray Bridge in the state’s south-east.

United States-based solar power developer VivoPower International has secured its largest solar contract to date with Australian subsidiary J.A. Martin Electrical appointed to complete the electrical works for the 204 MWdc Edenvale Solar Farm being developed on Queensland’s Western Downs.

In recent years, Longi has turned its attention to green hydrogen. Li Zhenguo, company founder and CEO, speaks with Vincent Shaw in Shanghai about the strategic shift and how coupling this technology with solar PV will be key to achieving carbon neutrality.

Australian solar and battery optimization technology provider Evergen will seek to accelerate its expansion in both the domestic and international markets after closing a $15 million fundraising round led by FRV-X, a division of Saudi-owned energy developer Fotowatio Renewable Ventures.