US investment giant snaps up New Zealand rooftop solar specialist
American investment behemoth BlackRock has agreed to acquire New Zealand rooftop solar PV and battery energy storage specialist SolarZero as part of its push into renewable energy in the Asia Pacific region.
Neoen Australia plans 4 GWh big battery for WA
The Australian arm of French renewable energy developer Neoen has lodged an application to build a 1000 MW /4000 MWh big battery in Western Australia as the state government looks to ramp up energy storage capacity to support its planned transition from coal-fired power to renewables.
Underground caverns to help unlock Australia’s hydrogen industry
Australia’s ambitions to become a major player in global green hydrogen production and trade have received a boost with a new report from Geoscience Australia confirming the potential for large-scale, underground storage of hydrogen in salt caverns across the country.
Energy-intensive cryptocurrency mining slows the march to 100% renewables
Crypto mining electricity use can exceed that of large, developed nations. Solar and storage can help cut carbon impact, but could the power be best used elsewhere?
Construction begins on world’s second-largest PV project
A 3 GW solar installation will be built in the Tengger Desert, in northern China. It will require an investment of around $3.18 billion (CNY 15.25 billion).
FRV Australia achieves 100% capacity with 115 MW solar farm
The decarbonisation of Australia’s electricity grid continues with the Australian arm of global renewable energy developer Fotowatio Renewable Ventures confirming the 115 MW Metz Solar Farm in New South Wales has achieved commercial operation status and is now generating at 100% of its capacity.
Three ways fossil fuel industry failed women (and how clean energy can learn from mistakes)
A crucial outcome of Australia’s jobs summit earlier this month was the commitment to review programs aimed at boosting the number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
Zenith plans Australia’s largest off-grid hybrid power plant for mining op
Australian battery minerals company Liontown Resources will install what is shaping to be the nation’s largest off-grid renewable energy hybrid power station at its $545 million Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Western Australia, allowing the mine to be powered by 100% on-site renewables during periods of high wind and solar resource.
NSW refines transmission plans for Central-West Orana REZ
The New South Wales government’s plans to develop a renewable energy zone in the state’s central west is one step closer to fruition following the release of the scoping report for the transmission infrastructure required to connect at least 3 GW of new renewable energy generation capacity to the grid.
Flexible, roll-to-roll printed perovskite solar cell hits 16.7% efficiency
A team of scientists from the CSIRO have demonstrated a flexible perovskite solar cell using roll-to-roll compatible “printing” type processes, which could potentially be applied in large-scale manufacturing. Of particular note is the development of a viable roll-to-roll process to deposit the electrode layer, which has thus far been a major challenge. Cells fabricated by the group achieved a maximum efficiency of 16.7%.
