News

Denmark-based European Energy, which has more than 5 GW of renewable energy capacity under development in Australia, has completed its first PV project in the country with the commissioning of the 58 MW Mokoan Solar Farm in Victoria.

Draft rules for a new voluntary certificate scheme that will authenticate renewable energy-generated electricity and low-emission products including hydrogen and green metals are now open for public consultation.

The United Nations Office for Projects Services has kicked off a tender for the development and construction of a solar and battery storage minigrid in Papua New Guinea. The deadline for applications is March 24, 2025.

The Austrian manufacturer has launched its first battery system using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. A total of up to four units can be connected in parallel for a capacity of 63 kWh.

Battery manufacturer Vaulta is using lessons learned from Australia’s growing off-grid energy sector to spearhead the development of its next-generation battery energy storage technology.

Finland’s Wartsila Energy has been engaged by EnergyAustralia to supply and commission the battery system for the 350 MW / 1,400 MWh Wooreen energy storage project being developed in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.

The solar energy industry continues to push the boundaries of efficiency and reliability. However, as innovative photovoltaic cell and module technologies emerge, they also bring a new set of challenges in durability and performance. A new report from IEA PVPS Task 13, titled “Degradation and Failure Modes in New Photovoltaic Cell and Module Technologies,” offers a comprehensive analysis of degradation and failure mechanisms in current photovoltaic technologies.

The way is clear for developer TotalEnergies is commence construction of a 320 MW solar and battery energy storage project in the New England region of New South Wales after the federal environment regulator ruled the project didn’t require its approval.

The Chinese manufacturer said that its new glass-backsheet Windproof module utilises a zinc-aluminum-magnesium surface alloy technology and a high-strength steel substrate. It features a power conversion efficiency of up to 23.03%.

Hard-pressed Asian solar manufacturers have switched from multi-layer polymer backsheets to a single layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with a protective coating on both sides of their modules. Backsheet makers confirm these products, known as “CPC,” are now mainstream. There is little evidence to demonstrate that they can withstand 30 years-plus of outdoor use, however.