Looming funding crisis for UNSW solar research
Solar research in Australia has “a long history of being generously funded”, says Senior Lecturer at UNSW, Richard Corkish, but the gap in available grant monies emerging as ARENA nears the end of its current remit could jeopardise some of the country’s most important solar research and development as well as the hubs of expertise themselves.
APA to trial renewable methane in Australia’s gas pipelines
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has announced $1.1 million of funding for a power-to-gas demonstration plant to be built at APA Group’s Wallumbilla gas hub in Queensland. The project will demonstrate the viability of producing renewable methane from solar power.
QIC aims to capitalize on SPS and microgrid opportunities in WA
QIC-owned Pacific Energy has bought solar and battery microgrid specialist Hybrid Systems in a bid to tap the off-grid and edge-of-grid growth in Western Australia.
Solar hot air also rises, solar chimneys save energy and lives
Researchers at RMIT University have designed a solar chimney that both saves energy, and saves lives. The solar chimney, part of a range of sustainable features built into the new Mentone Reserve Pavilion in Melbourne’s Kingston.
Sea research, see solar
The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences is installing solar PV across its facilities nationwide. The Institute, which in part studies the impacts of climate change on our marine and coastal ecosystems, is on the scientific front lines of a bleached world without renewables.
Monash University research exposes national energy productivity shortfall
New research out of Monash University has revealed that Australian states and territories are lagging behind in COAG Energy Council commitments to improve energy productivity by 2030. Modelling shows that national objectives will only be half met.
Powerlink gets ARENA funding to investigate system strength challenges in North Queensland
A new study partly funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will look at system strength issues that have been an emerging challenge for renewable energy generation in the National Electricity Market, and explore the merits of several technical solutions, including battery storage.
Neoen to build Australia’s largest solar farm after power deal with CleanCo
Between 460 and 480 MWp in size, Western Downs will become the largest solar farm in Australia, bringing significant regional economic benefits to South West Queensland.
Transport NSW seeking expressions of interest to transition its bus fleet
As part of the NSW Government’s ambition to transition the entire public bus fleet to zero emissions, Transport NSW is seeking out expressions of interest for participants in trials of zero emission buses.
Octopus intel to power Origin customer experience
In coming years digital services will transform end-to-end energy management, from the point of generation to bill payment. Origin Energy has announced plans to adopt Octopus’s Kraken platform as it also buys a piece of the tech-tailer’s action.
