Queensland’s economy rests on renewable jobs boom
New analysis from Green Energy Markets (GEM) and community-led group Solar Citizens suggests that more than 51,000 jobs could be created in Queensland (QLD) if all the large-scale renewable energy projects currently in the pipeline were given the green light.
APA to trial renewable methane in Australia’s gas pipelines
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has announced $1.1 million of funding for a power-to-gas demonstration plant to be built at APA Group’s Wallumbilla gas hub in Queensland. The project will demonstrate the viability of producing renewable methane from solar power.
Solar shopping in the Sunshine State
Topping off a big week for solar in Queensland, Premier Palaszczuk announced the partnership between Energy Queensland owned Yurika and the Queensland Investment Corporation which will see 15 MW of solar installed across five shopping centres.
Sea research, see solar
The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences is installing solar PV across its facilities nationwide. The Institute, which in part studies the impacts of climate change on our marine and coastal ecosystems, is on the scientific front lines of a bleached world without renewables.
Powerlink gets ARENA funding to investigate system strength challenges in North Queensland
A new study partly funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will look at system strength issues that have been an emerging challenge for renewable energy generation in the National Electricity Market, and explore the merits of several technical solutions, including battery storage.
Neoen to build Australia’s largest solar farm after power deal with CleanCo
Between 460 and 480 MWp in size, Western Downs will become the largest solar farm in Australia, bringing significant regional economic benefits to South West Queensland.
“Queenslander!” call to fight new coal investment
A new poll of 1000 Queenslanders has found strong support for the State to invest in renewable energy and a concordant distaste for coal. The results come amid political debate as to the viability of a new coal-fired power station in North Queensland.
Diamond bright, QUT researchers shine light on energy storage solution
Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology have proposed a new design of a diamond nanothread bundle that could found a new form of mechanical storage, which, pound-for-pound, is three times more powerful than lithium-ion batteries.
AER’s final approval takes QNI to shovel-ready status
The Australian Energy Regulator has approved the final phase of the Queensland – New South Wales Interconnector upgrades. TransGrid and Powerlink are now ready to begin civil construction in the coming weeks.
AEMO declares system strength gap in North Queensland
Following the official declaration of a system strength shortfall in northern Queensland, transmission network service provider Powerlink will need to address the issue and ease the situation for three severely impacted renewable energy generators.
