Virtual power plants can compete in the energy market from 2027: AEMC
The Australian Energy Market Commission has released a final determination to allow virtual power plants to compete directly with large-scale generators in the energy market, scheduled to begin in 2027.
Year in review: Solar and storage trends in 2024
In five key trends, pv magazine looks back over a year that saw PV module prices fall lower than many thought possible, while demand was restrained by grid congestion, among other challenges. Energy storage has had a strong year and geopolitics is seeing solar and battery manufacturing enter new regions as competition drives technical innovation.
Total renewable energy capacity CER approved in 2024 almost double of 2023
The Clean Energy Regulator has released the November 2024 large-scale renewable energy target market data showing that 4,156 MW from 506 power stations was approved in 2024, with 510 MW in November 2024 alone, up from a total of 2,206 MW in 2023.
Trinasolar hits record efficiency high 27.08% for HJT solar cells
A Trinasolar efficiency record of 27.08% has been announced for large-area high efficiency n-type fully passivated HJT solar cells, certified by Germany’s leading solar energy research lab.
Electric vehicle uptake dependent on grid and charging infrastructure investment
The Electric Vehicle Council’s State of EVs report says investment in grid infrastructure and smart charging technology are key to the successful rollout of electric vehicles, where sales are forecast to rise 15-19% in 2026.
Indonesian think tank says nation at crossroads with energy transition
Indonesian clean energy policy think tank, the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), said 2025 will be a pivotal year for Indonesia’s energy transition, as the nation has fallen behind targets in recent years.
Global solar supply chain investments key to easing reliance on China: USA report
A report released by the United States Studies Centre, a joint venture of the American Australian Association and University of Sydney, encourages Australia to deeply engage in global solar supply chains, to reduce its reliance on China.
Solar manufacturing slows in bid to balance supply and demand
Smaller solar manufacturers have been shuttering production lines, but not at a pace fast enough to return profit margins to healthy territory. InfoLink’s Amy Fang considers what lies ahead for PV companies in the near term.
APA begins commissioning solar farm built for cyclonic conditions
A solar farm designed to withstand sustained wind speeds of almost 300 kph and a co-located battery energy storage system has been officially opened by developer APA Group in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Rooftop solar install rates on par with straight-line average
Australia’s rooftop solar market has eased with the latest monthly data from industry analyst SunWiz revealing that national installation volumes dropped off by a marginal 1% in November compared to the previous month.
