Technology

The Australian National University (ANU) has launched a new research project to provide a blueprint by which Australia can look to install itself as the renewable energy powerhouse of the region. The project raises both political and feasibility questions about Australia’s economic future.

MIT scientists claim to have created a material 10 times more black than anything witnessed to date. It is said to be able to absorb more than 99.96% of incoming light and reflect 10 times less light than other superblack materials. The invention may be interesting for the development of black silicon PV technology and carbon nanotube-based solar cells.

Western Australia-based solar glass developer ClearVue has announced it is now able to produce larger floor-height sized power-generating insulated glass units and window panels. The company hopes this will open new sales opportunities.

GE Renewable Energy has been chosen to supply a massive battery for the 200 MW Solar River Project in South Australia.

A report by Germany’s Energy Watch Group thinktank has said we would be better off sticking to coal and oil than switching to gas because emissions of methane, the most potent greenhouse gas, caused by gas extraction render any related carbon savings irrelevant.

The Australian Capital Territory will soon become the first state or territory in Australia to achieve a transition to 100% renewable electricity and join a handful of major jurisdictions across globe that have made the move.

French renewable developer Neoen’s proposed hybrid power plant in South Australia is a monster, but is it a monster we can believe in? Along with industry experts we investigate the feasibility of Neoen’s Goyder South project.

New planning guidelines for large scale solar development in Victoria are now part of all state planning schemes. The Victorian government hopes to deliver consistent guidance in terms of choosing the right locations for solar development and encourage investment as it moves towards its 50% renewables goal by 2030.

ITP Renewables has released Version 1 of open-CEM, an open-source modelling platform that allows users play out tailored made energy-transition scenarios on the National Electricity Market (NEM) for years simulated up to 2050. The platform is an extraordinary tool for investors, policy makers, project developers and the public.

In reaction to voltage fluctuations in the Victorian and NSW 220 kV network, AEMO on Friday constrained the output of a number of large-scale solar generators by 50%.