Global cumulative PV capacity tops 480 GW, IRENA says
New global PV additions reached 94.2 GW in 2018, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Asia is the region with the largest share of cumulative PV capacity, with around 274.6 GW, followed by Europe and North America with 119.3 GW and 55.3 GW, respectively.
Renewable energy investment to slump beyond 2020 amid policy uncertainty
In a briefing looking into the renewable energy investment boom, BIS Oxford Economics estimates solar and wind will attract $20 billion of private investment in FY18 and FY19, spread over more than 70 projects. The consultants warn investment will slow beyond 2020 pointing to the upcoming Federal election as critically important for the future of Australia’s renewables pipeline.
Victoria to make smart inverters mandatory for Solar Homes
Following the decision to require retailers taking part in the Solar Homes program to be signatories to the Clean Energy Council’s Solar Retailer Code of Conduct, the Victorian government has set specific requirements for inverters that will be installed under the program.
Labor unveils climate policy package with 50% EV target by 2030
A new major aspect of Labor’s climate policy announcement on Monday was a national electric vehicle (EV) target with half of the cars on the Australian roads to be electric by 2030, and fuel emissions standards for all vehicles.
Long read: Necessity mothers innovation in Aussie solar PPAs
Having observed early adopters negotiate renewable energy contracts for financial and sustainability gains, the next wave of Australia’s commercial and industrial energy consumers is ready for offtake. A raft of flexible new solar PV contract models and services is rising to meet their ambitions.
City of Sydney sets 100% renewables target
With solar panels already installed on dozens of its buildings, the City of Sydney has upped the ante with the goal to source 100% of its electricity needs from solar PV and wind. The commitment has been endorsed by Council this week, and a new 100% renewable electricity contract will be negotiated in the coming months.
REC Group rejects Hanwha Q Cells’ allegations in Australia
The Norwegian solar panel manufacturer says Hanwha Q Cells did not provide full particulars of its allegations despite REC Group’s requests and went ahead to commence proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia.
Solar supplies more power than brown coal or gas
Solar has grown so much that its output exceeded brown coal and gas over the summer months, between 9am to 5pm. New analysis by Green Energy Markets shows that across the whole of summer, renewable energy produced 128% more megawatt-hours of electricity than gas and 23% more than brown coal.
Big business gets organized in its call for clean energy
Google, Walmart, Facebook and GM and more than 200 companies with combined revenues of over $1 trillion have joined together under the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance, and have set a goal to bring 60 GW of renewable energy online by 2025.
Queensland sends first green hydrogen shipment to Japan
Green hydrogen has been exported from Australia to Japan, under a trial executed by researchers from JXTG, Japan’s largest petroleum conglomerate, using Queensland University of Technology’s cutting-edge solar cell facility at the Redlands Research Facility on the Gold Coast. On top of that, the Queensland government has announced $250,000 in funding towards the establishment a renewable hydrogen production pilot plant.
