UK investment firm makes $36 million move into NSW solar market
United Kingdom-headquartered investment firm Global Sustainable Energy Opportunities has increased its Australian solar PV portfolio, committing $36 million (£21.2 million) to acquire three more solar projects with a combined capacity of 15 MW.
Solar PV employed about 3.4 million people in 2021
A new report published by the International Energy Agency shows solar PV provided employment for approximately 3.4 million people in 2021 with almost half of the workers employed in China, about 280,000 in North America, over 260,000 in Europe, and some 50,000 in Africa. The vast majority of workers were employed in manufacturing and installation of new capacity, with solar jobs paying lower wage premiums than the nuclear, oil, and gas industries.
Todd proposes 400 MW solar farm for New Zealand’s North Island
New Zealand’s large-scale solar PV market is poised for a momentous shift with energy company Todd Generation pursuing plans to establish a 400 MW solar farm at Rangitāiki on the North Island.
Pumped hydro storage takes shape in the Philippines
Prime Infra recently acquired a 500 MW pumped storage hydropower project in Rizal province in the Philippines. The company is also developing a 1.4 GW facility in the country.
Weekend read: Darkest hour before Ukraine’s solar dawn
Ukraine is still facing dire circumstances, with war continuing to claim lives and Russian invaders occupying large parts of the country. Solar plant owners also face serious challenges, including collateral damage, looting, destruction of communication infrastructure, and payment shortfalls. However, a bold vision for recovery has been set out with a key role for solar, as Ian Skarytovsky reports.
Yara confirms construction of Pilbara green hydrogen plant to begin in weeks
Construction of a large-scale solar-powered green hydrogen and ammonia development in Western Australia will begin next month with ammonia producer Yara and the Australian arm of French renewables giant Engie announcing on Friday the final investment decision on the $87.1 million project.
Indian developer unveils plan to install 1.5 GW of hybrid wind-solar
Indian renewable energy developer Serentica Renewables plans to install and commission 1.5 GW of solar and wind capacity in 24 months to serve energy-intensive industries in the Asian nation.
Construction begins on world’s second-largest PV project
A 3 GW solar installation will be built in the Tengger Desert, in northern China. It will require an investment of around $3.18 billion (CNY 15.25 billion).
FRV Australia achieves 100% capacity with 115 MW solar farm
The decarbonisation of Australia’s electricity grid continues with the Australian arm of global renewable energy developer Fotowatio Renewable Ventures confirming the 115 MW Metz Solar Farm in New South Wales has achieved commercial operation status and is now generating at 100% of its capacity.
Zenith plans Australia’s largest off-grid hybrid power plant for mining op
Australian battery minerals company Liontown Resources will install what is shaping to be the nation’s largest off-grid renewable energy hybrid power station at its $545 million Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Western Australia, allowing the mine to be powered by 100% on-site renewables during periods of high wind and solar resource.
