Solar water pumps: cheaper, easier but routinely underestimated
Victorian company Commodore Australia has evaluated how much customers save by using solar water pumps compared to diesel or mains-connected pumps. Based on its calculations, the smallest solar water pumps save customers between $480 to $610 per year, with that figure growing to a staggering $35,117 to $44,837 for the largest pumps.
Solar broking startup with unconventional growth strategy targets regional Australia
Australia’s second ‘solar broker’ has entered the market, essentially aiming to link customers with reputable solar installers. With a keen focus on regional Australia, the Solar Saviour startup is looking to grow by engaging country communities and building after-care based referrals schemes, a method its Head of Partnerships, David Cobb, told pv magazine Australia Australia’s solar industry has under-utilised.
Advanced battery and hydrogen research facilities to be built by Victoria’s Deakin University, backed by government funds
Deakin University has received funding for two multi-million dollar facilities, one devoted to advanced battery research and the second for the development of hydrogen technology. The projects’ aims will be to overcome hydrogen’s hurdles and, for batteries, to improve existing technologies while also investigating sustainable alternatives like sodium batteries.
Using the oceans’ depths to store renewables, compress hydrogen
Underwater gravity energy storage has been proposed as an ideal solution for weekly energy storage, by an international group of scientists. The novel technology is considered an alternative to pumped-hydro storage for coasts and islands without mountains that are located close to deep waters, and may also be interesting for PV if used to store green hydrogen.
Solar+storage kits for construction sites, one-off events
France’s Revolt Energy Green has developed a flexible solar+storage solution for one-off events, construction sites, and different kinds of off-grid applications. It has also developed a mobile hydrogen solution.
Evergen selected for Queensland’s 100% solar + battery neighbourhood
Smart energy software company Evergen will provide an energy management platform as part of a net-zero energy emission terrace homes pilot at Carseldine Village, north of Brisbane.
Nanoparticles enable completely clear, industry-sized solar windows (yes, they’re finally here and targeting 5% efficiency)
The promise of solar windows have captivated scientists and engineers for decades. Now, West Australian company ClearVue says it not only has a fully transparent, scalable, industry-ready solar window in production, but it’s just 18 months away from cracking 5% efficiency, thanks to a research partnership.
Why most Aussies won’t be owning electric cars in the next five years
If the first few months of the year are anything to go by, 2021 looks to be a turning point in the conversation about an electric vehicle (EV) future. Major car manufacturers have already made game-changing announcements, with Ford’s European arm committing to an all-electric lineup by 2030, and Volvo planning to phase out internal combustion engines by the same year, including hybrids.
Bill mandating community-ownership of regional renewable projects progresses
A bill introduced by independent MP Helen Haines seeking to ensure more money from renewable projects remains in regional Australia is now open for submissions as part of a parliamentary inquiry.
Marinus Link bolstered by new reports attesting its potential benefit across NEM, but who should pay?
New reports and modelling has led TasNetworks to further push its largest of four possible Marinus Link versions. The largest, a 1,500 MW interconnector between Tasmania and the Australian mainland, is being shown to provide benefits across the entire NEM through grid stability and downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices. But there is still some discussion about who should pay for it.
