Sustainability

Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has already attracted proposals for 1.2 GW of renewable electricity, to be generated in four southeast Asian nations, and wants to raise that figure to 4 GW by 2035.

Rooftop solar systems are cheaper then centralised ground mounted systems for remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, a new report funded by ARENA and APVI has found. The report, however, did not examine the question of community benefit in its scope – something Alan Langworthy, who has long worked in energy in the NT, told pv magazine Australia is absolutely vital.

The Victorian government has published its Gas Substitution Roadmap detailing regulatory and policy reform designed to help Australia’s biggest gas-consuming state fast-track its transition towards a renewable energy future and navigate the path to net-zero emissions.

The Victorian government has opened a new round of funding for a $20 million initiative designed to support projects that create long-term sustainable jobs, increase the uptake of renewable energy generation and drive innovation in new energy technologies.

Australian miner Liontown Resources has declared the way is now clear for construction to commence on its $545 million Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Western Australia after inking an offtake agreement and $300 million financing facility with global car manufacturing giant Ford Motor Company.

With new modelling by PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia revealing that businesses will spend $3.7 billion on advisory services supporting their transition to a clean economy by 2030, the firm has launched a new unit designed to help facilitate the nation’s successful transition to a decarbonised economy.

The quickening exit of coal-fired generation from Australia’s energy mix – with 60% of capacity expected to be withdrawn from the National Electricity Market by 2030 – has emphasised the need for significant investment in renewable energy generation, storage, transmission, and system services.

Australian energy giant AGL Energy has revealed that Canadian fund manager Brookfield Asset Management has acquired a more than 2.5% stake in the power producer, renewing speculation it may mount a fresh tilt to take over the company.

The Australian Energy Market Operator has declared approximately $12.7 billion of investment in new transmission lines should begin “as urgently as possible” to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and energy storage, replace exiting coal-fired power plants, and deliver a more efficient and effective grid in eastern and south-eastern Australia.

ASX-listed company Vulcan Energy announced a $76 million equity investment from one of the globe’s top five automakers, Stellantis, which owns brands like Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Chrysler and Opel. The deal, Vulcan managing director Francis Wedin told pv magazine Australia is one of number in the works as the European market clambers to secure not just lithium, but sustainably produced lithium, from the Aussie company. Wedin explains precisely how the company’s novel lithium extraction method works and why it finally affords properly green credentials a vital battery resource.