Vast Solar seeks funding for 50 MW CSP, PV hybrid
The Sydney-based developer is seeking $75 million to help finance a 50 MW hybrid project, following a successful 1 MW pilot. Vast Solar is looking to deploy its innovative CSP technology, which uses sodium as a heat transfer fluid to capture concentrated solar energy that can then be stored and used on demand, on the utility-scale.
Snowy 2.0, new Tasmanian connector to deliver fresh opportunities for solar
The federal government’s decision to back the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project to the tune of $1.38 billion and the Marinus Link connector to Tasmania with $56 million sets the stage for solar to continue its strong growth in Australia. Analysis shows that additional energy storage capacity makes financial sense in the light of early coal retirements – and create a market for surging daytime solar generation.
Low, middle income households install solar more than wealthy
New myth-busting analysis has revealed that rooftop solar is not so much in vogue among the wealthy, but is more popular among poorer households. Cost-saving benefits are, however, being blunted by high fixed charges, while energy retailers are profiteering from households with solar PV, states the report from the Victoria Energy Policy Climate.
Carnegie commissions Garden Island microgrid project
WA-based renewable energy developer Carnegie Clean Energy has completed commissioning of a microgrid project, featuring 2 MW solar PV and 2 MW/0.5 MWh battery, at a naval base in Western Australia.
A blockchain trading solar power system in the real world
PowerLedger’s xGrid is a blockchain-based electricity trading platform that’s now being used in a Pennsylvania business park, in addition to Chicago, California, a large housing unit in Australia, plus a few more locations.
1.5 GW solar, 500 MWh battery project breaks ground in Queensland
The first sod has been turned on a massive solar+storage development located between Harlin and Kilcoy, in south-east Queensland. The project was proposed by Sunshine Energy Australia, a newcomer to the Aussie solar scene.
SA Water picks Enerven for solar+storage rollout
South Australia’s largest water and sewerage services supplier has chosen its partner to deploy approximately 154 MW of new solar PV generation and 34 MWh of energy storage, across around 70 of its sites over the next 18 months.
Victoria’s Powercor develops plan to avoid solar curtailment
The Victorian electricity distribution business has proposed network enhancements that aim to drive down power prices starting from 2021. It hopes to boost the safety and flexibility of the grid through the measures, which include network improvements to accommodate more solar and battery storage installations.
New coal excluded from Federal underwriting without parliamentary nod, funding accessible only to renewables
New legal advice, sought by The Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program, suggests the Underwriting New Generation Investment Program is unconstitutional and lacks the legislative basis to proceed.
SA Water looking to add solar+storage at three pumping stations
South Australia’s largest water and sewerage services supplier has a few utility-scale solar projects coupled with energy storage in its pipeline. Three of them are currently under consideration and scheduled to commence construction this year.
