V2G success no easy feat without consumer buy-in
The Australian government’s move to introduce new standards for vehicle-to-grid charging enables the nation’s electric vehicle owners to tap into the technology to charge their car batteries when they want and discharge back into their house or the grid when it suits their schedule.
Meridian to proceed with $206 million Ruakākā Solar Farm
Construction of New Zealand-headquartered Meridian Energy’s 120 MW Ruakākā Solar Farm is set to begin in August 2025, following the project reaching a final $206 million investment decision.
Rooftop solar capacity in 2024 Australia tracking to 3.2 GW record: regulator
The Clean Energy Regulator’s quarterly carbon market report finds rooftop solar capacity in 2024 is likely to have been about 3.2 GW and could set an Australian record.
Solar panel installation costs remain near all-time lows: Solar Choice
The March 2025 Solar Choice Price Index shows solar panel prices per watt nationwide, except in Tasmania, continue to follow a trend since December 2020 of remaining below the $1 mark, and currently sit at $0.90 per watt.
Global solar installations could reach 1 TW next year
BloombergNEF reports the world installed nearly 600 GW of solar power in 2024, closely aligning with projections that annual global solar installations will surpass 1 TW within the next few years. Although projections for 2025 currently fall short of that pace, early forecasts often underestimate actual deployment.
Western Australia CIS tender awards four battery projects totalling 654 MW
Four new big battery projects in Western Australia have been named in the state’s first Capacity Investment Scheme tender, and combined equate to 654 MW and 2,595 MWh capacity, which is enough to supply the peak electricity load for over 600,000 homes for four hours.
Altech secures permit to build sodium-ion battery factory in Germany
The German subsidiary of the Perth-based sodium chloride solid-state battery specialist is moving ahead with its plans to build a 120 MWh production plant in Germany. The project is expected to amount to about $267 million.
Commercial segment surges as residential rooftop backs off
Australia’s solar rollout continues to reach new heights with a combined total of 4.7 GW of small- and large-scale PV installed across the country in 2024 but shifts in the rooftop market suggests diversification of services will be key for the nation’s installer community going forward.
Queensland EV charging start-up revs up expansion plans
Queensland-based electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider EVOS has stepped up expansion plans after reaching agreement with Japanese manufacturer FKK to produce its chargers for sale in Japan, Southeast Asia and other high-growth markets including India.
Newcastle Coal to power port facility with solar
Renewables developer Lightsource BP is pushing ahead with the construction of the 450 MW Goulburn River Solar Farm in the New South Wales Upper Hunter region after striking a long-term offtake agreement with the operators of one of Australia’s major coal export terminals.
