Oceania

New emissions reduction “projections” released by the Federal Government show Australia is on track to achieve its Paris 2030 target but the figures have been condemned with environmental organisation Greenpeace describing them as “woefully inadequate”.

Plans to introduce new taxes for electric vehicles (EVs) have been undermined by a leaked government paper which warns applying new charges without other support for the technology could discourage Australia’s move to electric and low-emissions vehicles.

Another Australian shopping centre has joined the rush to renewables with the Narellan Town Centre in western Sydney set to undergo a $40 million solar transformation after signing a 30-year energy partnership with CEP.Energy.

South Korean PV manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells has launched a new high-density module in Australia, claiming its ‘zero-gap’ technology elevates solar efficiency up to 21.1%

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.