Vast Solar seeks funding for 50 MW CSP, PV hybrid
The Sydney-based developer is seeking $75 million to help finance a 50 MW hybrid project, following a successful 1 MW pilot. Vast Solar is looking to deploy its innovative CSP technology, which uses sodium as a heat transfer fluid to capture concentrated solar energy that can then be stored and used on demand, on the utility-scale.
Carnegie commissions Garden Island microgrid project
WA-based renewable energy developer Carnegie Clean Energy has completed commissioning of a microgrid project, featuring 2 MW solar PV and 2 MW/0.5 MWh battery, at a naval base in Western Australia.
NSW Labor commits to train 4,500 skilled solar electricians
After announcing a policy to drive 9 GW of renewable energy within a decade if elected, NSW Labor has pledged to invest $11 million to train and accredit electricians to install and maintain the new solar energy infrastructure in the state.
SA Water picks Enerven for solar+storage rollout
South Australia’s largest water and sewerage services supplier has chosen its partner to deploy approximately 154 MW of new solar PV generation and 34 MWh of energy storage, across around 70 of its sites over the next 18 months.
Victoria’s Powercor develops plan to avoid solar curtailment
The Victorian electricity distribution business has proposed network enhancements that aim to drive down power prices starting from 2021. It hopes to boost the safety and flexibility of the grid through the measures, which include network improvements to accommodate more solar and battery storage installations.
SA Water looking to add solar+storage at three pumping stations
South Australia’s largest water and sewerage services supplier has a few utility-scale solar projects coupled with energy storage in its pipeline. Three of them are currently under consideration and scheduled to commence construction this year.
Shell moves to acquire German storage business Sonnen
In May 2018, oil giant Shell invested in German manufacturer Sonnen. Now the 112-year-old company wants to fully acquire the business, subject to Germany’s monopoly authorities. Sonnen said it hopes the deal will accelerate its growth by expanding its market reach and capacity.
Genex Power starts works on 250 MW pumped hydro project
With financial close still in the works, Sydney-based publicly listed Genex Power has moved on the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, part of its landmark renewable energy hub in far-north Queensland, signing an early works agreement with EPC contractors McConnell Dowell and John Holland.
ShineHub selects Hanwha Q Cells for its lease-to-own model in SA
Solar ‘lease-to-own’ installer ShineHub has chosen Hanwha Q Cells as preferred solar panel provider for its Community Solar Program under the South Australian battery scheme.
Neometals commissions li-ion battery recycling pilot plant
Australian lithium developer Neometals has taken its lithium‐ion battery recycling technology to the floor at a pilot plant in Canada. SGS Canada has been contracted to construct and operate the pilot at its Lakefield facility, and handle both the front-end feed preparation and hydrometallurgical processing/refining stages.
