The future of power electronics is distributed, aggregated and service oriented
IHS Markit released a white paper in which the analyst outfit shared some predictions for the power electronics market. First and foremost, inverters will become smarter, and after some power outages in key markets, these devices are gearing up to take on more grid stabilising tasks, which hitherto had been reserved for synchronous generators.
‘If they felt more secure, I don’t think they’d go after environmental charities’
In a strangely petty tit-for-tat, Energy Networks Australia has come out against the Grattan Institute’s November ‘Flame Out’ report, which called for, among other things, a moratorium on new gas connections in houses.
Aussies overwhelmingly satisfied with solar purchases and keen to invest further, survey finds
Almost half of all Australians who purchased solar panels reported they are looking to invest further into renewable energy solutions, a survey by fintech lender Plenti has found.
CEFC and Aware Super commit to emissions conscious private-equity fund
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Aware Super, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, have both committed $80 million to Adamantem Capital, a private-equity fund which requires its target companies to meet strict emissions reduction targets. For the CEFC, this is the beginning of decarbonisation in a part of the economy lagging behind, namely, private equity.
VIC sets new energy efficiency targets for reductions in bills and emissions
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, has announced accelerated targets for the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, a way for Victorians to save on their bills and contribute to the state’s emissions reduction targets.
Passing gas … on the road to renewables
The Climate Council has published a report to put the final nail in the outdated notion of gas as a transition fuel, and to nix the validity of a gas-led recovery.
WA completes first installations of $6 million in solar for public housing
As part of the Western Australian Government’s WA Recovery Plan, $6 million in funding was provided for a Smart Energy for Social Housing program. The program, which should see 500 properties fitted out with solar systems, got underway recently with the first 10 homes already basking in summer savings.
Viva announces MoUs for potential oil refinery transition to Geelong Energy Hub
Viva Energy Australia has signed memorandums of understanding with key industry partners would could see its Geelong oil refinery, currently struggling to transition to an LNG terminal, transition into an energy hub featuring solar and hydrogen.
New renewables fund champions the low-risk, small utility-scale solar sector
Small-footprint solar farms can get a purchase on distribution lines, they’re virtually pop-up in terms of construction time, and a smart development model can be easily repeated. The Solarion Renewable Fund wants to let investors into its clean little secret.
Weekend read: Prospects for bifacial and large-format products
The pandemic and accidents at polysilicon labs in China’s Xinjiang region put PV manufacturers under pressure to maintain production this year, while slowing cell and module R&D. After half-cut and multi-busbar becomes commonplace, manufacturers will continue to explore the high-density assembly methods that emerged last year, as well as n-type cells. But the market is also shifting to large formats, and the share of bifacial products is growing this year. As sizing up modules can bring immediate returns, PV InfoLink’s Amy Fang expects the PV industry to prioritise the development of large formats and bifacial products next year.
