Solar transforms NEM supply mix displacing coal
The latest figures from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) show that solar continues to eat into the share once firmly held by coal on the back of a dramatic increase in installations over the past 12 months. The trend was backed by energy storage facilities which continued to gain foothold as providers of frequency control and ancillary services, lowering overall costs in the first quarter of 2019.
Disability Accommodation deploys solar+storage for backup power
In what is being claimed to be an Australian first, Natural Solar has installed a solar PV and storage system to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in South Australia, with an innovative approach to providing backup power supply. Natural Solar reports that the battery systems retain 20% charge at all times to ensure backup power supply.
The CEFC and Climate Bonds
Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation has invested more than $500 million in 12 climate bond issuances since it began investing in 2012, establishing a leadership position in this rapidly evolving investment channel.
NSW school pioneers renewable PPA to cut power bills
Echoing a growing appetite for corporate renewable power purchase agreements in Australia, Ascham School has become the first school in New South Wales to ink a long-term deal with commercial electricity retailer Flow Power.
Lyon Group places solar and battery storage units into administration
The Brisbane-based solar and storage developer has placed Lyon Solar, Lyon Battery Storage and Lyon Infrastructure Investments 1 into voluntary administration after being embroiled in a court case over a wind up notice issued by one of its investors.
Risen Energy, Providence Asset Group confirm strategic partnership
In pursuit of its Australian target of at least 2 GW of renewable projects, Risen Energy has confirmed its partnership with Australia’s cleantech investor Providence Asset Group.
Bank Australia switches to 100% renewable electricity
Only a month after it signed up to the global initiative RE100, Bank Australia has announced it made the switch to 100% renewable electricity one year ahead of its 2020 target.
Australia’s first solar to hydrogen-based microgrid gets nearly $1 million in federal funding
A grant of nearly $1 million has been announced for a 100% renewable energy project which will see the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest reduce its reliance on diesel fuel to generate power.
How to profitably up-cycle 80 million tonnes of PV waste by 2050
New research by UNSW examines the economic barriers, the technologies and opportunities in recycling end-of-life silicon photovoltaic modules for profit.
Coal mining museum powered by solar PV and battery storage
In a powerful demonstration of Australia’s energy transition, the Victorian State Coal Mine, a tourist attraction in the coastal town of Wonthaggi, is now powered by a solar and battery storage system.
