NEG moves forward, but roadblocks remain
Mixed messages have emerged from today’s COAG Energy Ministers’ meeting today, after what was meant to have been a decisive meeting for the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) policy measure. Fundamental opposition from some Labor states remain, however an agreement to release the draft legislation was reached – after it passes the test of the coalition party room.
AGL Energy profit jumps thanks to soaring power prices
Amid the intense discussion surrounding the National Energy Guarantee’s promise to cut power bills by $550 a year, Australia’s biggest power producer has reported its full year profit almost trebled, and its underlying profit rose by nearly a third.
Labor shapes for higher NEG emissions reductions via the Senate
Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten has chosen a visit to UNSW’s solar research facility to push for “fair dinkum” negotiations between the Federal Government and the states over the NEG tomorrow. Labor may look to secure a higher NEG emissions reduction target in the Senate, after passing the lower house.
UPDATE: ACWA offered lowest bid in Egypt’s 200 MW tender
As pv magazine has learnt, the Saudi energy giant lowered its offer to $0.02752/kWh at the last minute, beating the bid lodged by Spain’s Fotowatio, which offered $0.02791 per kWh.
Victoria, ACT harden stance on NEG, clear battle lines form
As the debate heats up in the run up to Friday’s COAG meeting, the Victorian government has issued a last-minute call to redraft the proposed National Energy Guarantee (NEG), and the Australian Capital Territory has redefined its NEG approval conditions in regard to the emissions target. Meanwhile, Australia’s peak renewable energy bodies have taken opposing positions.
Taiwan’s Neo Solar Power narrows loss ahead of merger
Taiwanese cell producer, Neo Solar Power has posted a net loss of NT$390 million (US$12.75 million) for the second quarter of 2018. Though indicative of the difficult times currently facing Taiwan’s cell manufacturers, the figures represent a 39.3% reduction compared with the previous quarter’s loss.
Combining PPAs with demand response delivers savings for businesses
A new report shows that coupling renewable power purchase agreements with demand response, reducing consumption when prices are high, could increase electricity savings on top of those delivered under the PPA by one third.
Majority of Australians want more renewables, poll shows
In the lead up to a COAG energy ministers’s critical meeting this week, a poll conducted by ReachTEL for Greenpeace Australia Pacific shows that over 70% of respondents want an ambitious renewable energy target to drive down electricity prices.
Labor calls for coalition party room support before NEG agreement
The Australian Labor Party is rallying around a position demanding that the coalition party room signs off on the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) before Labor-lead state governments give their go-ahead. Federal energy and environment minister Josh Frydenburg will take the policy to state energy ministers on Friday.
Prices begin to stabilize, though falling revenues and job losses expected among Chinese manufacturers
According to reports from Energy Trend, a 30% decline in PV demand from China this year will likely spell trouble for some of the country’s major module manufacturers, with job losses and factory closures expected, despite China’s determination to open new international markets for its PV industry.
