Storing renewables with landscaping gravel
Sandia National Laboratories and CSolPower have started researching the use of landscaping gravel as a thermal energy storage medium.
LAVO pivots to new model, offering households renewable ecosystems via subscriptions at no upfront cost
LAVO, which entered the market with its hydrogen battery in 2021, has soft launched a new Energy-as-a-Service model. Partnering with Yingli Solar, LAVO says it can install and maintain solar, battery and EV charging systems at no upfront cost to Australian households, who will then pay off the systems via a 10-year subscription.
Treasurer flags Australian response to IRA – good start but more ambition urgently needed
In a major address, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has today prioritised the need for a uniquely Australian response that “complements” but does not “copy” the United States’ landmark climate and energy policy, the ~$1 trillion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
South Australia moves to fast-track big battery developments
The South Australian government is looking to fast-track the development of grid-scale battery energy storage systems across the state, launching a process that promises to provide successful projects with exemptions that could “significantly” improve project timelines.
Quinbrook introduces energy tracing into portfolio as Australia hesitates on granular certificate scheme
Renewable energy investor and developer Quinbrook has launched software to allow customers to trace both the source and carbon-intensity of their electricity in real-time. The energy-tracing platform comes at an important moment, just as Australia’s government is deciding whether to include time-stamped and granular source information in its formal certificate schemes.
Brookfield, EIG boost Origin Energy takeover bid
The Brookfield-led consortium looking to acquire Origin Energy has come back with a “best and final” bid that values the company at approximately $20 billion (USD 12.85 billion). The offer comes just days after the energy utility’s largest shareholder rejected the previous bid.
Akaysha to begin building 300 MWh Ulinda Park battery project
Australian battery and renewable energy developer Akaysha Energy said construction of its 150 MW/300 MWh Ulinda Park big battery planned for Queensland’s Western Downs region will commence in the coming weeks with the company having now reached a final investment decision on the project.
AIKO showcases ABC modules ahead of Australian launch
Chinese solar panel manufacturer AIKO unveiled its solar cell technology at Melbourne’s All-Energy event last week ahead of an impending entry into the Australian market.
Solar module prices dive to record low
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, offers bite-sized analysis on solar PV module supply and price trends.
Commbank launches interest-free loans for solar and battery systems
One of Australia’s “big four” banks, the Commonwealth Bank, will begin offering interest-free finance up to $30,000 to install rooftop solar and home batteries with select merchants. The program will also allow customers to split repayments into instalments over one to five years.
