More big batteries on the way in 2018
Large-scale storage began to gain a lot of attention in 2017, particularly after Elon Musk’s famed ‘100 days’ tweet back in March. Now that this project has proved an initial success, it looks like more big batteries are on the way for the National Electricity Market (NEM).
SolarReserve granted approval for 150 MW solar thermal project
SolarReserve’s 150 MW solar thermal power plant has been granted development approval by the South Australian Government, paving the way for construction to begin this year.
Australia approaching two million rooftop PV systems
Data from the Clean Energy Regulator shows that Australia is nearing two million installed rooftop PV systems, having reached 1,778,687 as of the beginning of December 2017.
Rapid large scale solar segment growth potential risk to quality
The rapid build out of a large pipeline of utility scale PV projects around Australia could stretch the experienced installation labour force, threatening quality. Solar industry veteran and the Managing Director of PI Berlin Lars Podlowski made the warning as the company expands into Australia through its acquisition of quality assurance provider SolarBuyer.
Soaring solar poses quandary for Synergy in WA
AEMO has revealed that soaring rooftop solar in Western Australia is presenting state-owned gentailer Synergy with a quandary, as PV meets expanding volumes of daytime electricity demand while economic hardship is causing record numbers of non-PV households to have their electricity cut off.
Legal threat to world’s first 100% solar train
The PV-powered Byron Bay Railway is facing a legal challenge, which threatens to shut down the 3km tourist train only six months after its opening.
Grid-level battery storage in focus as summer heatwave approaches
With scorching summer temperatures set to hit major cities in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales this weekend, large scale battery storage has become a major focus of the electricity reliability debate. The Smart Energy Council’s John Grimes says that South Australia’s leadership has been key in to the shift.
Surging WA power prices to feed PV demand
Fast increasing power prices in Western Australia are set to feed the already “buoyant” residential PV sector, leading suppliers are reporting. The WA government is winding back electricity subsidies in an attempt to repair the state’s budget.
CEFC steps up to finance 70 MW Oakey 2 project
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is continuing to foster utility scale PV growth in Queensland, providing $55 million in non-recourse project finance to the Oakey 2 Solar Farm. Canadian Solar will supply modules for the project and will also serve as EPC.
Poll: 70% of Australians support a RET
Australians continue to see fostering solar PV, wind and other renewables as the leading environmental issue. And that a national renewable energy target is the best policy mechanism to do it.
