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.
IEA report reveals shift to clean energy accelerating
Solar has been described as the “star performer” by the International Energy Agency which has forecast that global investment in clean energy is on course to rise to $2.61 trillion (USD 1.7 trillion) in 2023, with spending on solar set to eclipse outlays on oil for the first time.
Curtailment of renewables grew almost 40% in last year, AEMO says
Renewable curtailment in Australia has grown by almost 40% from a year ago, Daniel Westerman, head of AEMO says. Frustratingly, the revelation came in the same forum where the head of Australia’s green bank warned the nation is not on track to reach its target of 80% renewable generation by 2030.
Building nature-friendly solar parks
Hungarian company SolServices has published a white paper outlining ways to make solar farms more compatible with nature and wildlife, from insects and amphibians to birds, bats, rodents and big game.
Weekend read: Indonesia’s race to net zero
Coal-dependent Indonesia has huge solar potential but progress toward a net zero economy has been sluggish, explain Daniel Kurniawan and Fabby Tumiwa from the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), an Indonesian thinktank.
