New South Wales greenlights 11 solar farms in 12 months
The NSW government doubled the number of approved utility-scale solar projects in the previous year, and got off to a promising start to 2018.
South Australia to host another big battery near Snowtown
With all eyes still on the world’s largest lithium-ion battery at the Hornsdale wind farm, South Australia now readies to raise the game with its first big battery built in conjunction with a solar farm.
juwi Australia hires former FRV MD, sharpens utility scale focus
German-headquartered project developer juwi Australia is sharpening its focus towards developing utility scale PV projects, after having previously delivered hybrid projects such as its DeGrussa plant in Western Australia. To pursue the shift, the company has appointed Cameron Garnsworthy as managing director of juwi Renewable Energy Pty Ltd.
Powershop Australia inks PPA deals for 200 MW solar, 189 MW wind projects
In addition to entering an agreement to purchase three hydro power stations in Australia, New Zealand’s energy retailer has signed three PPAs for wind and solar projects in Victoria and New South Wales.
Canadian Solar acquires 51% stake in five Photon Energy projects
Chinese module maker and project developer Canadian Solar has acquired a 51% stake in project pipeline of five utility scale solar farms in New South Wales. The projects, which are at an early stage, were initiated by Netherlands-based Photon Energy NV.
Rapid solar PV growth translating into jobs
Australia’s fast-growing renewable sector is driving job creation. The latest analysis from Green Energy Markets reveals that almost 15,700 people were employed in large scale renewable development in Australia in December 2017, with a further 5,477 full-time jobs in rooftop solar.
CEFC provides $30 million debt finance for NSW’s largest solar farm
New South Wales’ largest large scale solar project has reached financial close, with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) stepping in to provide debt finance for the project. The two organisations have now worked together to develop 260 MW of renewables in regional NSW.
120 MW Munna Creek project receives development approval
Another big utility scale project solar project has taken a step forward in Queensland. The Munna Creek Solar Farm, which is the only project currently being proposed by REST Energy, was approved this week and welcomed by local Mayor as “fantastic news”.
SolarReserve granted approval for 150 MW solar thermal project
SolarReserve’s 150 MW solar thermal power plant has been granted development approval by the South Australian Government, paving the way for construction to begin this year.
CEFC steps up to finance 70 MW Oakey 2 project
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is continuing to foster utility scale PV growth in Queensland, providing $55 million in non-recourse project finance to the Oakey 2 Solar Farm. Canadian Solar will supply modules for the project and will also serve as EPC.
