Oceania

Australia’s largest petroleum company Ampol has declared its intent to transition away from traditional oil-based fuels, teaming with Ireland’s Fusion Fuel to develop a solar-powered hydrogen production plant at it’s oil refinery in Queensland.

French renewables developer Neoen is pushing ahead with plans to construct a 157 MW wind farm and 100 MW battery project in Queensland’s far north just weeks after federal resources minister Keith Pitt blocked public funding for the project.

For the first time in almost four decades a pumped hydro energy storage plant is set to begin construction with the financial close of Genex Power’s Kidston Clean Energy Hub.

As the world acts on climate change and transitions to renewable energy, Australia has a once-in-a-century opportunity. Rich in renewable resources, we are in pole position to become a renewable energy superpower. But based on Tuesday’s federal budget, when compared to the investment other countries are making, we risk being left behind.

Australian retail property major Vicinity Centres has expanded its renewable energy portfolio, unveiling two more major solar PV rooftop installations as it progresses the rollout of its $73.2 million solar program.

A solar PV and battery energy storage project installed at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus has only just been switched but already the $7 million clean energy facility is exceeding expectations.

More than half of the Victoria’s local councils will soon be powered by renewable energy after they signed up to the largest emissions reduction project yet undertaken by local government in Australia.

South Australia’s transition to a renewable energy future has taken another step forward with Australian Gas Network’s Hydrogen Park South Australia production facility now online, delivering green hydrogen into its gas distribution network in Adelaide.

In 2020, Anson Zhang, the CEO of Australia’s largest solar distributor, One Stop Warehouse, launched Discover Energy – entering the electricity retail space. The decision, Zhang told pv magazine Australia, confused many. Why would a company dominating solar supplies pivot to retailing. The simple answer: data.

Evidence of Australia’s energy transition and the force with which renewables are pushing fossil fuel generators out of the mix are now glaring, with a raft of new reports highlighting different records and trends testament to the seismic shift.