Australia opens applications for $2 billion green hydrogen support program
Australia’s federal hydrogen support program has now opened to applications after this process was expedited – likely in response to concerns Australia is rapidly losing ground in the hydrogen race.
Brookfield’s $18 billion bid for Origin approved by ACCC
Australia’s antitrust watchdog has approved Brookfield’s takeover bid for Origin Energy, clearing the way for shareholders to vote on one of Australia’s largest recent corporate buyouts.
Genex seals 337.5 MW solar supply deal with Fortescue
Australian renewable energy developer Genex Power says has committed to building the 2 GW multi-stage Bulli Creek solar and battery project in Queensland’s southeast after entering into a 25-year offtake agreement with the green energy arm of Fortescue Metals Group.
Weekend Read: the solar-battery-EV dream
For those who combine solar, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs) at home, driving on sunshine is a realistic goal. However, there are many factors to consider when analysing the economic payoffs, as well as the technical possibilities and limitations of such systems.
Lodestone links with UK companies to progress NZ solar strategy
With five solar farms already under construction, New Zealand renewables developer Lodestone Energy has teamed with a trio of British-based companies to develop another nine PV projects that are expected to deliver more than 500 GWh in additional solar generation.
Renewable Metals to scale up battery recycling ambitions
Australian battery recycling startup Renewable Metals intends to scale and commercialise its lithium-ion battery recycling technology that converts battery waste into high-value battery metals after closing an $8 million (USD 5.08 million) investment round.
Global heavyweights back Infravision’s drone-enabled expansion plans
Australian technology company Infravision plans to “supercharge” the development of its drone-enabled powerline stringing system and software technology solutions after securing a “game-changing” $36 million (USD 23 million) from global energy and utility investors.
Fortescue ‘lead investor’ in US$1 billion electrolyser startup, signs 1 GW supply deal
Fortescue has become a “lead investor” in, and signed a 1 GW supply deal with, US-startup Electric Hydrogen, or EH2. Fortescue, which is pursuing both green hydrogen projects and electrolyser manufacturing, says EH2’s systems produce hydrogen at “transformational” low cost.
Octopus Australia acquires Queensland’s largest battery proposal, the 1 GWh Blackstone battery
Renewables player Octopus Investments Australia, a subsidiary of UK-based Octopus Group, has purchased Queensland’s largest battery project, the 500 MW / 1 GWh Blackstone project just outside of Brisbane.
‘Pretty crazy’: Queensland’s solar + storage payback periods plunge
Solar payback periods worsened in Australia between 2020 and 2022, but have now turned a corner, data from analyst Sunwiz illustrates. Queensland has seen the most remarkable journey, with payback periods for residential solar and storage falling from 10 to 6.6 years within 12 months.
