Combining PPAs with demand response delivers savings for businesses
A new report shows that coupling renewable power purchase agreements with demand response, reducing consumption when prices are high, could increase electricity savings on top of those delivered under the PPA by one third.
Majority of Australians want more renewables, poll shows
In the lead up to a COAG energy ministers’s critical meeting this week, a poll conducted by ReachTEL for Greenpeace Australia Pacific shows that over 70% of respondents want an ambitious renewable energy target to drive down electricity prices.
Labor calls for coalition party room support before NEG agreement
The Australian Labor Party is rallying around a position demanding that the coalition party room signs off on the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) before Labor-lead state governments give their go-ahead. Federal energy and environment minister Josh Frydenburg will take the policy to state energy ministers on Friday.
Increasingly complex connection requirements delaying projects, damaging economics
Difficulties in finalizing grid connection are causing Australian utility scale PV project developers delays, potentially undermining viability. The impact can be particularly harmful for merchant projects, with LGC and wholesale electricity prices forecast to fall over the next two years.
Interview: “It’s all about controlling the hydrogen”
When pioneering and award-winning solar researcher Stuart Wenham passed away suddenly shortly before Christmas last year, some in the PV industry may have wondered what would become of his research into the role of hydrogen in crystalline silicon cells. His daughter, Alison Ciesla is answering that question alongside Wenham’s former team at UNSW, advancing its work into the crucial role of hydrogen in the degradation of silicon cells.
ACT power bills on rise, solar saves around 50%, report finds
With all eyes on the ACT cabinet, which remains unconvinced of the National Energy Guarantee as a complete policy solution beyond 2020, a new analysis of energy prices shows that ACT household power bills continue to rise. Solar owners, however, are largely insulated from bill shock.
Energy Security Board issues final NEG design details, urges immediate endorsement
On the back of its large-scale renewable boom, Australia has seen a drop in wholesale electricity prices and a downward emissions trajectory. So, the questions arises: what extra value can the hotly-contested National Energy Guarantee create for Australia’s electricity market beyond 2020? The Energy Security Board has had its final say on the issue.
Enwave Australia wins bid to build energy network in Adelaide
An energy production and trading scheme designed for the Tonsley Innovation District in Adelaide will incorporate one of Australia’s largest rooftop solar arrays to provide energy to businesses and homes within the growing precinct.
WA energy minister shifts focus from solar subsidies to battery incentives
The Western Australia government has signaled scrapping or winding back subsidies for rooftop solar, while looking for ways to boost battery uptake.
CEC: 3.1 GW of solar in construction pipeline, policy uncertainty undermines long-term investment confidence
According to the latest statistics from the Clean Energy Council (CEC), there are 42 wind and solar projects totaling 6239 MW worth close to $10 billion currently in construction or due to start soon across Australia. The unprecedented large-scale renewables activity is, however, surrounded by growing uncertainty over future policy and regulatory change.
