Oceania

The Australian Energy Market Operator’s second State of the System update, a sort of ‘Around-the-Grounds’ of the National Energy Market, has revealed that 2020 set new records for both number of new projects connected and new megawatts of generation.

Western Australian-based gold and nickel exploration company Province Resources has announced its intention to enter the renewable energy sector, floating plans to develop a 1 GW wind and solar PV green hydrogen production facility in the state’s north west.

Sydney-based domestic hydrogen electrolyser and storage system manufacturer LAVO has revealed it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish Australia’ s first hydrogen fuel cell production line in Springfield City, a private-sector CBD development in Queensland.

Indian multinational Sterling and Wilson Solar continues to build its presence in the Australian renewable energy market, announcing this week it has completed the takeover of Western Australian engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm GCO Solar.

The Ranger Uranium Mine, completely enclosed within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, ceased production in January 2021 after years of financial losses. Now, as part of a multi-million dollar rejuvenation of the Park, a solar and battery storage hybrid project is set for development at the town of Jabiru, a project which will help the town replenish itself as a tourist hub for one of Australia’s greatest treasures.

The South Australian government is offering concession holders a free, new solar system in exchange for their concession payments as part of a pilot program.

One Stop has revealed the names of some of the third parties involved in providing the false information which led to the creation of almost 50,000 improper small-scale technology certificates.

New South Wales network operator Ausgrid yesterday launched its first community battery in Beacon Hill, north of Sydney. It is one of three community batteries being installed across Sydney allowing solar customers to store their extra energy at no additional cost.

January normally sees a spike in the average wholesale electricity price. This year, however, increased solar PV and wind generation have seen this traditional trend bucked.

The first round of funding for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s Future Fuels Fund is now open to applicants. The first round will look to expand the fast charging network for battery electric vehicles in Australia’s major population centres in an effort to encourage the individual and fleet transition to electric vehicles.