Novel method to turn existing solar parks into agrivoltaic facilities
An international research team has developed a new methodology to increase levels of pollination at ground-mounted solar plants. It involves the development of new vegetated land cover below and around solar parks.
Sodium-ion batteries for EVs, renewables storage
US scientist have developed a new electrolyte design for sodium-ion batteries to improve their long cycling performance. The low-solvation electrolyte was designed for high-voltage sodium-ion batteries, which retained 90% of their capacity after 300 cycles.
Tesla reveals surging Powerwall numbers as it gears up to double EV sales
Tesla chair Robyn Denholm expects the company to double its EV sales in Australia by the year’s end, hoping to see its flagship product catch up to its Powerwall sales. Denholm also said Australia needs to expand its lithium refining and processing capacity at “sprinting pace” to properly capture the global battery opportunity.
‘Entirely novel’ mechanochemical breakthrough for storing hydrogen
Researchers at Melbourne’s Deakin University have discovered a novel way to separate, store and transport large amounts of gas. The method, they say, is efficient, affordable and creates no waste – carrying huge implications for the burgeoning green hydrogen industry and for the energy transition at large.
This is Australia’s most important report on the environment’s deteriorating health. We present its grim findings
Australia’s State of the Environment report was released today, after its publication was delayed by the former Morrison government until after the federal election. The review, completed by scientists last year, was described by the new environment and water minister, Tanya Plibersek, has a “shocking document” showing Australia’s environment has been deteriorating and is in poor condition. Professors from the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales present the findings.
New micro-inverter series from China
Beny Electric unveiled a micro-inverter series with efficiency of up to 97.5% and a European efficiency of up to 97%. The micro-inverters are available in three different versions with a rated power output of 550 VA, 700 VA, and 2,800 VA, respectively.
Oil and gas reservoirs are cheapest options for underground hydrogen storage
New research from Ireland shows that depleted oil and gas reservoirs may be used to store hydrogen at a cost of US$1.29/kg (AU$1.9/kg). According to the researchers, underground hydrogen storage may benefit from the technological maturity of the geologic storage of natural gas and CO2, which are associated with decades of established knowledge.
There’s a smart way to push Labor harder on emissions cuts – without reigniting the climate wars
The fate of Labor’s 2030 climate policy hangs in the balance as the Greens and other climate-conscious crossbenchers this week consider pushing the government harder on emissions reduction.
UQ targets testing platform to fast-track large-scale grid connections
University of Queensland researchers will seek to develop and test a new platform designed to help streamline the process of connecting large-scale renewable projects to the grid after landing a $498,000 grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
ACT accelerates move to EVs with plan to ban new petrol cars from 2035
The Australian Capital Territory is set to become the first Australian state or territory to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles with the government announcing plans to put the brakes on the sale of new petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles from 2035.
