Oceania

In early 2020, a team of researchers at University of Queensland announced that it had managed to break the world record for quantum dot solar cells. The UQ researchers did so by synthesizing a quantum dot solar cell from a halide perovskite and using a surface engineering strategy to improve the optoelectronic quality of the perovskite quantum dots.

UNSW will divest itself of fossil fuel assets by 2025 as part of its ambitious net-zero emissions goal. The global powerhouse of renewable energy and sustainability science is advancing rapidly towards energy purity as the capital flight from fossil fuels accelerates.

German-headquartered module manufacturer AE Solar is looking to enter the Australian market in 2020. It has begun accrediting its module range with the Clean Energy Council and believes its Supreme module series, which are shade and hot spot resistant, will attract installers.

UK-based infrastructure investor John Laing will make no further investments in standalone solar and wind, following the write-downs taken on its European and Australian projects.

Tasmania has committed to being 100% renewable by 2022 and remains well on track to meet this target ahead of schedule. But the island state says it is well placed to set a more ambitious goal, which would see it double its renewable production and help mainland Australia reduce its emissions.

Telstra joins the list of large corporations ramping up their policies on climate change through emissions reduction and renewable energy uptake. CEO Andrew Penn has declared that Telstra needs to lead from the front.

Horizon Power has launched its Reconciliation Action Plan to strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples. Among the many-faceted mandates in the Plan is a recognition of the utility of solar in remote communities.

The developer has confirmed a nearly $30 million write-down on its troubled Kennedy Energy Park and entered into a binding agreement on a $1 a share takeover bid from a consortium that includes Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s Squadron Energy.

Perhaps an app could streamline the workload of roof-top PV installers and accelerate the renewable energy transition … “Snap!” said a number of industry like-thinkers who are partnering with the founders of a powerful new digital tool to help the worldwide roof-top sector scale.

Rio Tinto set to invest approximately $1 billion over the next five years as the mining giant looks to deliver on its new climate change goals and particularly its 2050 net zero emissions target.