WA completes first installations of $6 million in solar for public housing
As part of the Western Australian Government’s WA Recovery Plan, $6 million in funding was provided for a Smart Energy for Social Housing program. The program, which should see 500 properties fitted out with solar systems, got underway recently with the first 10 homes already basking in summer savings.
Viva announces MoUs for potential oil refinery transition to Geelong Energy Hub
Viva Energy Australia has signed memorandums of understanding with key industry partners would could see its Geelong oil refinery, currently struggling to transition to an LNG terminal, transition into an energy hub featuring solar and hydrogen.
Adaptive solar shade system means horticulturalists can smell the roses
Researchers have modelled the effects of various PV module arrangements on a greenhouse used for rose growing in Iran’s Shiraz region. The team determined a ‘sweet spot’ where modules produced the most energy and provided optimal growth conditions for the crop.
New renewables fund champions the low-risk, small utility-scale solar sector
Small-footprint solar farms can get a purchase on distribution lines, they’re virtually pop-up in terms of construction time, and a smart development model can be easily repeated. The Solarion Renewable Fund wants to let investors into its clean little secret.
Weekend read: Prospects for bifacial and large-format products
The pandemic and accidents at polysilicon labs in China’s Xinjiang region put PV manufacturers under pressure to maintain production this year, while slowing cell and module R&D. After half-cut and multi-busbar becomes commonplace, manufacturers will continue to explore the high-density assembly methods that emerged last year, as well as n-type cells. But the market is also shifting to large formats, and the share of bifacial products is growing this year. As sizing up modules can bring immediate returns, PV InfoLink’s Amy Fang expects the PV industry to prioritise the development of large formats and bifacial products next year.
CIMIC Group’s UGL secures more than $112 million in utilities contracts
Australian engineering firm UGL ends the week on a high having landed a series of renewable energy sector contracts with a combined value of more than $112 million.
200 MW solar farm and big battery project gets green light
The push by the New South Wales Government towards renewable energy continues to gather momentum with the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) approving a multimillion-dollar solar farm with a capacity of up to 500 MW in the state’s far north.
Versatility of building-integrated PV tipped to increase PV penetration
The multi-functionality of building-integrated PV (BIPV) shapes as a key driver to increased PV penetration in the Australian energy market as rooftop installations continue to dominate.
GRS named as EPC of X-Elio’s 200 MW Blue Grass Solar Farm
Spanish solar companies are passing business to each other in Australia like a football between Xavi and Iniesta. X-Elio has announced fellow Spanish company GRS as the EPC for its big entry into the Australian market, the 200 MW Blue Grass Solar Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs.
Electric buses coming early, NSW to transition entire fleet by 2030
New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, has announced an accelerated 2030 target for the transition of the NSW Government’s 8,000 strong bus fleet. With buses moving that quick Sandra Bullock must be behind the wheel.
