EV drivers to be significantly worse off in Ausgrid’s Sydney network, EV Council says
Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council has raised the alarm about Sydney electricity network, Ausgrid’s, upcoming tariff structure for high-power, public electric vehicle (EV) charging sites, saying under the proposal prices could balloon to $70,000 (USD 46,600) per annum.
Hydrogen breakthrough sees Professor awarded $3.7 million to commercialise technology
A prestigious award, along with $3.7 million (USD 2.5 million) has been awarded to University of Wollongong electrochemist Professor Gerhard Swiegers for his efficiency breakthrough for hydrogen electrolysers, which are currently being commercialised by startup Hysata.
Vietnam’s solar development moves to rooftops, net metering
The Vietnamese government has announced a USD 135 billion ($200 billion) energy strategy, with half of the country’s residential rooftops to be equipped with PV systems under a net-metering scheme. The nation also aims to become a power exporter by the end of the decade.
New leaders emerge in India’s 2022 solar market
The Indian solar sector experienced major shifts in market share during 2022, driven by policy changes such as the implementation of basic customs duty on cells and modules and the introduction of an approved list of models and manufacturers, according to Mercom.
Major union proposes ‘punitive’ tax on export of raw critical minerals from Australia
An influential Australian union will propose a “significant, punitive tax” on the export of raw critical minerals as a means of promoting more value-adding onshore. The news comes as longstanding trade allies voice criticism over Australia’s growing momentum towards domestic manufacturing.
Another lithium mine approved in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory government has granted the final approvals for Core Lithium’s BP33 underground lithium mine, part of the company’s ongoing operations in Darwin.
Australian gravity storage startup begins constructing R&D facility and digital twin in Port Kembla
Australian gravity storage startup Green Gravity will build an R&D facility Bluescope’s Port Kembla Steelworks. The company is aiming to prove its technology, which rests on moving weighted objects through disused mine shafts, via the facility with construction to begin this month.
India to join Germany’s green hydrogen strategy update
India will use its internal market to scale up hydrogen projects, with Germany as a possible export destination. As part of a broader strategy, the countries will collaborate on a financial and technological level on energy transition projects.
WA plans bigger batteries as 200 MWh Kwinana system is put to test
The first large-scale battery storage project connected to Western Australia’s main grid has only just commenced operational testing and already plans are in place to build an even bigger battery at the site as the state government seeks to harness surging rooftop solar resources to meet its power needs as it prepares to dump coal power.
Electricians urge feds to look to future with energy incentives
The Australian government has been urged to “look to the future” when establishing the parameters for a $1 billion (USD 670 million) funding package that will offer low-cost finance for people wanting to upgrade their home’s energy efficiency with products such as solar panels and high-performing electric appliances.
