New technologies, new opportunities
UK-based analyst Exawatt and Germany’s Nexwafe published a white paper this week that takes a close look at the current state of PV manufacturing worldwide, and how Nexwafe’s innovative wafer production tech might fit into it. They said that if the potential of its Epiwafer can be realised, the PV industry may yet see “another revolution in wafer manufacturing.”
Greens make $6.1 billion electric vehicle pitch ahead of election
The Greens have announced a $6.1 billion plan to boost the uptake of electric vehicles and reestablish auto manufacturing in its previous hub, South Australia.
Australians come on board for 25GW green hydrogen project
Australian engineering company Worley will help develop a $39 billion green hydrogen project in Oman.
Hertz to add ‘significant number’ of EVs to Australian rental fleet
Hertz, one of Australia and indeed the world’s biggest car rental companies, has announced it will be adding up to 65,000 new electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet. While the percentage of those bound for Australia is still being negotiated, it adds to the rapid growth of our EV market – albeit from a low baseline.
AC Energy, Citicore switch on 72MW solar park in Philippines
AC Energy, the renewable energy unit of Philippines-based conglomerate Ayala Corp., has finished building the 72MW Arayat-Mexico PV plant on the island of Luzon, in cooperation with Manila-based Citicore Power.
Solar the energy workhorse in latest gloomy IPCC verdict
Photovoltaics can wipe out 4.25 billion tonnes of carbon emissions every year this decade, according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Even so, the actions announced so far remain way short of what is needed, with capital flows to fossil fuels still greater than the cash directed toward combating climate change.
Rare earth refinery to be built in WA as country vies to become serious China alternative for EV supplies
Western Australian miner Iluka Resources will build Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery to supply electric vehicle and renewable energy industries. The project has been enabled by a $1.25 billion loan from the Commonwealth government and is part of a broader push within Australia to establish ourselves as a serious alternative to China for the supply of processed critical minerals.
Victorian solar farm reaches financial close thanks to superfund
The 7.5MW Cosgrove solar farm in central Victoria has reached financial close and will begin construction as soon as next month after its owners, Bison Energy, reached an agreement with an undisclosed Australian superannuation fund.
Australia’s largest hybrid solar + battery project hits ‘major milestone’
Australia’s largest hybrid solar and battery project, the New England Solar Farm & Battery Project in northern New South Wales, has reached a new milestone over the weekend following the delivery of the first of two massive 250 MVA transformers.
800MWh battery and hydrogen hub could provide a ‘just transition’ to WA coal town
The Western Australian Government has announced $1 million in funding for the first phase of a feasibility study into a 600-800MWh battery and green hydrogen industrial hub in the coal town of Collie. The state government has promised the town, which has been powering Western Australia with its two coal mines since the 1880s, a ‘just transition.’ Sunshot Energy, chaired by eminent energy economist Ross Garnaut, is undertaking the study which could deliver a ‘just transition’ to Collie and green ammonia and urea to the agricultural and industrial sectors.
