Utility Scale PV

French renewables developer Neoen’s massive 460 MWp solar farm in Queensland’s Western Downs region is rapidly advancing toward completion with state-owned network operator Powerlink confirming connection to the electricity grid is now complete.

Compressed hydrogen ship maker Global Energy Ventures will develop a 2.8 GW green hydrogen export project on the Tiwi Islands, off the coast of the Northern Territory. It says the project will demonstrate the simplicity and efficiency of compressed hydrogen for Asia-Pacific supply chains, and will of course use a fleet of its own hydrogen-powered and hydrogen carrying 430-tonne ships.

After a failed bid last year to gain control of Australia’s Infigen Energy, Philippines-based AC Energy takes over its partner’s 51.6% stake in UPC\AC Renewables.

The 145 MW Cirata floating PV project achieved financial close in August. The developers claim that the array, which covers 200 hectares of the water’s surface, is an example of transferring new technology that will pave the way for Indonesia’s solar industry and enable the setting of new policies.

Sydney-based prefabricated solar array manufacturer 5B has taken the wraps off a new generation of its re-deployable modular Maverick solar technology which it says is not only quicker and easier to install than the previous model but 30% more powerful.

Singapore-based Sun Cable has unveiled a powerhouse line-up of international engineering and advisory companies to help it deliver the world’s biggest solar PV and battery energy storage project being developed in Australia’s remote far north.

A new study from researchers at the universities of Lancaster and Reading in the UK has managed to quantify the economic boost provided by the symbiotic relationship between solar farms and honeybee hives.

Western Australia grid operator Western Power is expanding its microgrid strategy as it aims to improve the resilience and reliability of electricity supply in regional communities, calling for registrations of interest to develop a renewables-based disconnected microgrid capable of powering a small rural town.

Australian oil and gas giant Woodside is continuing its exploration of renewable energy, partnering with United States-based concentrated solar power entity Heliogen to build a 5 MW solar thermal demonstration plant in California which is expected to be capable of delivering clean energy with nearly 24/7 availability.

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures’ (FRV) Australian platform includes 637 MW (DC) in projects already operational or under construction, and a pipeline comprising 7 GW of solar projects and 1.3 GWh of battery storage.