Kyocera uses blockchain to test virtual power plant based on solar and storage
The module maker and electronics giant is testing the feasibility of a complex virtual power plant with a blockchain platform provided by US-based LO3 Energy.
Low, middle income households install solar more than wealthy
New myth-busting analysis has revealed that rooftop solar is not so much in vogue among the wealthy, but is more popular among poorer households. Cost-saving benefits are, however, being blunted by high fixed charges, while energy retailers are profiteering from households with solar PV, states the report from the Victoria Energy Policy Climate.
Australian scientists use hydrogen atoms to boost solar cell efficiency
Researchers want to better understand how hydrogen atoms may improve the performance of phosphorus-doped multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) films for passivating contact solar cells.
A blockchain trading solar power system in the real world
PowerLedger’s xGrid is a blockchain-based electricity trading platform that’s now being used in a Pennsylvania business park, in addition to Chicago, California, a large housing unit in Australia, plus a few more locations.
Victoria’s Powercor develops plan to avoid solar curtailment
The Victorian electricity distribution business has proposed network enhancements that aim to drive down power prices starting from 2021. It hopes to boost the safety and flexibility of the grid through the measures, which include network improvements to accommodate more solar and battery storage installations.
AEMC to fast track approval of SA-NSW interconnector
After it garnered broad support in political and industry circles, the proposed SA-NSW interconnector is in line for a speedier approval than expected, with the AEMC looking to fast-track the regulatory approval process.
Neometals commissions li-ion battery recycling pilot plant
Australian lithium developer Neometals has taken its lithium‐ion battery recycling technology to the floor at a pilot plant in Canada. SGS Canada has been contracted to construct and operate the pilot at its Lakefield facility, and handle both the front-end feed preparation and hydrometallurgical processing/refining stages.
New model for calculating bifacial boost
Belgian research institute imec has developed a new simulation framework it says can calculate the expected output of a bifacial PV system. The model could help improve developer understanding of the best system configurations for bifacial, and foster confidence among investors by providing a precise prediction of energy yields.
Blaming renewables for power failures is wrong
In the aftermath of January’s blackouts in Victoria and South Australia, public policy think thank Grattan Institute underlines that blaming renewable energy for supply failures is wrong and dangerous. The new report flies in the face of repeated claims by the Coalition government that renewables are undermining the reliability of electricity system.
Melbourne trial looks to beef up grid for rooftop solar boom
A $2.2 million trial run by Jemena, AusNet Services, and UNSW Sydney will explore how existing network infrastructure can better integrate with solar power, as Australia’s rooftop PV uptake goes from strength to strength.
