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.
Government underwriting of new “firm” generation more strategy than substance
Clean-energy advocates have slammed Energy Minister Angus Taylor’s proposal to underwrite investment in new “firm” generation capacity as a “coal-preservation fund”. The first formal outing of the policy appears vague, non-binding, and heading perhaps in the wrong direction.
NSW: 275 MW solar+100 MWh storage at Darlington Point gets regulatory nod
The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment has given the green light to a massive solar farm coupled with a utility-scale energy storage facility. The project proposed by Edify Energy is valued at $407 million.
CEFC tips $100 million into ARIF for equity renewable investment
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is upping its equity investment in large scale renewables by almost 40%. The CEFC announced today a $100 million investment in the Infrastructure Capital Group’s (ICG) Australian Renewables Income Fund (ARIF).
SMA announces over 400 job losses, China closure
SMA Solar technology AG has announced that around 425 full time jobs or 12.8% of its global workforce will be lost as part of its restructuring efforts. The PV inverter manufacturer will also discontinue operations in China, preferring to refocus its efforts on Germany.
First Solar sees a doubling coming in 2019
The U.S. module maker projects 5.4 to 5.6 GW of solar module shipments next year, more than double its current projected 2018 volumes of 2.6 to 2.7 GW.
Northern Territory launches $5 million Rooftop Solar Schools program
As part of its Roadmap to Renewables Plan and transition to 50% renewable energy by 2030, the NT government is set to roll out rooftop solar on up to 25 schools across the state over the next three years.
Pumped hydro: Snowy Hydro 2.0 approved by board, NSW plans 24 projects totalling 7 GW
The New South Wales government has launched its ambitious pumped hydro roadmap designed to back the rising level of wind and solar in the energy mix. Meanwhile, the board of government-owned energy provider Snowy Hydro has given the green light to its landmark $4 billion pumped hydro expansion project, Snowy 2.0.
