Traditional owners sign renewable energy deal with Rio Tinto
Traditional lands owners in Western Australia’s Pilbara region have signed an agreement with mining giant Rio Tinto to collaborate on large-scale renewable energy projects as the resources heavyweight powers up efforts to decarbonise its supply chain.
Plibersek gives green light for 100 MW solar farm in Queensland
The Australian government has approved a third major renewables project in as many weeks, providing the green light for a 100 MW solar farm being developed in Queensland’s Western Downs region.
Preferred partners named for $593 million hydrogen project in Whyalla
Global gas and engineering giants ATCO and BOC Linde have been named preferred partners to deliver a $593 million (USD 374 million) hydrogen production, power plant and storage facility at Whyalla in South Australia.
Tesla solar business slips 48% year-over-year
Meanwhile, the automaker’s energy storage unit boosted revenues by 40%, according to its Q3 earnings report.
Weekend read: Australia-made batteries for easier repair, recycling
Brisbane-based Vaulta has developed a lighter, smaller battery casing with fewer parts, which makes it easier to assemble modules and repair faulty components. CEO Dominic Spooner argues that the company’s patented technology has the potential to significantly reduce battery waste.
Analyst predicts 2023 will finish a record year for small-scale solar
Solar and storage analyst Sunwiz is forecasting 2023 set a new record for small-scale solar in Australia. Despite installations this year lagging Australia’s biggest year to date, 2021, Sunwiz Managing Director, Warwick Johnston, tells pv magazine Australia that multiple signs point to a strong Q4.
Orkestra Energy to finetune growth plans with $2 million seed round
An Australian software startup that aims to make it easier for energy providers and solar installers to assess the feasibility of commercial-scale renewable energy projects will now pursue global expansion plans after completing a seed funding round.
Downward trend for PV module prices losing momentum
If demand picks up again toward the end of the year due to the current price situation, the downward trend for PV module prices could be stopped, according to pvXchange’s Martin Schachinger.
Super fund teams with Birdwood to target smaller-scale solar and storage
Australian superannuation giant Aware Super has made a large-scale entry into the distributed renewable energy market, teaming with Melbourne-based Birdwood Energy in a venture specialising in smaller-scale solar and battery installations.
Regulator calls for more large-scale renewables as rooftop solar shines
Rooftop solar generation continues to achieve record levels across the National Electricity Market but the Australian Energy Regulator has warned of a “pressing need for new investment” in large-scale renewable energy assets to keep pace with the energy transition.
