Sydney Uni commits to 100% renewables, but still under pressure to divest from fossil fuels
The University of Sydney’s recently released Climate Statement makes a raft of commitments across a range of sustainability fronts, most notably a commitment to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and reach net zero emissions by 2030. However, Australia’s oldest university is still under pressure to divest from fossil fuels.
WA launches new solar buyback scheme, encouraging panel orientation, batteries, and EVs
The Western Australian Government has launched its new Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme, a way for homes, schools, and not-for-profits with rooftop solar, energy storage, and even electric vehicles (EVs) to earn some money back from the surplus energy they export to the grid.
Taylor sets out to sabotage CEFC
Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor is set to expand the remit of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to allow it to invest in gas generation. The move, which is so counter-productive that it resembles sabotage, has sparked waves of disapproval from around the nation, led by the Clean Energy Council.
A new book seeks to swell the ranks of renewable-energy advocates
The global renewable-energy transition needs a massive injection of community advocacy and engagement if countries are to have any effect on global warming. Industry analyst and commentator Ketan Joshi hopes to seed confidence among people still sitting on the fence to argue for and support renewable developments in their communities.
The SEC had a plan to manage SA’s rooftop solar abundance, but the state government simply flicked the switch?
Distributed rooftop electricity generation means that many more parties have a stake in rule changes and amended standards for equipment than when a few coal-fired plants ruled the NEM. The South Australian Liberal Government seems to have eschewed consultation with overriding new rules that could hurt many small solar businesses and shake the trust of solar households.
Community solar project breaks ground in Australia’s bush capital
Achieving net-zero emissions for Australia is a community undertaking. In Canberra, SolarShare has over several years helped citizens without access to rooftop PV possibilities, to invest in the means to their clean future.
Distributed and large-scale renewables improve reliability outlook for Australia’s main grid
The reliability of Australia’s power supply has improved driven by the addition of new solar and wind capacity, making summer blackouts less likely, the Australian Energy Market Operator finds in its latest report. In light of the aging coal fleet and scheduled plant closures, timely commissioning of new generation, storage and transmission investment will be critical.
Luminous Energy offloads Queensland’s second largest solar farm
The UK developer has completed the sale of the 162MWac (203MWdc) Columboola Solar Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs, having recently signed a power purchase agreement with state government-owned utility CS Energy.
APY Lands set for solar and battery transition
The South Australian Government has announced a $9 million investment towards the transition of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands from diesel reliance to the self-reliance of solar and energy storage. The contract is good news for one of the most continuously culturally fecund regions in the country.
Toowoomba shops get a solar makeover
Toowoomba’s Grand Central shops are currently getting a solar treatment, over 2,400 panels installed through a partnership between the QLD State Government and Yurika. QLD Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said QLD is behind renewables.
