New South Wales Budget opens a $3.5 billion purse to climate change and energy
Climate change and energy received a $3.5 billion commitment in the New South Wales Budget on 18 June, plus $3.1 billon to deliver renewable energy zones, which got an extra $128 million boost to upgrade roads between them and the Port of Newcastle.
European Energy seeks green light for 1.1 GW Queensland solar plant
Danish renewables giant European Energy is seeking federal environmental approval for its plans to build a 1.1 GW solar farm near the industrial city of Gladstone in central Queensland.
Aiko presents ABC solar module with world record efficiency of 25.2%
The Chinese back-contact module maker said its new products rely on the company’s all-back-contact cell technology and feature a temperature coefficient of -0.26% per C.
New $100 million challenge targets 50 GW per year
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has dangled a $100 million carrot in front of the world’s best and brightest solar industry proponents to help lower solar and electricity costs to scale up annual installation in Australia from 5 GW per year to 50 GW.
Pacific adds 700 MW NSW solar farm to growing pipeline
Australian infrastructure developer Pacific Partnerships has added one of the largest proposed solar farms in Australia to its growing portfolio, purchasing the development rights for the 700 MW Cobbora Solar Farm and co-located battery energy storage project planned for western New South Wales.
AEMO calls for sustained investment as WA power supply outlook improves
The Australian Energy Market Operator has eased forecasts of a looming capacity shortfall in Western Australia’s main electricity grid but has warned of the need for “substantial and sustained” investment in renewables to replace coal-fired power stations and meet surging demand from customers electrifying their operations.
JA Solar debuts 23.3%-efficient single-glass, anti-dust solar panel
The new module has a power output of up to 650 W and weighs 29.6 kg. It uses JA Solar’s patented anti-dust frame technology, which reportedly enhances drainage and decontamination performance, thus reducing dust accumulation and avoiding hotspot issues.
Japanese utilities giant’s proposed takeover of Genex lands FIRB approval
Japanese energy utility J-Power’s proposed acquisition of Australian renewables and pumped hydro developer Genex Power has received Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
WA green lights first solar project under streamlined approvals process
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation’s ambition to be a key player in Australia’s clean energy transition has received a boost with the Western Australian government fast tracking approval for a 150 MW solar project in the Pilbara.
Enel Green Power secures finance for NSW solar and storage project
The Quorn Park Hybrid Project, that will comprise an 80 MW solar farm and two-hour battery energy storage system, is expected to commence full operations in early 2026 with developer Enel Green Power Australia announcing the construction phase will begin within the next quarter.
