Queensland

New system strength challenges have been identified in North Queensland putting the output of nearly 800 MW of additional solar projects at risk.

As Queenslanders ready to head to the polls, the Clean Energy Council has reminded all parties about the economic opportunity presented by the state’s solar and wind resources.

A 50 MW solar farm at a vacant site in Karrabin is on the verge of construction after Ipswich City Council approved the project’s Materials Change of Use application. Ipswich may have once been Queensland’s ‘cradle of coal mining’ but solar is a sure sign of growing up.

A dispatchable hybrid solar project has been proposed by the Australian solar thermal specialist to power the community and resources sector in the Mount Isa region of Queensland.

Logan City Council has passed the 1 MW milestone of solar capacity on Council-owned buildings after the completion of a 100 kW install atop Logan North Aquatic Centre. The Council has plans to more than double that mark in the next year alone, however, some planned installations may fall victim to Covid-19 inspired cutbacks.

The University of Queensland-owned and developed utility-scale Warwick Solar Farm is complete, bringing together the University’s ambitions to not only become 100% renewably powered, but to provide hands-on learning, research and development opportunities for generations of students seeking fulfilling employment that contributes to a greener future.

A “majority” stake of the 300 MW shovel-ready Rodds Bay Solar Farm in Queensland has been purchased by UK investment firm United Green. The announcement comes as state government energy ministers come together to reinforce their renewable energy ambitions in this time of economic recovery, despite “the difficulty” of the federal policy vacuum.

The developer of Australia’s first utility-scale industrial solar project will now build North Queensland’s first renewable hydrogen facility at its zinc processing plant with the help of a $5 million Queensland government grant.

Cairns Regional Council is nearing the completion of four mini solar farms across its Wastewater Treatment Plants, a development that will significantly reduce emissions and save on the electricity bill.

The Queensland Government’s “Unite and Recover” phase of its response to the economic impact of Covid-19 includes $17 million in funding for a Renewable Energy Training Facility in Brisbane. The Sunshine State seems to be realising its solar future.