The conflict in Iran has triggered global disruptions to energy and liquid fuel markets, including here in Australia. Among the more vulnerable are those in remote and rural diesel-dependent communities where renewables-based microgrids offer an option for reliable and secure energy supply.

Digging into NSW’s generation mix reveals that the supply gap from coal exists remains substantial. Eraring currently contributes more to the state’s mix than grid-scale solar and wind combined during winter (28% vs 20%), while utility-scale batteries remain just 1% of the current supply mix, underscoring how early the firming build-out still is. From an investment standpoint, the scheduled retirement of coal capacity represents one of the strongest structural tailwinds in the Australian energy market.

Australia has rapidly become one of the world’s most attractive destination for hyperscale data centres, ranking within the top 5-10 markets globally by capacity. Several factors explain this rise: large land availability within Renewable Energy Zones, fast-growing renewable penetration surpassing 40% across the National Electricity Market, geopolitical stability, Australia’s status as a trusted Five Eyes jurisdiction, and proximity to Asia-Pacific demand centres.

Nearly 20 years after the first perovskite solar cell was created, the efficiency and durability of this small but highly efficient film have attracted attention from industries around the world. Front of the queue is the global defence industry, where rising geopolitical tensions are resulting in record spending by governments to boost capabilities and protect critical systems from attack, whether from natural disasters or more sinister threats like military conflict.

Let’s say you want to encourage more drivers to shift to battery-electric vehicles. What’s the best way to do it?

Scientists from three leading Australian research organisations have developed the first proof-of-concept quantum battery, demonstrating the potential for rapid, scalable charging and energy storage based on principles of ollective effects.

At a new apartment building complex in Melbourne, NOX Energy has installed 252 electric vehicle chargers for residents and commercial tenants as part of an ARENA strata building EV adoption program.

China’s 2026 to 2030 policy plan elevates clean electricity as a central driver of economic growth, with greater emphasis on system integration and industrial use.

French renewables developer TE H2 has filed an application with the Australian government seeking approval for a 2.7 GW solar farm and 6 GWh battery energy storage project to be built in the Northern Territory.

Vena Energy has secured a $200 million long-term revenue agreement that it says will bring the second stage of its 408 MW Bellambi Heights battery energy storage system being built in central-western New South Wales online later this year.

The Chinese manufacturer said its new rooftop solar module offers 455–475 W power, 22.8–23.8% efficiency, 96-cell double-glass design, and IP68 protection.

Researchers have developed a smart water-spray cooling system for PV panels that activates only when temperatures exceed a set threshold, boosting efficiency while minimising water use in arid conditions. The system raised power output and reduced module temperatures, offering similar efficiency to continuous cooling but with far lower water consumption, pump operation, and costs.

Just days after launching construction of its Blind Creek solar and battery project in southern New South Wales, developer Octopus Australia has inked an offtake agreement with renewable energy retailer Flow Power.

Edify Energy will start construction proper of two massive solar and battery energy storage projects in Queensland by mid-year after naming DT Infrastructure as its preferred EPC contractor.

UK consultancy GlobalData says global renewable capacity will more than double to 8.4 TW by 2031, with PV reaching nearly 6 TW, a 13% compound annual growth rate from 2025 levels of 4.1 TW.

Australian battery and electric vehicle tech company 3ME Technology has teamed with United States-based South 8 Technologies to develop lithium-ion battery solutions utilising liquefied gas electrolyte-enabled cells for extreme cold weather and Arctic applications.

New South Wales-based thermal energy storage system developer MGA Thermal intends to rapidly scale its manufacturing capacity and commercial capability after securing $17 million in new funding.

VicGrid is inviting expressions of interest from developers to partner in the delivery of at least three new synchronous condensers at or near the Hazelwood terminal station in the Latrobe Valley.

Edify Energy’s proposed Burroway 100 MW solar farm and 400 MWh battery energy storage system in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone has been approved by the NSW government, subject to development consent conditions.

Australia’s transition to clean industry could unlock approximately $300 billion in economic opportunity if action is taken to deliver a pipeline of 70 projects, according to a new briefing from two global alliances pushing to decarbonise large scale industry.

The Chinese manufacturer said its new back-contact module delivers up to 545 W and over 25% efficiency in a compact rooftop format for residential, C&I, and off-grid applications.

The Chinese manufacturer has launched a fire-resistant version of its Hi-MO X10 module for distributed PV applications, featuring back-contact technology and up to 24.8% efficiency. The company says the module adds enhanced fire-safety design to address rooftop PV risks such as hot spots and DC arcing.

In an interview with pv magazine, Empa scientist Mirjana Dimitrievska explains that the CIGS photovoltaic technology, while promising for efficiency and flexible applications, faces persistent challenges in scaling lab-level performance to cost-effective, high-throughput industrial production, limiting its ability to compete with crystalline silicon. She also emphasizes that long-term stability, reliability, and material sustainability, rather than peak efficiency, are crucial for commercial viability, especially in niche markets like building-integrated and lightweight PV.

Plans to build Australia’s first large-scale silicon ingot and wafer manufacturing facility in Queensland have been put on the fast track by the federal government in a nod to the project’s potential to play a key role in supporting a domestic solar supply chain.

The new product has a maximum wattage of 725 W, a maximum current of 22 A, and a maximum efficiency of 99.6%.

Japanese clean energy infrastructure solutions company GBP K.K. has announced the launch of a mesh security fencing solution for grid-scale solar developments and acoustic panel fencing for utility battery storage sites for developments close to residential areas.

Queensland’s large battery projects approval mechanisms are under scrutiny after Trina Solar withdrew its 200 MW / 800 MWh Pleystowe battery project, while state ministers stepped into two other contested projects proposed by Potentia Energy and Iberdrola.

Australia’s battery materials recovery sector could contribute $6.9 billion to the national economy by 2050 as end-of-life lithium ion batteries surge from electric vehicles and energy storage, according to a new national industry profile.

Remote Samoan island communities will receive roof top solar, battery storage and a mini-grid upgrade to cut dependence on diesel, kerosene, wood fires and disposable batteries for light and cooking, with the Australian government’s REnew Pacific assistance.

The three phase energy storage system encompasses the inverter, battery and energy management into a single system, suited for residential customers and scalable to the small-scale commercial and industrial market.