CEFC steps up to finance 70 MW Oakey 2 project
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is continuing to foster utility scale PV growth in Queensland, providing $55 million in non-recourse project finance to the Oakey 2 Solar Farm. Canadian Solar will supply modules for the project and will also serve as EPC.
Poll: 70% of Australians support a RET
Australians continue to see fostering solar PV, wind and other renewables as the leading environmental issue. And that a national renewable energy target is the best policy mechanism to do it.
2017: the year the states stepped up for solar, storage
Looking back on an unprecedented year for Australia’s renewables sector, when it was never far from mainstream headlines, 2017 may very well be the watershed year for the industry. And it is the states, rather than the federal government, which have taken the lead.
AMP Capital provides Neoen €245 million for French, Australian renewable projects
The French independent power producer will use the funds for the development of 1.6 GW of wind and solar in France and Australia.
Trump team argues strongly for tariffs
Reports say an unreleased memo circulating within the White House lays out arguments for the strongest of trade sanctions against Chinese solar module makers in what is likely a bad sign for U.S. solar markets.
Victorian reverse auction community engagement criteria asks developers to go extra mile
The Victorian Renewable Energy Auction Scheme (VREAS) makes community engagement an eligibility and evaluation criteria for funding, with a benefit-sharing program a first in State Government regulation of renewable energy projects.
Australian Greens call for RET expansion as AEMC finds wholesale price increases will be “reversed” by renewables
The Australian Greens are continuing their advocacy for a RET extension and expansion beyond 2020, on the back of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) finding that renewables are driving down electricity prices. In its latest report on electricity prices, AEMC has found that much of 2017’s 11% residential price increases will be “reversed” as around 4 GW of renewables come online – driven by the RET.
IHS Markit: Global solar installations to pass 100 GW in 2018
Market analyst IHS Markit has issued its first forecast for 2018 installations. It expects the global market to surpass the 100 GW mark for the first time ever, hitting 108 GW.
Maoneng signs PPA for 300 MW in New South Wales
Chinese/Australian developer Maoneng has signed a 15-year PPA to provide energy company AGL with 300 MW of PV projects, to provide up to 800,000 MWh of electricity per year. The projects form part of AGL’s plan to replace the coal-fired Liddell Power Station, set to close in 2022.
ARENA awards $29.2 million to 20 solar R&D projects
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced that it will award multiple Australian universities and research institutes with a total of $29.2 million to support early-stage research into new solar innovations.
