Vast Solar lands $65 million for ‘first-of-a-kind’ concentrated solar power plant
Renewable energy developer Vast Solar will progress plans to deliver Australia’s first commercial-scale concentrated solar power plant after securing financial backing from the federal government to build a 30 MW/288 MWh facility near Port Augusta in South Australia.
Green hydrogen straight from the ocean: Adelaide researchers crack new method
Researchers from the University of Adelaide, along with international partners, have successfully used seawater with no pre-treatment to produce green hydrogen. The team did this by introducing an acid layer over the catalysts in situ. “We have split natural seawater into oxygen and hydrogen with nearly 100% efficiency… using a non-precious and cheap catalyst in a commercial electrolyser,” University of Adelaide’s Professor Shizhang Qiao said.
New digital solar tool launches promising to save customers from aggressive sales tactics
Australian climate tech platform Acacia will launch a new solar feature enabling customers to get a digital solar quote, as well as estimated financial and carbon savings, without speaking to any sales people. The company says the tool is in response to what are often poor buying experiences in the solar sector.
SolarEdge inverters first to ‘natively’ comply with SA’s flexible export program
Inverter and battery manufacturer SolarEdge has become the first vendor to meet, via native inbuilt software, the upcoming requirement in South Australia for “flexible exports” from residential solar systems. From July, the South Australian government will require new rooftop systems be fitted with software that allows SA Power Networks to dynamically control solar exports.
South Australia gives vehicle-to-grid technology green light
South Australia has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to approve network connection of vehicle-to-grid technology in a residential setting, providing electric vehicle owners with the opportunity to send energy stored in their car’s on-board battery back into their own homes or the electricity grid.
Bowen backs ‘Australian made’ to maintain energy security
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen has used the official launch of Australian PV panel maker Tindo Solar’s $11 million production and innovation facility in South Australia as an opportunity to highlight the importance of developing a domestic solar panel manufacturing industry.
Adelaide to host 2024 International Renewable Energy Conference
Australia’s renewable energy credentials will be showcased on the world stage with Adelaide announced as the host city of the 2024 International Renewable Energy Conference, one of the most prominent events on the global clean energy calendar.
Neoen begins building fifth big battery in Australia
Construction has started on France-headquartered renewable energy developer Neoen’s fifth grid-scale battery in Australia with contractors commencing work on the 200 MW/400 MWh Blyth Battery storage system in South Australia’s mid-north.
SA solar-plus-battery project energised in ‘fast’ mid-scale push across NEM
The 5 MW Woods Point Solar and Storage Farm in South Australia is open – it is one of three identical solar storage projects being commissioned by SEI and Yes Group in December, and part of a much larger mid-scale play.
SA calls for proposals to build $593 million green hydrogen power plant
The South Australia government has called for proposals from industry partners to build a $593 million (USD 398 million) green hydrogen power plant, including 250 MW of hydrogen electrolyser facilities and fit-for-purpose hydrogen storage infrastructure at Whyalla on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula.
