Value of Australia’s lithium exports more than triple from last year
Australia’s lithium and base metals like nickel, aluminium and copper are forecast to earn around $47 billion (USD 31.8 billion) in the current financial year, according to the Australian government’s latest forecasts.
NSW opens for big battery bids
The New South Wale government’s competitive tender for 380 MW of ‘firming’ battery capacity has now opened.
Three ways to help the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund revive manufacturing
Australia’s federal parliament has approved a $15 billion (USD 10 billion) National Reconstruction Fund, intended to reverse the nation’s dwindling manufacturing sector. It is the “first step” in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s election promise “to revive our ability to make world-class products”.
New software modelling tool for agrivoltaics
Sandbox Solar, a solar developer and US federal grant recipient, has released a beta version of its software modelling tool for agrivoltaic power plants. It supports the design and optimisation of solar panels, as well as the crops underneath.
Renewable energy construction investment tipped to reach $11.8 billion peak
Annual investment in renewable energy construction in Australia is forecast to jump almost 50% this year and continue to climb to a peak in 2026 with historically high levels of activity to follow as the country continues its transition away from fossil fuel-fired power generation.
Swedish developer pushes into Australian solar with Esco Pacific purchase
European renewables giant OX2 has announced its entry into the Australian market with the acquisition of Esco Pacific, one of the country’s biggest utility-scale solar developers in a deal valued at $126 million (USD 84.2 million).
Chinese module prices to fall by 15% from Q4 2022 to Q4 2023, says CEA
Solar module prices will be pressured by rising industrial capacity this year, with capacities doubling in the ingot/wafer stages and potentially quadrupling for polysilicon by 2027, according to the latest PV pricing report from Clean Energy Associates (CEA).
Weekend read: A moral trilemma
US solar was disrupted in 2022, with module seizures delaying projects due to strict laws designed to stamp out alleged forced labor practices in sections of the Chinese PV industry. However, it remains to be seen whether seizures affected such alleged practices.
IKEA does 195 MW Australian solar deal with German developer
The investment arm of Ikea franchisee owner Ingka Group has added to its utility scale renewable energy assets in Australia with the acquisition of a 195 MWp solar farm portfolio from the regional division of German renewables developer Enerparc.
Feds back $15 billion fund to boost clean energy manufacturing
The Australian government’s plan to establish a $15 billion (USD 10 billion) national reconstruction fund to support domestic manufacturing in future industries and reduce the nation’s dependence on imports has become a reality with the investment vehicle rubber stamped by both houses of parliament.
