Genesis begins building 117 MW solar plant in New Zealand’s north
New Zealand power company Genesis Energy has broken ground on a 117 MW solar project on the nation’s North Island with the facility expected to start generating power in 2027.
Are microgrids answer to remote communities’ energy conumdrum?
The conflict in Iran has triggered global disruptions to energy and liquid fuel markets, including here in Australia. Among the more vulnerable are those in remote and rural diesel-dependent communities where renewables-based microgrids offer an option for reliable and secure energy supply.
DMEGC launches 475 W full-black solar module
The Chinese manufacturer said its new rooftop solar module offers 455–475 W power, 22.8–23.8% efficiency, 96-cell double-glass design, and IP68 protection.
Water-spray cooling system improves PV module efficiency by 28% in arid setting
Researchers have developed a smart water-spray cooling system for PV panels that activates only when temperatures exceed a set threshold, boosting efficiency while minimising water use in arid conditions. The system raised power output and reduced module temperatures, offering similar efficiency to continuous cooling but with far lower water consumption, pump operation, and costs.
Octopus inks offtake agreement for Blind Creek solar and battery project
Just days after launching construction of its Blind Creek solar and battery project in southern New South Wales, developer Octopus Australia has inked an offtake agreement with renewable energy retailer Flow Power.
Trina withdraws battery application following state government intervention
Queensland’s large battery projects approval mechanisms are under scrutiny after Trina Solar withdrew its 200 MW / 800 MWh Pleystowe battery project, while state ministers stepped into two other contested projects proposed by Potentia Energy and Iberdrola.
Modelling points to used batteries powering $6.9 billion industry
Australia’s battery materials recovery sector could contribute $6.9 billion to the national economy by 2050 as end-of-life lithium ion batteries surge from electric vehicles and energy storage, according to a new national industry profile.
Antimony emerges as strong candidate dopant for Czochralski PV wafers
Researchers from the Australian National University and Longi used photoluminescence imaging to analyse dopant distributions in RCz-grown silicon wafers doped with antimony, phosphorus, and gallium, finding highly uniform radial concentration profiles suitable for high-efficiency solar cells. The study also found that antimony-doped wafers provide more stable axial doping along the ingot, highlighting their potential for next-generation PV manufacturing.
Australian-US collaboration targets battery system for Arctic applications
Australian battery and electric vehicle tech company 3ME Technology has teamed with United States-based South 8 Technologies to develop lithium-ion battery solutions utilising liquefied gas electrolyte-enabled cells for extreme cold weather and Arctic applications.
MGA Thermal lands new funding to scale renewable heat storage solution
New South Wales-based thermal energy storage system developer MGA Thermal intends to rapidly scale its manufacturing capacity and commercial capability after securing $17 million in new funding.
