Rule change to allow big energy consumers to get paid for demand response
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is looking to reward large energy consumers for reducing their power usage at times of peak demand. The electricity market’s rule maker is looking to prevent the summer blackouts that have become commonplace around Australia in recent years in a cost effective manner through the proposed rule change.
Green hydrogen joins natural gas in WA pipelines
Canadian gas giant ATCO has unveiled its Clean Energy Hub in Jandakot which will explore the potential of hydrogen for home use in gas appliances. On the same day, the Western Australian government has launched a renewable hydrogen strategy and announced the creation of a $10 million green hydrogen fund.
FRV achieves financial close on 68 MW solar project in NSW
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) has secured financing for the 67.8 MW Goonumbla Solar Farm in New South Wales. The Spanish developer inked a power purchase agreement for the project with Snowy Hydro last year.
SEC warns of installer “bloodbath” if Victorian Solar Homes Program remains unchanged
The fallout of Victoria’s Solar Homes Program is verging on a “bloodbath” in the words of the Smart Energy Council (SEC) CEO John Grimes, who spoke at length in a SEC Webinar featuring over 200 Victorian solar industry actors about the adverse impacts of the program for both the industry and consumers. The SEC is now readying for action.
NSW Parliament launch inquiry into the sustainability of its energy future
The New South Wales Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Environment and Planning has launched an inquiry into the future sustainability of the state’s energy supply and resources. The question being asked: “What does the future of energy look like in NSW?”
PV module demand expected to reach 125.5 GW in 2019, TrendForce
According to the Taiwanese market research company, PV module demand will increase by 16% over 2018 shipments. TrendForce also believes this growth trend will continue in 2020.
Australian airports turn to emissions-linked financing amid growing appetite for sustainable lending
As sustainability-linked debt financing continues to gather momentum, Australian airports are turning to innovative funding mechanisms. In the latest such deal, the operator of Gold Coast Airport will be incentivised to reduce carbon emissions under a loan agreement with Commonwealth Bank and Westpac.
Australia’s first compressed air energy storage facility gets go-ahead
The South Australian government has given its tick of approval for the development of a 5 MW/10 MWh compressed air energy storage facility, which will store excess solar and wind power at a closed underground mine.
Connection issues continue to hamper large scale solar PV projects
The 60 MW Kennedy Energy Parkhas been deprioritised by its developer Windlab due to “uncertainty around connection solution.” The move comes despite the fact the hybrid solar, wind and storage facility known as “Big Kennedy” was completed last December.
Old South Freo tip solar farm gets green light
The proposal to build a solar farm on the site of the old South Fremantle tip has been given final development approval. Construction on the former landfill site, for which various redevelopment plans had been submitted since 1985, finally looks set to move ahead.
