South Australia gives 500 MW solar farm coupled with 250 MW battery go-ahead
One of Australia’s largest utility-scale solar arrays and the biggest energy storage facilities was given a tick of approval.
Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise thanks largely to gas and coal extraction
While the Federal Government may insist Australia is on track to meet its international commitments, a number of studies, including the government’s own figures, show exactly the opposite. In its latest report, The Australia Institute points to “concerning upward trends” in emissions from fossil fuel mining.
States take over on climate change, but NSW and Queensland make patchy progress
With no new measures to the reduce emissions in the electricity sector and no renewable energy target beyond 2020, federal government leaves little room for hope for policy driven renewables expansion. At a state level, ambitious renewable energy targets could help fill the policy void to a certain extent, but some states are falling short of their self-imposed targets for either renewable energy or emissions reductions.
Industry urges consumers to do due diligence as Victoria’s Solar Homes scheme reopens
With the comeback of the Victorian government’s first-in best-dressed Solar Homes program, consumers are urged to do their due diligence as they rush to apply for popular rebates. If incorrectly installed, batteries are a serious safety risk, industry body Future Energy Skills underlines.
Australia edges closer to national hydrogen strategy
Nine issues papers have been developed following national and international consultation as Australia seeks to tap the global transition to lower emissions sources of energy.
WA’s novel solar lease popular with homebuyers at The Amble Estate
A housing development in Perth’s northern suburb Girrawheen is the first of its kind for Western Australia to provide a solar system with every home. Launched last year by provider Infinite Energy, the solar lease has proved to be a winner for homebuyers, resulting in a 40% saving on daytime power costs.
Victoria’s Solar Homes program returns with a bang
The first-in best-dressed Solar Homes program kicked off on Monday, with a half of solar rebates available in July snapped in the first day. The revamped scheme will be accompanied with a more stringent auditing program and other measures to optimize the rollout following difficulties that have plagued round one.
First tenders awarded in $5 million Rooftop Solar Schools program
As part of its plans to transition to 50% renewable energy by 2030, the Northern Territory government is moving forward with its solar schools program with tenders awarded for installation at five schools.
Cell and module prices falling in China
Taiwanese analyst Energytrend saw prices for high power products fall over the past week, but so far only in China. That trend could be replicated around the world next week, however.
Energy sector gets first open-source, tailor-made blockchain
A public enterprise grade energy blockchain has powered up with the promise to accelerate a low-carbon, distributed electricity future. For the first time, energy sector companies are hosting validator nodes on a decentralized network as they seek to adapt to a more digitalized and decentralized energy system.
