CER calls for market changes with rooftop solar set to surge
The Clean Energy Regulator has reaffirmed the urgent need for changes to how the national electricity grid and market operate with a new report predicting the nation could add another 20 GW to an already surging rooftop solar sector by 2025.
Cramming cities full of electric vehicles means we’re still depending on cars — and that’s a huge problem
This week, the NSW government announced almost A$500 million towards boosting the uptake of electric vehicles. In its new electric vehicle strategy, the government will waive stamp duty for cars under $78,000, develop more charging infrastructure, offer rebates to 25,000 drivers, and more.
SA Water unveils 176 kW install as part of $300 million solar PV plan
South Australia water utility SA Water continues to make a splash in the solar PV sector, commissioning two new solar arrays with a combined capacity of 176 kW at its facilities in Mount Gambier as it pursues an ambitious agenda to neutralise the energy costs of its operations.
ACT investigates solar PV stewardship scheme as government puts deadline in place
The federal government’s revelation of a deadline for the solar industry to “step up” and address the growing issue of solar PV module waste or face regulation has coincided with the Australian Capital Territory government announcing plans to investigate recycling options for solar panels.
Risen Energy makes $13.35 billion move into Southeast Asia
China-based Risen Energy is expanding its global footprint, the solar PV manufacturer and project developer announcing plans to construct a $13.35 billion mega production facility in Malaysia.
Gransolar Group’s Dalby hybrid solar+storage project is a wholly inside job
Spanish EPC Gransolar Group’s four member companies across the entire value chain are combining on its first hybrid power plant. The 5 MW solar + storage hybrid power plant near Dalby, Queensland, will supply solar energy to grid service provider Ergon while also taking advantage of all the other revenue streams available to energy storage projects.
‘Rapid’ rejection of $50 billion renewable energy hub raises concerns
Developers of one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects have vowed to push ahead with plans to build the $50 billion Asian Renewable Energy Hub in Western Australia after the federal government’s decision to reject the project was labelled “perplexing” and “premature”.
Net zero by 2050? Even if Scott Morrison gets the Nationals on board, hold the applause
Resurrected Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce is back in the saddle, facing backwards. His determination to prevent the Morrison Government from adopting a target of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 will again delay the renovation of Australia’s climate policy.
Victoria pumps $5 million into EV charging network
The Victorian Government is looking to further offset its controversial electric vehicle tax, setting aside $5 million to fund the expansion of the state’s network of fast chargers.
‘Solar tax’ founded on false premise, according to policy centre
The contentious two-way pricing reform proposed by the AEMC, dubbed the ‘sun tax’, is based on the understanding that solar is a plaything of the rich. In fact, the inverse may be true, according to a new paper published by the Victoria Energy Policy Centre. But Vinnies’ research manager Gavin Dufty, an instigator of the rule change, told pv magazine Australia such analysis misses the point, branding it ‘myopic’.
