CEFC backs developer’s vision for 100% renewables apartments
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has awarded the Australian arm of Malaysia-headquartered property developer Mulpha an $80 million (USD 53.95 million) loan to help deliver the first stage of an energy-efficient apartment development in Sydney’s Hills district which is to be powered by 100% renewable energy.
Weekend read: Australia’s electric dreams
Australia is set to electrify everything. Vibrant communities willing to trial the transition are the first in line to learn what to do and how to bring everyone along, reports pv magazine Australia’s Natalie Filatoff.
New report calls Macquarie Group’s climate commitment into question
Macquarie Group’s commitment to the global transition to net zero emissions by 2050 has come under scrutiny with a new report uncovering billions of dollars in undisclosed exposure to oil and gas projects.
Portable system uses PV to produce drinkable water from air moisture
UK scientists have developed Solar2Water, a system that generates twice the amount of water as conventional atmospheric water generators. The system operates efficiently with the same energy input, regardless of air humidity, relying solely on photovoltaics.
Brookfield flags $30 billion investment, ‘public benefits’ of Origin decarbonisation to ACCC
The Brookfield consortium looking to acquire Origin Energy has lodged its merger application with the ACCC, arguing the takeover is in the national interest since it will accelerate Australia’s decarbonisation. The application also flags investment figures as high as $30 billion (USD 20 billion), up from the $20 billion previously flagged.
Hitachi battery replaces diesel generators on Victoria’s Phillip Island
Phillip Island off Victoria’s southern coast has switched on a 5 MW/10 MWh lithium-ion phosphate battery to support the island’s grid during peak tourism periods.
2.4 MW solar carpark switched on in Melbourne, first stage in 10 MW rooftop install
Melbourne Market Authority has switched on a 2.4 MW solar carpark at its facility in North Melbourne. It is the first in a three stage project, which will eventually result in a 10 MW rooftop system.
AGL eyes solar panel ‘remanufacture’ facility for Victoria site
Australian energy major AGL is pushing ahead with plans to transform its Loy Yang power station site in Victoria into a clean energy industrial hub, announcing it has signed a deal with Solar Recovery Corporation to explore the feasibility of establishing a PV panel recycling facility at the site.
‘Resort’ style retirement villages set up own VPP program
GemLife, which describes itself as “luxury resort living for the over-50s,” has set up its own Virtual Power Plant (VPP), and is set to invest $75 million in coming years to rollout the VPPs across more than 10,000 homes in its property portfolio on Australia’s east coast.
Agrivoltaics can mitigate effects of drought
A new study by the University of Hohenheim shows that shading from PV systems can improve agricultural yields, especially in dry periods, but additional research is needed.
