Fortescue begins building 690 MW solar farm and 650 MWh battery system
One of Australia’s biggest miners has commenced construction of a 690 MW solar farm and 650 MWh battery energy storage system in Western Australia as part of plans to eliminate diesel and gas from its iron ore operations.
Record-dry April lifts irradiance across Eastern Australia
Solcast, a DNV company, reports that April 2026 was one of Australia’s driest Aprils in recent years, with widespread rainfall deficits driven by persistent high pressure and ENSO returning to neutral, leading to mostly clear skies and above-normal solar irradiance across much of the continent. New South Wales and Victoria saw the strongest sunshine surpluses, while remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Maila brought cloud and rain to the north, creating regional contrasts in rainfall and solar conditions.
Solar and battery hybrid projects prominent in latest CIS tender
The results of the latest tender under the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme have been released with 19 projects successful, aiming to provide a combined 7.8 GW of renewable generation capacity and 7.9 GWh of storage by the end of 2030.
Data | Power: Navigating policy, regulation and networks
Australia is at a pivotal moment in its energy and digital transformation. The energy transition is driving electricity demand growth through electrification and unprecedented levels of investment in renewable generation.
22 solar projects share $1.9 million funding round for Solomon Islands communities
The Australian government has partnered with communities across the Solomon Islands to develop 22 solar powered streetlight and solar energy projects, through an inaugural program’s $1.9 million funding round.
Tasmania commits $1.8 billion for energy generation and asset upgrades
The 2026-27 Tasmania Budget and Forward Estimates has committed $1.8 billion for energy generation and network asset upgrades to future proof the state’s electricity supply and Marinus Link connection.
UNSW researchers shed new light on UV-induced degradation in PERC, TOPCon solar cells
The scientists identified that UV exposure in PERC and TOPCon solar cells increases interface defects and makes them more recombination-active, driving ultraviolet-induced degradation. They found strong degradation on PERC front and rear surfaces and TOPCon front surfaces, while the TOPCon rear remains stable due to poly-Si UV absorption.
1KOMMA5° achieves 1 GW of shiftable load with its virtual power plant globally
1KOMMA5° Australia is currently rolling out the Heartbeat AI technology while its European parent company has announced a 1 GW shiftable load milestone with its virtual power plant globally.
Free electricity coming: are Aussies aware of Solar Sharer?
Australia is world-leading in solar adoption, with one in 3 homes equipped with a rooftop solar system. Ongoing volatility in fuel and energy prices is prompting Australian households to rethink how they power their homes and vehicles, with solar emerging as a way to buffer against rising costs.
Microgrid developer granted $3 million to build clean energy ‘island’ blueprint
The first project funded under Stream A of ARENA’s regional microgrid program has been awarded $3 million toward an overall $15 million cost to build a 7 MWp solar and 5 MW / 10 MWh battery storage system to island a New South Wales’ community’s energy security in the event of transmission failure.
