Oceania

As one of the most energy-intensive industries, the resource sector is getting serious about integrating cheap wind and solar energy into its mix to boost bottom lines. Although still predominantly underpinned by gas or diesel, mine operations are increasingly deploying hybrid solutions pointing to the potential of the sector transitioning to 100% renewables – particularly as momentum builds for green hydrogen to play a role in future microgrids.

EnergyAustralia has acquired a 49% stake in the Echo Group of companies which tailors energy efficiency solutions and solar installations for commercial and industrial energy consumers.

Australia has become the latest front in South Korean company Hanwha Q Cells’ legal battle against three competitors – JinkoSolar, Longi Solar, and REC Group – that it claims have infringed its patent on a particular aspect of passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology. Among many speculations is the idea that the case splits layers with an indefensible claim, perhaps seeking to strategically impose a slowdown on Hanwha’s rivals.

The first phase of a 6 MW solar array planned to power a former car manufacturing site at Tonsley in Adelaide will be delivered by ZEN Energy. The solar installation will ultimately work in conjunction with on-site battery storage and smart technologies as part of Enwave Australia’s Tonsley District Energy Scheme.

Norwegian consultancy Rystad Energy has placed Australian and Vietnamese solar markets side by side and found the Southeast Asian country has left Australia behind in terms of commissioned utility-scale PV capacity. A staggering 4,460 MW of connected PV capacity in Vietnam at the end of June came as a surprise to many.

Far North Queensland is looking set for another large-scale solar farm as the Tablelands Regional Council approved the development of a 81 MW solar PV facility near the town of Tolga in the Atherton Tablelands.

Chargefox, Australia’s only public ultra-rapid EV charging network, has demonstrated its rapid growth by opening the most powerful EV charging station in the Southern Hemisphere. At the same time it announced its partnership with Yurika and the Queensland Government to manage the 17 fast charging sites that make up the Queensland Electric Super Highway.

The July quota for solar PV rebates under Victoria’s Solar Homes program has been filled within days. The next release will be available in August.

One of Australia’s largest utility-scale solar arrays and the biggest energy storage facilities was given a tick of approval.

Evie Networks, largely funded by coal baron Trevor St Baker’s St Baker Energy Innovation Fund to the tune of $28 million, has announced its partnership with U.S. software company EV Connect to help systematise Evie’s proposed ultra-fast highway charging network. The network could enable affordable EV options to pick up speed in Australia.