Origin flicks operational switch on Australia’s biggest approved battery
The first stage of the biggest approved battery project in Australia is now fully operational with Origin Energy announcing the initial stage of the 700 MW / 3,160 MWh battery energy storage system being built next to its Eraring coal-fired generator in New South Wales has commenced commercial operations.
Astronergy launches 670 W TOPCon solar module with 24.9% efficiency
China’s Astronergy says its ASTRO N7 Pro module targets utility-scale PV plants and commercial rooftops, offering quarter-cell architecture, bifacial gains, and a 30-year performance guarantee.
Home battery uptake continues to climb
More than 1.2 GWh of new behind-the-meter energy storage capacity was installed across Australia last month as households and businesses sought to take advantage of the federal government’s revised $7.2 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Pilot opts for hybrid project over standalone solar
Oil and gas explorer Pilot Energy has expanded its renewables ambitions, teaming with Hong Kong-headquartered SN Energy Group to jointly develop a hybrid solar and battery energy storage project on land in Western Australia previously earmarked for a 376 MW solar farm.
WA launches $9 million funding round open for clean energy projects
The Western Australian government has opened a new round of funding under its $37 million Clean Energy Future Fund with $9 million available to back “practical” clean energy projects that help diversify and decarbonise the state’s economy.
Bowen says renewables transition on track after 7 GW added to grid in 2025
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen insists Australia is on track to meet the government’s flagship target of 82% renewable energy by 2030 after solar, wind, and other renewables supplied about 50% of all power in the electricity grid in the final quarter of 2025.
Rising silver prices drive China’s Longi shift to copper-metallised solar cells
China’s Longi says it will begin mass production of base-metal PV modules in the second quarter of 2026 as rising silver prices intensify pressure to reduce metallisation costs.
Fox trots out stackable battery system for residential, commercial applications
Chinese manufacturer Fox ESS has launched into the Australian market a 5.99 kWh capacity modular battery energy storage system that can be scaled up to 83.86 kWh per stack.
New process achieves 97% silver recovery from end-of-life solar panels
University of Newcastle researchers have developed a new separation technique that employs the same crushing and flotation principles used in mineral processing to recover more than 97% of silver from end-of-life solar panels.
Huawei, Sungrow lead Wood Mackenzie’s inverter market ranking
Wood Mackenzie’s first-half 2025 solar inverter ranking finds the top 10 leading inverter manufacturers have a 71% global market share.
