Changing the metrics of desirability: Melbourne’s Burwood Brickworks achieves momentous certification
The eastern suburbs of Melbourne are now home to the most certifiably sustainable shopping centre in the world. But to think of it only in those terms hardly does the project justice – rather, Melbourne is now home to a building which defies the limits of its own concept, imploring people to reconsider the value metrics through which space, cities and perhaps even lifestyles are appraised.
South Australia sets record as rooftop solar sees electricity prices consistently plunge below zero
Rooftop solar has caused South Australia’s average daytime prices fell below zero consistently for the first time in the NEM’s history, the Australian Energy Market Operator said in its quarterly report released today.
Deakin University’s enterprising plans for its new microgrid
Microgrids afford an opportunity to essentially become a power station operator. That opportunity, says Dr Adrian Panow, the Director of Deakin’s Energy Initiative, unearths a number of urgent questions ranging from the technical all the way to the ethical. They are questions cross-faculty researchers at Deakin University, now home to a sizeable microgrid, plan to interrogate.
Victorian government launches VPP pilot program
Victoria’s Andrews Government has launched a battery aggregation pilot program which seeks to build an “approved aggregation provider list” alongside the Solar Homes battery rebate. The Victorian Government sees the future of virtual power plants and microgrids and this is an opportunity for both consumers and providers to benefit.
Solar discrimination sees electricity retailer fined $300,000
Powershop has been fined $300,000 after Victoria’s Essential Services Commission found the energy retailer was offering solar customers more expensive electricity plans than non-solar customers.
CEFC loan enables industrial property developments with ‘potential to revolutionise energy use’
International developer Frasers Property Group, which owns Australian-based Frasers Property Australia, has secured a $300 million sustainability linked loan with $75 million provided by the Australian government. The loan will see innovative clean energy technologies installed two Australian industrial projects in New South Wales and Victoria.
Developer drives ahead with solar farm plan for Victorian coal country
Australia’s transition to renewable energy continues with developer ARP Australian Solar pushing ahead with plans to establish a 70 MW solar PV and battery energy storage project on the outskirts of Morwell in the heart of Victoria’s coal country.
Panel pushes for changes to accelerate EV rollout
Less than three months out from Victoria becoming the first state in Australia to introduce a road tax on electric vehicles, a community panel has called for an end to the sale of new internal combustion engine cars by 2030 in a bid to speed up the state’s switch to low and zero emissions vehicles.
AEMC hands down final decision on cashflow rule change
The Australian Energy Market Commission has again rejected requests from transmission network operators TransGrid and ElectraNet to allow for a change of rules governing financing arrangements for large-scale transmission projects considered critical for Australia’s shift to 100% renewables.
Melbourne developer unveils Australia’s ‘largest’ vertical solar PV system
Victorian-based property developer Beulah has announced its soon-to-be-completed Paragon tower in the heart of Melbourne will be home to the nation’s largest and most efficient vertical solar PV system.
