Clean Energy Regulator module tests reveal manufacturing, handling faults
The first report from the Clean Energy Regulator’s new solar module testing program have been released, revealing that most modules were “generally found to be of good quality.” Slightly over 10% of the modules tested failed electroluminescent (EL) testing as a result of either manufacturing or handling and transportation damage.
Bowen says coalition ‘whipping up community concern’ over renewables, energy transition
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has accused the Liberal and National parties of fomenting community opposition to renewable energy development, in a webinar hosted by Smart Energy Council today. Bowen warned the “fight isn’t over the and stakes are very high,” at the next election for Australia’s energy transition.
New NT Defence solar projects deploy forecasting, managing technology to achieve GPS
Energy forecasting and managing company Proa is rolling out its technology at two Northern Territory (NT) defence facility solar farms, with positive implications for scheduling solar energy commitments with certainty.
Rooftop solar’s success results in “struggling” large-scale segment
As Australia’s rooftop solar wracks up records, price cannibalisation has resulted in a “struggling” large scale market segment. Victoria University’s Energy Policy Centre head Bruce Mountain says that increasingly depressed wholesale electricity prices during the day is squeezing out big PV.
Local council approves Akaysha Energy’s Tasmania BESS
Akaysha Energy has received planning approval for its proposed 100 MW/200 MWh Palmerston battery energy storage system (BESS) in Tasmania. The battery is located close to the TasRex Northern Midlands solar farm development.
CEFC backs Neoen 238.5 MW Blyth Battery
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is one of five institutions confirmed to back Neoen’s South Australian 238.5 MW / 477 MWh Blyth Battery, further securing its 70 MW green power contract with BHP to supply the Olympic Dam mine site.
Australian EV fast charging sites set to double in 2024
Data analysis and clean technology research company, Next System reports 2024 is set to see a further doubling of public fast charging sites. Next System has found that the number electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Australia almost doubled in 2023.
More than 2,500 low-income homeowners in NSW take up rebate swap for solar offer
The NSW state government’s Rebate Swap for Solar program has attracted 2,700 households to the scheme, which it says will take $600 a year off energy bills. The energy, environment and climate change ministry announced the scheme’s progress this week.
PV manufacturing should start immediately, viability study finds
The Silicon to Solar (Roadmap) study has found Australian PV supply chain manufacturing is viable and calls for immediate action to establish it as a strategic priority industry and set up a solar manufacturing taskforce.
Communities rally to say ‘yes to renewables’
Renewable energy supporters and unions were activated last weekend to attend simultaneous family events in Wollongong and Newcastle, NSW, Gippsland and Portland, Victoria, and Gladstone, Queensland in support of solar, wind, and large scale energy storage. The events stood in contrast to growing community resistance to renewables and electricity transmission projects.
