US agency says microgrid could provide model for PNG
The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, has committed $1.86 million (USD 1.2 million) to support the development of a solar-powered microgrid in Papua New Guinea’s Central province.
Rio plans large-scale solar for Canadian arctic
Australian-headquartered resources giant Rio Tinto has announced it will build the largest solar power plant in Canada’s northwest territories to supply electricity to its Diavik Diamond Mine located about 200 kilometres below the Arctic Circle.
Maxeon to build 3 GW cell and module plant in US
Singapore-headquartered solar manufacturer Maxeon Solar Technologies will invest more than $1.5 billion (USD 1 billion) to establish a TOPCon manufacturing facility in the United States, creating up to 1,800 highly skilled jobs.
H2X to accelerate growth after landing US funding deal
Australian hydrogen technology startup H2X Global will accelerate the rollout of its hydrogen-powered vehicle range in both domestic and international markets after securing an $87 billion (USD 57 million) investment agreement with United States-based Verde Mobility.
International energy giants look to kickstart new era in Australian manufacturing
Brookfield’s bold ambitions for Australia have reached a new level with the global asset manager inking an agreement with India-headquartered multinational Reliance Industries to explore the production of solar panels, long-duration battery storage, and other renewable energy equipment in Australia.
Vertical bifacial solar seeking greenhouse albedo and deployment space
A farmer in the United States has installed vertical bifacial solar, leveraging greenhouse albedo to increase output. The installation demonstrates promising generation during winter months, while maximising limited land space.
Atco shelves Western Australia green hydrogen project
Gas major Atco has ditched its plans for a commercial-scale green hydrogen manufacturing facility proposed for Western Australia’s remote midwest, saying the distance between the production facility and end use undermined the commercial viability of the project.
To achieve net zero energy status, solar-powered buildings should not exceed 10 floors
Researchers in Canada have found that nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) with on-site solar energy generation should not exceed an energy use intensity (EUI) of 50 kWh/m2a, which they said corresponds to a maximum of 10 floors. They also ascertained that the maximum permitted EUI by net-zero energy status is 17–28 kWh/m2a.
Autonomous robots for solar installation gain traction
Installation robots are moving from test centres to the field. American technology companies Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation and Terabase Energy recently announced key business developments.
Australia invests $50 million to expand clean energy supply chains
The Australian government has committed $50 million to support the development and diversification of clean energy supply chains in the Indo-Pacific as it seeks to increase manufacturing opportunities and enhance energy security in the region.
