Coal mining museum powered by solar PV and battery storage
In a powerful demonstration of Australia’s energy transition, the Victorian State Coal Mine, a tourist attraction in the coastal town of Wonthaggi, is now powered by a solar and battery storage system.
China confirms FIT level payments – but they will be ‘subject to competition’
The Beijing authorities have confirmed the payment levels to be made according to type of project and region from July onwards but an auction process will be involved so the figures are for guidance only. No decision has yet been made on the 30 GW of capacity added since the end of May.
Garnaut sets out vision for Australia’s emergence as post-carbon energy superpower
Climate Change Review author and economist Ross Garnaut’s has argued that decarbonising Australia’s electricity sector will result in cheaper power, a more reliable grid, and will set up the nation to emerge as a “superpower of the post-carbon world.” Garnaut concludes that Australia could be powered by 100% renewables by the early 2030s – driven by PV.
Renewable energy will surpass coal in the US this month and next
The volume of U.S. electricity generated by renewable energy is set to surpass the level sourced from coal for the first time this month and the trend is expected to continue in May, according to Department of Energy data.
Labor to connect 4,000 schools into VPPs in $1 billion solar program
Federal Labor has pledged to roll out solar PV and batteries at schools across Australia and create virtual power plants supporting up to 365 MW of capacity.
Mining of battery resources to get funding boost, WA’s South West to become REZ under Labor
As part of its Future Mines and Jobs Plan, Labor has pledged to revive the Exploring for the Future funding and invest $75 million in developing the future mining of resources such as lithium. If elected in the upcoming federal election, the party will also make the south-west of Western Australia a renewable energy zone, meaning the region will be able to access funding through the party’s planned $5 billion Energy Security and Modernisation Fund.
ReNu Energy to acquire two SA solar farms
In an ASX announcement last week, Queensland-based independent power producer ReNu Energy said it had executed term sheets with Chinese solar developer Astronergy for the acquisition of two 5.8 MW solar farms in South Australia. The total cost to buy the projects and complete construction amounts to $17.2 million.
Small businesses to access 3-year renewable-energy PPAs
Long-term power purchase agreements in Australia are helping large-scale energy consumers reduce costs and green their energy supply, but for smaller or more conservative businesses that have found the PPA landscape hard to navigate ERM Power is introducing a more flexible, short-term option to the market.
Dramatic increase in grid solar generation as medium to large-scale rooftop PV takes off
Due to a jump in medium (+15kW) to large (+100kW) rooftop solar installations, there has been a dramatic increase in grid scale solar generation. This has contributed to renewables supplying monthly 14-15% of total generation since last November, an increase from 10-11% share this time last year, new research from The Australia Institute finds.
Simply Energy expands list of eligible batteries for South Australian VPP
The first virtual power plant to be announced since the last year’s launch of the Home Battery Scheme in South Australia is picking up the pace with the addition of Eguana Technologies’ Evolve to the list of eligible energy storage systems.
