Solar not in COP24’s spotlight
As the dust settles on an imperfect, but still welcome, international agreement thrashed out at COP 24, the chairman of the European Energy Research Alliance has criticized the solar industry for its lack of representation in Katowice.
Coal generator owner inks major solar PPA
Vales Point coal-fired power station owner, Delta Electricity, will purchase most of the output of the 275 MW Darlington Solar Farm in New South Wales under a deal that both sides see as a demonstration of the growing role of renewable energy.
Santos to power oil well operations with solar+storage
In what is being billed as Australia’s first off-grid, 100% renewable energy project in the oil and gas sector, Santos will power 56 crude oil pumps into solar and battery storage. The project has won a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
Industry execs identify grid connection, policy uncertainty as top challenges
A survey run by the Clean Energy Council among senior executives, leading with a combined net worth of more than $17 billion, shows that clean energy investment confidence is strong. The majority of companies are looking to put on extra staff in the next year. However, challenges in achieving project grid connection and policy uncertainty are causing great stress in the long run.
Goats cheese, beer and brioche producers plug in to PV
A new report by the Climate Council celebrates thousands of Australian food and beverage producers switching to solar PV and wind energy to power their businesses.
University of Newcastle signs 100% renewable electricity deal
NSW’s University of Newcastle has signed a seven-year contract to cover 100% of its electricity needs across its Newcastle and Central Coast campuses with renewable energy, specifically a mix of solar, wind and hydro power.
Current growth in wind and solar PV supports zero fossil fuels by 2032
ANU’s Professor Andrew Blakers reveals the opportunities provided by rapid solar PV growth: for eliminating fossil fuels by 2032; and powering the processing of iron ore in the Pilbara.
CECF directed to shift focus to more reliable, 24/7 power
Under a new Investment Mandate, the Morrison government has instructed the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to support the development of a market for firming intermittent sources of renewable energy and to prioritise investments that support “more reliable, 24/7 power“.
ARENA grants $1 million to Ausgrid’s Power2U program
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $1 million to Ausgrid to boost its innovative grant program for rooftop solar and energy efficient lighting. The program aims to reduce participating customer’s bills, as well as avoid costly network upgrades, in parts of Sydney with low renewables uptake.
NSW gives two large-scale solar farms go-ahead
After granting an approval for a major solar+storage project at Darlington Point this week, the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment has greenlit two more utility-scale solar PV projects – the 170 MW Suntop Solar Farm and the 47 MW Gregadoo Solar Farm.
