Australia

New UNSW research found that about 20% of solar modules in large PV plants degrade much faster than expected. The researchers recommend holistic strategies such as robust materials, advanced designs, and proactive monitoring to decouple degradation pathways and prevent cascading failures.

Line Hydrogen has breathed new life into a 7.6 MW green hydrogen project planned for Tasmania with the signing of an equipment supply deal with Chinese manufacturer Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co.

Solar farms in New South Wales led the way for Australia’s utility scale PV energy output in December, generating 1,052 GWh of renewable electricity to drive all Australian large-scale PV and wind generation up 19% on the same time last year.

The number of motorists opting to buy an electric vehicle in Australia continues to rise with new-car sales data showing almost 157,000 EVs were purchased in 2025 with total sales increasing by 38% compared to the previous year.

UNSW researchers boosted TOPCon solar cell efficiency by locally thinning the rear poly-Si layer, reducing parasitic absorption while preserving wafer integrity. The champion cell built with this approach achieved 25.10% efficiency with improved bifaciality and maintained strong passivation.

Plans to generate up to 80% of the Western Australia coastal town of Exmouth’s power from renewable energy sources are progressing well with all 16,700 PV panels installed at a new 9.6 MW solar farm.

UNSW researchers developed an experimentally validated model linking UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells to hydrogen transport, charge trapping, and permanent structural changes in the passivation stack. They show that thicker aluminum oxide layers significantly improve UV resilience by limiting hydrogen migration, offering clear guidance for more robust TOPCon designs.

The first stage of the biggest approved battery project in Australia is now fully operational with Origin Energy announcing the initial stage of the 700 MW / 3,160 MWh battery energy storage system being built next to its Eraring coal-fired generator in New South Wales has commenced commercial operations.

More than 1.2 GWh of new behind-the-meter energy storage capacity was installed across Australia last month as households and businesses sought to take advantage of the federal government’s revised $7.2 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Oil and gas explorer Pilot Energy has expanded its renewables ambitions, teaming with Hong Kong-headquartered SN Energy Group to jointly develop a hybrid solar and battery energy storage project on land in Western Australia previously earmarked for a 376 MW solar farm.