South Australia, Tesla partner for $800 million virtual power plant
South Australia could play host to the world’s largest deployment of residential solar+storage in the form of a virtual power plant. The scheme, announced by SA Premier Jay Weatherill on the election campaign trail, could see 250 MW of rooftop PV and 650 MWh of battery storage added to 50,000 homes over 4.5 years.
Australia must not miss lithium chance
Issuing a call for action, a report commissioned by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies outlines Australia’s opportunity to expand along the estimated $2 trillion lithium chain in the next two years.
Fronius releases new generation of storage kits for Australian market
The Austrian inverter specialist is launching a new version of its Energy Package upgraded with storage units from LG Chem.
Powershop Australia inks PPA deals for 200 MW solar, 189 MW wind projects
In addition to entering an agreement to purchase three hydro power stations in Australia, New Zealand’s energy retailer has signed three PPAs for wind and solar projects in Victoria and New South Wales.
Solar-powered classrooms pilot in NSW
Children at two New South Wales schools have started the new school year this week in modular classrooms powered by renewable energy.
Australia’s largest floating solar farm launched in Lismore NSW
A 100 kW solar PV plant has taken to the water in the northern New South Wales city of Lismore. The project was realized based on a unique community ownership model.
Clean Energy Regulator: small-scale solar+storage installation rate doubled in 2017
The number of battery storage systems being installed alongside PV doubled in 2017. The latest data from the Clean Energy Regulator shows that 3,763 battery storage systems were installed alongside a small-scale PV array, up from 1,566 in 2016.
Canadian Solar acquires 51% stake in five Photon Energy projects
Chinese module maker and project developer Canadian Solar has acquired a 51% stake in project pipeline of five utility scale solar farms in New South Wales. The projects, which are at an early stage, were initiated by Netherlands-based Photon Energy NV.
Vic blackouts intensify energy debate
It is the blackout, and fallout, that many were anticipating. The heatwave and power outages yesterday and today in Melbourne has brought with it politicking over the cause.
Coal smoke stacks fall as solar blooms in SA
Last week, the chimney from one of the last coal fired power plants in South Australia was felled. The demolition, captured in the footage below, came only days after Jay Weatherill attended the opening of the state’s first utility scale solar array in the region.
