Saturday read: Rapid growth becomes new normal
Despite the impact of the pandemic and associated economic crisis, 2020 saw unprecedented growth in the solar market. With the International Energy Agency stating that high rates of capacity additions are the new normal, has the energy and investment environment fundamentally changed? Felicia Jackson in London explores these issues.
CER calls for market changes with rooftop solar set to surge
The Clean Energy Regulator has reaffirmed the urgent need for changes to how the national electricity grid and market operate with a new report predicting the nation could add another 20 GW to an already surging rooftop solar sector by 2025.
Cramming cities full of electric vehicles means we’re still depending on cars — and that’s a huge problem
This week, the NSW government announced almost A$500 million towards boosting the uptake of electric vehicles. In its new electric vehicle strategy, the government will waive stamp duty for cars under $78,000, develop more charging infrastructure, offer rebates to 25,000 drivers, and more.
SA Water unveils 176 kW install as part of $300 million solar PV plan
South Australia water utility SA Water continues to make a splash in the solar PV sector, commissioning two new solar arrays with a combined capacity of 176 kW at its facilities in Mount Gambier as it pursues an ambitious agenda to neutralise the energy costs of its operations.
ACT investigates solar PV stewardship scheme as government puts deadline in place
The federal government’s revelation of a deadline for the solar industry to “step up” and address the growing issue of solar PV module waste or face regulation has coincided with the Australian Capital Territory government announcing plans to investigate recycling options for solar panels.
Risen Energy makes $13.35 billion move into Southeast Asia
China-based Risen Energy is expanding its global footprint, the solar PV manufacturer and project developer announcing plans to construct a $13.35 billion mega production facility in Malaysia.
‘Low-cost renewable hydrogen may already be in reach’
If the three record-busting low solar price tariffs recorded in the Middle East in the past 18 months are to be believed, renewables-powered hydrogen in prime sites in the region could already compete with gas-plus-CCS production, according to IRENA. Has the Gulf discovered the new petrol?
Gransolar Group’s Dalby hybrid solar+storage project is a wholly inside job
Spanish EPC Gransolar Group’s four member companies across the entire value chain are combining on its first hybrid power plant. The 5 MW solar + storage hybrid power plant near Dalby, Queensland, will supply solar energy to grid service provider Ergon while also taking advantage of all the other revenue streams available to energy storage projects.
‘World’s cheapest wafer’ maker plans 2 GW Indian fab
The American business is looking for module manufacturing partners as it plans to bring its ‘direct wafer’ production technique to India. The company uses molten silicon to form wafers rather than sawing ingots, thus eliminating dust waste and speeding up the process.
‘Rapid’ rejection of $50 billion renewable energy hub raises concerns
Developers of one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects have vowed to push ahead with plans to build the $50 billion Asian Renewable Energy Hub in Western Australia after the federal government’s decision to reject the project was labelled “perplexing” and “premature”.
