Weekend read: Darkest hour before Ukraine’s solar dawn
Ukraine is still facing dire circumstances, with war continuing to claim lives and Russian invaders occupying large parts of the country. Solar plant owners also face serious challenges, including collateral damage, looting, destruction of communication infrastructure, and payment shortfalls. However, a bold vision for recovery has been set out with a key role for solar, as Ian Skarytovsky reports.
CER investigating potential $1.5 million solar panel fraud
Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator has this week executed search warrants on several residential and commercial addresses connected to a Perth-based solar PV retail and installation business as part of an investigation into a potential $1.5 million solar panel fraud.
Yara confirms construction of Pilbara green hydrogen plant to begin in weeks
Construction of a large-scale solar-powered green hydrogen and ammonia development in Western Australia will begin next month with ammonia producer Yara and the Australian arm of French renewables giant Engie announcing on Friday the final investment decision on the $87.1 million project.
Study shows switching to renewables by 2050 would save world trillions
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy technologies including solar PV and green hydrogen by 2050 could save the world at least $18 trillion (US$12 trillion), according to a peer-reviewed study published by researchers from Britain’s Oxford University and Australia’s Monash University.
Indian developer unveils plan to install 1.5 GW of hybrid wind-solar
Indian renewable energy developer Serentica Renewables plans to install and commission 1.5 GW of solar and wind capacity in 24 months to serve energy-intensive industries in the Asian nation.
NSW seeks to smooth path for 700 MW/1400 MWh super battery
The New South Wales government has moved to fast track the development of the 700 MW/1400 MWh Waratah Super Battery as it looks to shore up a reliable energy supply ahead of the impending closure of the country’s biggest coal generator.
US investment giant snaps up New Zealand rooftop solar specialist
American investment behemoth BlackRock has agreed to acquire New Zealand rooftop solar PV and battery energy storage specialist SolarZero as part of its push into renewable energy in the Asia Pacific region.
Neoen Australia plans 4 GWh big battery for WA
The Australian arm of French renewable energy developer Neoen has lodged an application to build a 1000 MW /4000 MWh big battery in Western Australia as the state government looks to ramp up energy storage capacity to support its planned transition from coal-fired power to renewables.
Construction begins on world’s second-largest PV project
A 3 GW solar installation will be built in the Tengger Desert, in northern China. It will require an investment of around $3.18 billion (CNY 15.25 billion).
Zenith plans Australia’s largest off-grid hybrid power plant for mining op
Australian battery minerals company Liontown Resources will install what is shaping to be the nation’s largest off-grid renewable energy hybrid power station at its $545 million Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Western Australia, allowing the mine to be powered by 100% on-site renewables during periods of high wind and solar resource.
