Australia

Australia’s grant system is working exactly as designed. And that’s the problem. Right now, if you’re a small business or a not-for-profit, there’s likely a funding stream available to help you test an idea, buy equipment or build capability. If you’re a multinational or a university, there’s even more. But if you sit in the middle, a commercially viable, medium-sized business with proven success, and the capacity to deliver major outcomes, you’re often left with nothing. This isn’t sour grapes, it’s missed opportunities.

A pilot hydrogen energy plant that will employ a novel approach by producing green hydrogen directly from water and sunlight, without relying on electrolysers or grid power, is on track to begin commissioning in South Australia next month.

Australian researchers are reporting a breakthrough with zinc-ion battery technology, developing a new method to significantly boost the structural stability of the cathode material that enables the battery to operate reliably for more than 5,000 charge-discharge cycles.

The Victorian government is progressing plans to get gas out of homes and small businesses in the state with the introduction of a suite of new electrification regulations for residential and commercial buildings.

Potentia Energy has given the go-ahead for a 130 MW battery energy storage project in New South Wales, saying the deployment of its grid-forming inverter technology will play a critical role in Australia’s renewable energy transition.

The federal government has announced a national battery rebate scheme that comes into effect on July 1, although many eligible installations have already taken place.

Procurement and works packages for what is set to be one of the largest solar farms connected to Australia’s main electricity grid are now live with developer Genex Power seeking expressions of interest from trade contractors and suppliers for the Bulli Creek Solar project.

Western Australian-based resources company Lithium Universe has secured the global rights to a patented microwave technology designed to simplify the separation and recovery of valuable materials like silver, silicon, and critical metals from end-of-life solar panels.

Australian renewable energy infrastructure developer and operator CleanPeak Energy has closed a $465 million portfolio debt refinancing deal enabling it to move forward on several projects expected to achieve financial close in the next 12 months.

An unlicensed electrician in New South Wales has been convicted of 11 separate offences relating to fraudulent claims under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, after installing rooftop solar systems without the proper accreditation.