Infrastructure investment megatrends eye renewable energy and data centres
The integration of renewable energy and digital infrastructure is a growing area attracting investors, according to survey findings by a new IMF Investors report, showing 80% of a survey respondents plan to increase their infrastructure equity in renewable energy and environmental options.
Cloud electric vehicle-to-grid battery optimisation methods researched
Cloud energy storage has been investigated as an efficient optimisation method for vehicle-to-grid charging stations, where power between them could be exchanged without physical connections.
Mounting install at Culcairn solar farm picks up pace using Leapting robots
China-headquartered smart solutions company Leapting’s specialised robots are helping speed up the installation of Neoen’s Culcairn solar farm in New South Wales, which the company says reduces labour intensity and mitigates construction safety risks.
Li-S Energy inks deal to keep solar powered aircraft in flight for months
Australian battery tech company Li-S Energy has inked a stratospheric deal with New Zealand uncrewed aircraft developer Kea Aerospace, to incorporate its lightweight tech into the solar powered aircraft and extend flighttime from a day to many months.
UNSW attracts research funds to help commercialise clean tech developments
University of New South Wales’ researchers using artificial intelligence to aid analysis of solar cell degradation, developing innovative green ammonia production and an end-of-life electric vehicle battery solution are recipients of commercialisation grants.
Locally manufactured microemulsion flow battery to debut at Eraring
Allegro Energy has unveiled a breakthrough innovation in long-duration energy storage with Australia’s first locally manufactured microemulsion flow battery that will be piloted in partnership with Origin Energy at the Eraring power station.
Labour shortages and safety prompt developer interest in robot workers
Robots on solar sites are not new; they have been deployed to automate everything from operations and maintenance to inspection and cleaning. In recent months, there has been an uptick in interest in robots for installation, particularly among utility-scale solar developers dealing with staff shortages, safety concerns, rising costs, and pressure to build.
Appetite for big battery ownership grows for utilities: report
Interest in owning big batteries is a growing trend for utilities and coal-plant owners as market revenue potential improves, particularly for newer, long-duration storage systems.
Fortescue proposes 644 MW solar farm for Pilbara iron ore mining operations
Fortescue Metals Group has submitted a proposal to the Environment Protection Authority for approval of its proposed 644 MW Turner River solar hub near Port Hedland to power iron ore mining operations.
27 million solar panels needed for Victoria’s 2035 renewables targets
Victoria’s 2035 renewables target is forecast to require 27 million solar panels raising concerns over end-of-life management, with a government modelling forecast that tonnages of photovoltaic system e-waste will increase around 20% per annum over the next decade.
