Australia

The University of New South Wales along with several other universities and the CSIRO are embarking on a feasibility study into how New South Wales can utilise excess renewable energy to make fuel, chemicals and feedstocks for industry. The aim is to develop a plan for how fuels and chemicals such as green hydrogen and ammonia produced from renewables can decarbonise industry and grow manufacturing.

Long-standing solar PV manufacturer Suntech is set to expand its offerings in the Australian market with the imminent release of sister company Sunways’ range of single-phase inverters.

Oil and gas exploration and development company Real Energy continues to pursue its hydrogen ambitions, entering into a key partnership with Port Anthony Renewables to build and develop a large-scale hydrogen production facility in eastern Victoria.

Australian engineer Daniel Westerman has been chosen to head the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) as the nation continues to navigate a rapid transformation of the generation mix.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is funding Jemena to the tune of $1.6 million toward a new trial in which various electricity networks in Victoria, ACT, and Tasmania will manage residential EV charging to better prepare the grid for a time when mass charging will take place at peak periods.

A lengthy battle over land use is set to be reignited with renewable energy developer Infinergy Pacific lodging a revised planning application with the Victorian Government for a 200 MW solar farm and battery storage facility in the state’s southwest.

Australia’s record-breaking uptake of small-scale rooftop solar and growing interest in home battery systems almost guarantee virtual power plants (VPP) will play a key role in the nation’s energy system into the future and Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has identified the “blueprint” for their successful integration into the grid.

Australian Gas Networks (AGN) has revealed detailed plans to introduce renewable hydrogen into the existing natural gas networks in both Victoria and Western Australia after the first production of green hydrogen at its $11.4 million Hydrogen Park South Australia.

Like a flight simulator for power system designers, the Hitachi ABB facility is now in the hands of the Northern Territory’s Charles Darwin University where it will help build knowledge and capability on the Territory’s road to 50% renewable electricity by 2030.

Reclaim PV is a step closer to ensuring solar generation lives up to the promise of providing clean energy throughout its lifecycle, and that repurposing of its component materials becomes viable.