New $100 million challenge targets 50 GW per year
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has dangled a $100 million carrot in front of the world’s best and brightest solar industry proponents to help lower solar and electricity costs to scale up annual installation in Australia from 5 GW per year to 50 GW.
Sunshine Coast to host Australian first local renewable energy zone
A “nation first” local renewable energy zone will be established on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast as part of a pilot program designed to boost rooftop solar generation, store it and share it locally across the poles and wires infrastructure that already exists.
AEMO calls for sustained investment as WA power supply outlook improves
The Australian Energy Market Operator has eased forecasts of a looming capacity shortfall in Western Australia’s main electricity grid but has warned of the need for “substantial and sustained” investment in renewables to replace coal-fired power stations and meet surging demand from customers electrifying their operations.
JA Solar debuts 23.3%-efficient single-glass, anti-dust solar panel
The new module has a power output of up to 650 W and weighs 29.6 kg. It uses JA Solar’s patented anti-dust frame technology, which reportedly enhances drainage and decontamination performance, thus reducing dust accumulation and avoiding hotspot issues.
Drone technology delivers transmission first for Powerlink
Queensland network operator Powerlink is claiming a first for the Asia-Pacific region after partnering with Australian technology company Infravision, which uses drones for aerial power line installation, to connect a renewable energy project in north Queensland to the national grid.
WA green lights first solar project under streamlined approvals process
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation’s ambition to be a key player in Australia’s clean energy transition has received a boost with the Western Australian government fast tracking approval for a 150 MW solar project in the Pilbara.
Longi claims 34.6% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
The European Solar Test Installation has confirmed Longi’s achievement of a world record-breaking efficiency rating of 34.6% for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell.
UNSW team creates vortex generators for passive solar module cooling
University of New South Wales researchers have created vortex generators that can reportedly reduce the operating solar module temperature by up to 2.5 C. They built two different prototypes, based on aluminum and a conductive 3D printable polymer, and tested them under several scenarios in an experimental setting deployed in Sydney.
Modular solar solution helps mining operation shift to renewables
Modular solar specialist 5B’s pre-assembled and relocatable Maverick solar solution has been unfolded in another off-grid hybrid renewable energy project as the decarbonisation of Australia’s mining sector continues.
Jemena partners with Solarig for green hydrogen projects
Spanish renewable project developer Solarig has signed an agreement with Australian electricity and gas company Jemena to collaborate on the development of green hydrogen projects, dropping a pin on regional New South Wales.
