GEM: Large scale solar generation grows 300% in 2018, renewables pass 20% share
The contribution of solar PV to Australia’s electricity generation mix hit record new highs in 2018, in new figures published today by Green Energy Markets. Last year rooftop PV generation from new arrays was 86% higher than in the previous three years and utility scale solar increased 300% – passing the 1,000 GWh milestone for the first time.
Inverter supplier offers utility solar-farm planning, grid modelling and O&M services
Supplier of solar inverters SMA has announced two new service offerings – plant engineering, and operations and maintenance – designed to de-risk new project investment, streamline grid connection, and drive greater ongoing performance from utility-scale solar farms.
Canadian Solar revises up estimates while giving PG&E update
The Ontario firm has revised figures for shipments, net revenue and gross margin after seeing better-than-expected trading in the final three months of 2018.
Redback added to SA Home Battery Scheme
Australian-based Redback Technologies is now eligible for subsidies under the South Australia Home Battery Scheme, alongside nine other brands. The company manufacturers its solar inverter-battery hybrid systems overseas.
IEEFA update: Even as forecasts signal decline in global thermal coal markets, Australia courts new mines
IEEFA supports new bill prohibiting the opening up of thermal coal mining in Queensland’s Galilee Basin
Tesla acquires storage specialist Maxwell Technologies
Maxwell, which specializes in supercapacitors, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elon Musk’s business.
Eni enters Aussie renewables market with acquisition of NT largest solar farm
Diversifying its gas-focused portfolio Down Under, the Italian oil group has acquired the Northern Territory’s largest solar project – the 33.7 MWp Katherine Solar Farm.
Deakin University breaks ground on 7.25 MW solar-powered microgrid
The first sod has been turned on a $30 million smart microgrid which is to power Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Campus. The project, featuring a 7 MW solar farm and a 1 MW battery, is delivered in partnership with AusNet Services and its subsidiary Mondo with the goal to provide an integrated research and education platform, and contribute to the university’s sustainability goals.
Japanese scientists seek to lower costs of PV-powered hydrogen
A research team has conducted a demonstration of economic feasibility for battery-assisted, low-cost hydrogen production from solar energy. The scientists claim their system will mean hydrogen can be produced for $0.15-0.25 per cubic meter.
Western Australia launches strategy to fuel battery industry
With li-ion battery supply chains stretched by the rapid EV and energy storage uptake, Western Australia is looking to position itself at the forefront of global battery manufacturing. The state government has launched a strategy to grow WA’s future battery industry, which includes plans for an investment attraction strategy.
