Oceania

Energy generating and retailing giant AGL has added three new grid-scale batteries and a 200 MW solar farm to its development pipeline as it looks to accelerate the transition of its energy portfolio from high-emission coal-fired power generation to backed-up renewables.

Some of the renewable energy industry’s biggest players have donated equipment, expertise and time to provide a solar and storage solution to help preserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s seven natural wonders.

The insolvency of a major Australian solar recycler has highlighted the complexity of remodelling a linear-thinking industry and society into a circular one, reports pv magazine Australia’s Bella Peacock.

The Ross Garnaut-led Sunshot Industries will develop and deliver a renewable energy industrial precinct in central western Queensland which will be linked to large-scale wind and solar projects and provide manufacturing tenants with competitive low-carbon electricity.

Danish investment group Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has ramped up its green hydrogen ambitions, acquiring a strategic stake in Europe-headquartered renewables developer CWP Global’s development portfolio of ultra-large-scale green hydrogen hubs, including projects in Australia.

The West Australian government has utilised investor hunger for green bonds to help secure funding for major state government projects geared towards decarbonisation or environmentally sustainable outcomes as it transitions from coal-fired power to renewables.

Over 3.4 million Australian houses now have rooftop solar, often subsidised by government incentives. But in remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory, you don’t see solar on any rooftops. That’s a real problem.

Australian battery material start-up Sicona Battery Technologies will accelerate commercial development plans both here and in the United States after securing financial support from a group of international investing heavyweights for its silicon-composite anode technology designed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Western Australian clean energy developer Infinite Green Energy has welcomed Israeli renewables giant Doral Group as an equity partner to develop and build a commercial-scale green hydrogen project that will leverage the existing 11 MW Northam Solar Farm east of Perth.

Greek industrial and energy giant Mytilineos expects the 40 MW Kingaroy Solar Farm being built in southeast Queensland will be operational before the end of the year following the formal execution of a long-term offtake agreement with SmartestEnergy Australia.