Markets & Policy

The growing share of rooftop solar had a significant impact on Australia’s main grid in the latest quarter, both in terms of reducing operational demand and emissions intensity, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said. Looking ahead, AEMO is seeking to procure off-market emergency reserves to help protect the grid from potential summer blackouts the upcoming summer, as coal generator outages grow in frequency.

For the second half of the year, the German inverter producer expects a significant increase in revenues and earnings, mainly due to high order intake. It also confirmed its forecast for the full fiscal year, despite declining sales and sales in the first six months of 2019.

As another rally brings the voice of solar installers before Victorian lawmakers, signs are beginning to show that the pressure may be having an impact on the Andrews’ state government. The government has indicated that it may look to make changes to the plan – but whether that’s a result of installer pressure or public frustration is yet to be seen.

Chinese PV module maker Risen Energy has announced it has achieved the highest jump in solar module sales in the Australian market in a one-year period.

French renewables developer Neoen has won development approval from the South Australian government for a major renewable energy project, comprising 125 MW of wind generation, 150 MW of solar PV generation and 130MW/400MWh of lithium-ion battery storage. The project could also integrate up to 50 MW of on-site hydrogen production capability.

The grant recipients for the fourth phase of the Next Generation Energy Storage program have been announced. Launched in 2016, the $25 million program is supporting the roll out of up to 36 MW of smart battery storage.

The Israeli inverter manufacturer saw its net profit decline 4% year-on-year to $33.1 million in the second quarter, despite shipping 1.3 GW and seeing a 43% increase in turnover. Gross margins were affected by the increase in U.S. tariffs on China made products.

In addition to joining the host of councils around Australia to declare a climate change emergency and set targets for a 100% renewable future, Victoria’s Indigo Shire Council voted early this week to achieve that goal by taking part in a collaborative Victorian Local Government PPA.  

Western Australia’s government has announced two units at Synergy’s Muja Power Station will be retired from October 2022. The state government said the coal-fired units were only being used about 35% of the time thanks largely to rooftop solar reducing demand on the grid.

Australian renewables developer Windlab has connected and energized its landmark energy park in north Queensland, comprising 43 MW of wind, 18 MW of solar and a 4 MWh battery.