Policy

Fast increasing power prices in Western Australia are set to feed the already “buoyant” residential PV sector, leading suppliers are reporting. The WA government is winding back electricity subsidies in an attempt to repair the state’s budget.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As it officially came into force on Wednesday, the International Solar Alliance was welcomed by Australia, one of its 19 founding members.

Last week the Clean Energy Council announced the winner of its 2018 Women in Renewables scholarship. Women in Renewables chair, Natalie Collard, reflects on why we need more women on boards.

Proposed National Energy Guarantee program could see investments in solar and wind power fall dramatically should PM Turnbull overlook stricter 2030 emissions reduction target, Bloomberg New Energy Finance reports.

The Smart Energy Council, a merger of Australia’s leading industry bodies for solar and storage, will be looking to better reflect the country’s energy future.