Oceania

The regular cleaning of solar modules results is optimized power output and protects installations against costly failures. There are multiple approaches to module cleaning, both low-and-high tech. Pol Duthoit from SolarCleano sets out the need and the options.

With PV manufacturer warranties being extended and new novel designs coming on to the market at greater frequency, the quality assurance practices standing behind claims are becoming increasingly important. A new program from TÜV Rheinland is looking to provide the assurance that installers, distributors and project developers need – particularly in the hot and humid environments proven to push the boundaries of module durability.

Oz Minerals has long said that it was looking at a hybrid fossil fuel-solar-wind solution to power its massive West Musgrave Project. This week the miner has announced that it is now developing a roadmap to power the project with 100% renewables with the addition of a battery in what the company says could be one of the world’s largest fully off-grid renewably powered mines.

Western Australia’s McGowan Government has released a ‘Just Transition’ framework for the town of Collie, a town which has been at the centre of the state’s energy generation for a century. With the rise of renewables spelling the end of coal, the Government is looking to support the town as it seeks to reinvent itself in this ‘crucial phase’ of the energy transition.

In a strangely petty tit-for-tat, Energy Networks Australia has come out against the Grattan Institute’s November ‘Flame Out’ report, which called for, among other things, a moratorium on new gas connections in houses.

Almost half of all Australians who purchased solar panels reported they are looking to invest further into renewable energy solutions, a survey by fintech lender Plenti has found.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Aware Super, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, have both committed $80 million to Adamantem Capital, a private-equity fund which requires its target companies to meet strict emissions reduction targets. For the CEFC, this is the beginning of decarbonisation in a part of the economy lagging behind, namely, private equity.

Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, has announced accelerated targets for the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, a way for Victorians to save on their bills and contribute to the state’s emissions reduction targets.

Australia’s largest shopping centre, Vicinity Centres’ Fashion Capital in Chadstone, has announced it will be adding more than 400 solar shaded parking bays as part of a multimillion-dollar car park upgrade.

The Climate Council has published a report to put the final nail in the outdated notion of gas as a transition fuel, and to nix the validity of a gas-led recovery.