UNSW team creates vortex generators for passive solar module cooling
University of New South Wales researchers have created vortex generators that can reportedly reduce the operating solar module temperature by up to 2.5 C. They built two different prototypes, based on aluminum and a conductive 3D printable polymer, and tested them under several scenarios in an experimental setting deployed in Sydney.
Upsurge of SMEs borrowing to invest in green vehicles and equipment
Green finance for vehicles and equipment is selling like hot cakes in Western Australia where National Australia Bank has seen a 305% increase in loans there in a six month period, and demand for electric bus loans are up 168%, new data finds.
Pacific Blue starts build of 60 MW battery in South Australia
Pacific Blue Australia has turned the sods on construction of its $100 million, 60 MW / 130 MWh grid scale battery at Clements Gap in South Australia and is the company’s first storage system scheduled to commence operation in 2026.
Landmark PPA inked through $700 million program to source 500 GWh per year
Investment fund managers IFM Investors and QIC have inked Australia’s largest power purchase agreement worth $700 million through its infrastructure renewable energy program which has a potential total size at peak of 500 GWh per year.
Modular solar solution helps mining operation shift to renewables
Modular solar specialist 5B’s pre-assembled and relocatable Maverick solar solution has been unfolded in another off-grid hybrid renewable energy project as the decarbonisation of Australia’s mining sector continues.
Frontier Energy boosts Waroona battery duration
Renewables developer Frontier Energy has boosted the duration of the 80 MW battery energy storage system planned for the Waroona Renewable Energy Project being developed near Perth by 12% to 4.5 hours. The first stage of the project is to also include a 120 MW solar farm.
65 MW agrivoltaic project gets consent in New Zealand
United Kingdom renewables company Ethical Power has the green light to develop the agrivoltaic 65 MW Buckleys Road Solar Farm and battery energy storage system in New Zealand’s south island.
Queensland budget amps up renewables with $26 billion investment
The 2024–25 Queensland Budget has delivered on its commitment to invest $26 billion into the state’s energy transformation, funding the renewable energy sector and grid infrastructure to progress its legislated target of 75% emissions reduction by 2035.
Jemena partners with Solarig for green hydrogen projects
Spanish renewable project developer Solarig has signed an agreement with Australian electricity and gas company Jemena to collaborate on the development of green hydrogen projects, dropping a pin on regional New South Wales.
Dutton’s new emission goal stance signals ongoing climate war
Opposition leader Peter Dutton this week reiterated the Coalition’s support for the Paris climate agreement, following suggestions he might walk away from the deal. But he fuelled speculation the Coalition plans to scrap Australia’s current 2030 emissions target and confirmed he won’t announce the Coalition’s proposed target before the election.
