Australia’s R&D spend continues to shrink despite global clean energy race intensifying
Australia continues to rank poorly for investment in science and research, spending just 1.68% of its GDP – well below the OECD average. This underinvestment is a growing problem for the clean energy industry, with fellow nations actively poaching innovations to capture future manufacturing markets.
Four Queensland towns funded to switch from diesel to solar and batteries
Four western Queensland communities powered by state-owned diesel generators are set to switch to solar and batteries, including Boulia, Burketown, Doomadgee and Windorah.
Rewiring WA: state to receive $3 billion for transmission
Australia’s federal government has allocated $3 billion (USD 1.93 billion) from its Rewiring the Nation program to upgrade Western Australia’s two islanded grids, which lag the eastern states in their renewable energy share.
Renewable PPAs see Sydney councils save $36 million
An alliance of eight Sydney councils have saved their ratepayers over $36 million (USD 23 million) by organising 100% renewable energy power purchasing agreements and working together on local energy projects.
Study finds redesigned zinc-air batteries a ‘better alternative’ to lithium
Researchers at Edith Cowan University have redesigned zinc-air batteries to an extent where the team’s study found the technology to be preferable to lithium-ion batteries, even for electric vehicles.
20 iron flow batteries delivered to Queensland coal plant, part of new technology testing hub
Queensland iron flow battery company Energy Storage Industries is delivering 1 MW/10 MWh of flow battery energy storage to Queensland’s Stanwell Power Station just outside of Rockhampton. The flow batteries are part of a new government-run clean energy testing ‘hub’ at Rockhampton, which will also include hydrogen and workforce training programs.
Australian shipbuilder to deliver world’s largest all-electric ferry
Australian manufacturer Incat Tasmania is building the world’s largest all-electric ship at its yards in Hobart with the 130-metre-long vessel to be fitted with a 40 MWh battery energy storage system that will power a series of electric propulsion system and waterjets.
New funding to make microgrids reality for First Nations communities
The development and deployment of renewable energy-based microgrids in First Nations communities in regional and remote Australia is to be accelerated as part of a new $125 million (USD 80 million) program financed by the federal government.
Analyst suggests rule change could reduce battery funding
Energy market analyst Cornwall Insight Australia has flagged that proposed new rules for the operation of big batteries could have negative effects on the energy storage market, suggesting the changes could reduce the revenue streams available to batteries and cut their lifespan.
CSIRO startup pursues hydrogen tech for heavy industry
Australia’s national science agency has teamed with corporate advisor RFC Ambrian to form a new company to commercialise electrolysis technology that the CSIRO said can produce hydrogen with 30% less electricity than existing alkaline and polymer electrolyte membrane technologies.
