Long read: Patently disruptive
Australia has become the latest front in South Korean company Hanwha Q Cells’ legal battle against three competitors – JinkoSolar, Longi Solar, and REC Group – that it claims have infringed its patent on a particular aspect of passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology. Among many speculations is the idea that the case splits layers with an indefensible claim, perhaps seeking to strategically impose a slowdown on Hanwha’s rivals.
ZEN Energy readies to build 2.3 MW rooftop solar array at Tonsley
The first phase of a 6 MW solar array planned to power a former car manufacturing site at Tonsley in Adelaide will be delivered by ZEN Energy. The solar installation will ultimately work in conjunction with on-site battery storage and smart technologies as part of Enwave Australia’s Tonsley District Energy Scheme.
Vietnam overtakes Australia in commissioned utility PV following June FiT rush
Norwegian consultancy Rystad Energy has placed Australian and Vietnamese solar markets side by side and found the Southeast Asian country has left Australia behind in terms of commissioned utility-scale PV capacity. A staggering 4,460 MW of connected PV capacity in Vietnam at the end of June came as a surprise to many.
Council approval for 81 MW Atherton Solar Farm in Far North Queensland
Far North Queensland is looking set for another large-scale solar farm as the Tablelands Regional Council approved the development of a 81 MW solar PV facility near the town of Tolga in the Atherton Tablelands.
“Transforming Australia from a global laggard to a leader in transport innovation,” Chargefox flexes its EV charging network muscle
Chargefox, Australia’s only public ultra-rapid EV charging network, has demonstrated its rapid growth by opening the most powerful EV charging station in the Southern Hemisphere. At the same time it announced its partnership with Yurika and the Queensland Government to manage the 17 fast charging sites that make up the Queensland Electric Super Highway.
Victoria’s solar PV rebate out of stock for July
The July quota for solar PV rebates under Victoria’s Solar Homes program has been filled within days. The next release will be available in August.
South Australia gives 500 MW solar farm coupled with 250 MW battery go-ahead
One of Australia’s largest utility-scale solar arrays and the biggest energy storage facilities was given a tick of approval.
Evie Networks announces partnership with U.S. software provider to build ultra-fast highway of EV charging stations
Evie Networks, largely funded by coal baron Trevor St Baker’s St Baker Energy Innovation Fund to the tune of $28 million, has announced its partnership with U.S. software company EV Connect to help systematise Evie’s proposed ultra-fast highway charging network. The network could enable affordable EV options to pick up speed in Australia.
ARENA opens admissions for Incubate 2019
Applications for ARENA’s A-Lab Incubate 2019, a three-day innovation lab where teams are invited to develop high-impact projects looking to forward Australia’s transition to renewable energies, officially opened this month. Participants receive intensive expert assistance and access to potential investors including ARENA, CEFC and private investment funds.
Bunjil Energy aims for indigenous empowerment and the “complete decentralisation” of energy
Offgrid installations formed an early training ground for many veterans of Australia’s solar industry – often in particularly tough conditions. Bunjil Energy CEO and Co-founder Isaac Harrison shares this experience and is putting it to work to pursue his vision for Eco Solar Farms and empowering indigenous communities through PV.
