Genex Power releases new details on Kidston project
After releasing the December quarter update for the 50 MW Kidston Solar Project Stage 1, which showed strong revenues and a big boost in generated power, Sydney-based Genex Power has shared a research paper on the term sheet signed with electricity provider EnergyAustralia for the 250 MW Kidston Stage 2 Pumped Hydro Storage development.
How attacks on Australian renewables industry were foiled by Senate crossbench
A new report released by The Australia Institute reveals the Senate crossbench has safeguarded $23.4 billion worth of investment in renewable energy from 2013-2018, when it prevented the Coalition Government from abolishing the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, ARENA and slashing the Renewable Energy Target.
COAG energy ministers backs development of national hydrogen strategy
The December meeting of the COAG Energy Council has grabbed headlines as NSW attempted to push for a zero-emissions policy only to be blocked by Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor. But, in a rare substantive outcome of the meeting, the energy ministers agreed to develop a national hydrogen strategy.
ARENA grants $1 million to Ausgrid’s Power2U program
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $1 million to Ausgrid to boost its innovative grant program for rooftop solar and energy efficient lighting. The program aims to reduce participating customer’s bills, as well as avoid costly network upgrades, in parts of Sydney with low renewables uptake.
UNSW, Leadmicro to partner on ALD for PERC production
UNSW Sydney has partnered with Leadmicro to develop the next generation of PERC solar cells and fast-track their time to market. The Chinese PV production machinery manufacturer is donating $1 million Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) reactor to UNSW to test and adapt a new process for PERC cell solar cell production.
South Australia sets up $50 million Grid Scale Storage Fund
The South Australian state government has launched a $50 million fund to support construction of new energy storage projects, seeking to address intermittency in the state electricity system and make electricity more affordable and reliable. There will be one round of applications, with a closing date of Thursday, 7 February 2019.
Origin to advance Shoalhaven expansion to full feasibility study
Origin Energy has won federal government funding for a feasibility assessment on plans to double the capacity of its Shoalhaven pumped hydro scheme in New South Wales and thus allow for greater storage of renewable energy.
Sodium-ion batteries get commercial rollout as li-ion alternative
Sydney Water’s Bondi sewage pumping station will soon be storing solar energy through the use of 30 kWh of sodium-ion batteries, a cheaper alternative to the traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Victoria’s first big battery unveiled in Ballarat
The 30 MW / 30 MWh Ballarat Battery Energy Storage System has been officially commissioned by the Victorian Labor government, as the first of the two grid-scale batteries that will provide support to the Victorian grid by the start of this summer.
Renewables to power ultra-rapid EV charging network
A super-fast network being rolled out across Australia will allow drivers to charge their electric vehicles in just minutes, 15 times faster than typical domestic charging points which take hours. All the charging stations will be powered through the purchase of renewable energy or on-site solar.
