Defence boosts energy security with 11 MW NT solar farm activated
Australia’s Department of Defence has activated its largest solar farm yet, flicking the switch on an almost 11 MW PV power plant at the Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory.
CleanPeak presses go on 26 MW Victorian solar farm
Commercial solar outfit CleanPeak Energy has officially commenced building its first utility-scale PV development with construction work beginning on the 26 MW Wangaratta Solar Farm being built in northeast Victoria.
Victorian water authority taps into large-scale renewable energy market
Victorian government-owned water authority GWMWater is branching into large-scale renewable energy generation with construction set to begin on a 6.5 MW solar array and battery energy storage system near the town of Nhill in the state’s west.
Former PM to chair fund planning 15 GW clean energy portfolio
Former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard has been named chair of a multi-billion renewable energy fund that is aiming to build a 15 GW portfolio of assets including wind, solar, and battery storage over the medium term.
Governments pump millions in to build ‘new energy’ workforce
The federal and state governments are stepping up their investments as they seek to deliver the army of skilled workers required to build the solar and wind farms, rooftop solar, battery storage and transmission infrastructure needed to achieve Australia’s renewable energy and emissions targets.
Weekend read: Shifting supply chains brings own risks
Sourcing solar and energy storage locally will reduce some supply chain risks but it also opens the door to a new set of questions for prospective investors. Here, pv magazine takes a look at the United States market that could provide lessons for Australia as it seeks to build a domestic solar manufacturing industry.
Sunrise briefs: Microsoft announces largest PPA of renewables
Also on the rise: California crosses 10 GW battery storage threshold; Philippines set to add almost 2 GW of new solar in 2024; CATL unveils Ev with 1,000km range; and more.
Report calls for planning reforms as 20 GW of renewables added to project pipeline
Data from international consultancy Rystad Energy shows that 82 new renewable energy generation and battery storage projects corresponding to more than 20 GW of capacity were proposed across Australia’s National Electricity Market in the first quarter of 2024, with developers largely focused on Queensland and New South Wales.
Victoria and SA energy storage tender attracts 19 GW of proposals
The federal government’s 32 GW Capacity Investment Scheme is already bearing fruit with a competitive tender seeking 600 MW of energy storage capacity in Victoria and South Australia attracting 19,000 MW of project proposals.
Powercor targets transmission licence to bring more renewables online
Victorian electricity distributor Powercor is seeking a licence to build new transmission infrastructure in a move it claims will provide faster grid connections for major projects such as solar and wind farms within its current distribution network area.
