SEC could sue Feds over ARENA rout
Energy industry body the Smart Energy Council has declared it may sue the Morrison government for its recent routing of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. After the federal government’s expansion of the renewable energy agency’s remit survived a challenge in the Senate this week, the illegality of the government’s attempt to fund fossil fuels may have to be settled in the courts.
ESB’s final advice on market redesign draws criticism
With rooftop PV and large-scale solar helping drive the penetration of renewables in Australia to record highs, the Energy Security Board has delivered its final advice on its redesign of the National Electricity Market but the some of the proposed reforms have drawn criticism from the renewable energy sector.
Western Australia joins industry-led green hydrogen certification scheme
Western Australia’s McGowan Government has joined fellow state and territory governments in joining the Smart Energy Council’s industry-led Zero Carbon Certification Scheme. As the region with the largest proposed green hydrogen projects in the world, this is a significant step toward ensuring a future in which green hydrogen is prioritised.
Australia could add 4 GW of rooftop solar this year
The head of the nation’s Smart Energy Council told an event organised by the Global Solar Council, that landmark could be achieved even amid Covid-19 restrictions.
Senate blocks Taylor’s attempt to ‘illegally’ siphon renewables funding
In a big win for renewables and a big loss for the Morrison Government, the Senate has blocked the Energy Minister Angus Taylor’s attempt to illegally expand the mandate of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to fund non-renewable projects.
Taylor’s plans for ARENA under scrutiny in senate
Legal doubts have emerged about the Morrison government’s proposed change for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency which would allow it to finance a broader range of technologies including some using fossil fuels.
Pilbara project signs on to green hydrogen certification scheme
The Smart Energy Council’s Zero Carbon Certification Scheme continues to gain traction with ammonia producer Yara the latest to sign on as a founding partner as it seeks to guarantee the green credentials of its products for customers both here and overseas.
5B’s modular expansion plans boosted by bigwig investment
5B, the Sydney-based modular solar manufacturer has successfully completed its most recent $12 million funding round, and along with the continued support of existing investors, the clean technology company also received investment support from former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Smart Energy Council Director Simon Holmes à Court.
How will you know it’s green hydrogen?
Thinking backwards from demand for green hydrogen, the Smart Energy Council identified that investors and customers will have to be able to trust the integrity of the product. Its world-first verification scheme, launched in late 2020 is gaining international traction.
Australian solar industry remarkably silent as global pressure mounts around allegations of forced labour in supply chain
The solar industry in Europe and the United States is continuing to ramp up the pressure on the use of polysilicon produced in Xinjiang, China – in response to allegations that forced labour is being used in its production. By contrast, the Australian industry’s response has been markedly muted. Although it is true that most global solar industries are heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing, Australia is overwhelmingly so.
