Australia leads international zero-carbon silicon recovery research
Australian researchers are collaborating with organisations in India, Indonesia and the United States to develop a zero-carbon, automated end-of-life solar panel recycling process using robots to recover ultra-pure silicon.
Trump orders pause to IRA funding
An executive order released by the newly installed United States government states, “All agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.”
Taronga hit renewables target with new energy deal
A long-term power purchasing agreement utilising the 174 MW Wellington Solar Farm will deliver enough clean energy to allow the assets and facilities of two of Australia’s largest zoos to be powered by 100% renewable electricity seven years ahead of schedule.
Weekend read: Teamwork makes the green work
Solar-wind hybrid plants are rapidly becoming mainstream, and in booming markets like India and the US these hybrids are increasingly preferred to singular projects despite the higher installation cost. There is no shortage to the benefits of hybridisation, from a smoother power output profile to the cost saving of grid connection. But getting the balance right for new projects and retrofits remains a challenge. Blake Matich reports on this growing trend.
800MWh battery and hydrogen hub could provide a ‘just transition’ to WA coal town
The Western Australian Government has announced $1 million in funding for the first phase of a feasibility study into a 600-800MWh battery and green hydrogen industrial hub in the coal town of Collie. The state government has promised the town, which has been powering Western Australia with its two coal mines since the 1880s, a ‘just transition.’ Sunshot Energy, chaired by eminent energy economist Ross Garnaut, is undertaking the study which could deliver a ‘just transition’ to Collie and green ammonia and urea to the agricultural and industrial sectors.
Are solar and wind the cheapest forms of energy? And other FAQs about renewables
Everything you ever wanted to know about the way we will ultimately derive all our power from renewable sources, and how quickly it will be achieved.
New IEEFA report sees South Australia as world’s energy transition model
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial analysis (IEEFA) has published a report in which it points to seven key lessons energy planners the world over can take from South Australia’s extraordinary renewable energy integration. However, even South Australia, IEEFA’s model, still requires thoughtful planning and policy for the path forward.
Sunday read: Australia’s next wave of large-scale solar development
Call it “latent energy” – Australia’s renewable resources are expected to help some of the world’s greatest polluters to reach their net-zero emissions targets, writes Natalie Filatoff, senior editor at pv magazine Australia.
Solar and wind together overhaul global hydro capacity
The latest set of clean energy statistics compiled by the International Renewable Energy Agency signal a changing of the guard when it comes to clean power, with legacy hydropower facilities overtaken by new intermittent renewables.
US alternative investment fund backs Social Energy for rapid Australian expansion
UK-based Social Energy launched in Australia with the help of shareholder Shane Warne back in 2019. Now the smart energy firm is being backed with a significant investment from US-based alternative investment fund manager CarVal Investors in order for the company to rapidly grow Down Under.
