ASEAN’s looming renewables revolution
Southeast Asia, when taken as a whole, is a global laggard in the uptake of renewable energy, but some countries are leading the way, such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Myanmar. And as ‘Angry Clean Energy Guy’ Assaad W. Razzouk argues, policymakers in the region cannot hold back the tide of solar and wind for much longer.
Australia still finding its feet on the coveted path to digitalised data
While the desire for data to support smarter grids is clear, actually digitalising said data to make it communicable around Australia is proving a thornier operation. Ultimately, it requires Australia’s grid operators to undergo nothing short of a metamorphosis – transitioning from operating networks to becoming network operators.
Australian scientists shed high-intensity light on pestering perovskite problem
A group of Australian researchers have made a significant discovery in the fight against light-induced phase segregation in next-generation solar cells, a somewhat counter-intuitive solution encapsulated in the famous final words of German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “More light!”
Floating solar plant with LCOE of $0.051/kWh comes online in Malaysia
The 13 MW array was deployed in the Selangor state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The plant is selling power to local utility TNB under a 21-year PPA. The project’s levelized cost of energy is MYR 0.21608 ($0.051).
WA Affordability Experiment home applauded for innovation but limited in solar scope
In an effort to glean insights into the cost efficiency of sustainable housing, the Western Australian government in conjunction with private partners this week launched an Affordability Experiment home.
CEFC annual report glowing with ‘prudent investment’
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has published its annual report this week, a report glowing with the hue of ‘prudent investment’ according to the CEFC Chair. The report emphasises the prudence and efficacy of the green bank’s mandate despite attempts by the Morrison Government to siphon off funds for fossil-fuel investments.
Vietnam opens 450 MW solar plant as utility-scale solar era dawns in SE Asia
Ho Chi Minh City-based construction company Trungnam Group said its army of labourers took just 45 days to perform site clearance for a project which took shape within 102 days. The 450 MW solar plant signals a new era in utility-scale solar for Vietnam, which is already seeing significant growth in its rooftop solar markets.
Hanwha Q-Cells moves to enforce recall of products found to infringe IP in Germany
The Korean manufacturer has announced that it wants to enforce the recall of products made by rivals Jinko Solar, Longi Solar and REC Group that were deemed by the regional court of Düsseldorf in June to have infringed a passivation technology patent. The recall applies to products sold since January last year in Germany.
Power play under way Down Under
Economics and common sense have to win out over a climate-denying, pro-fossil fuel government, says John Grimes, the chief executive of Australia’s Smart Energy Council. And in the absence of renewable energy targets, he argues that the power of the people seems to be leading the way.
Australia a key player in new Global Power System Transformation team of 6
This week will see the official launch of a global taskforce that aims to support worldwide uptake and integration of renewables and achieve at least 50% reduction in emissions over the coming decade.
