Australia: AEMC shies away from “solar tax”
Although proposed in the report’s draft, the Australian Energy Market Commission’s final report on the Distribution Market Model does not mention imposition of charges for export of energy from distributed generators.
Standards Australia to consult industry on proposed storage rules
Standards Australia wrapped up public consultation last week on a draft standard for battery storage, setting the stage for the development of a comprehensive framework for future deployment.
South Australia: 150 MW CSP plant to supply government’s power needs
Only a month after signing a deal with Tesla for the world’s largest lithium-ion storage project, the South Australian government has inked a generation project agreement with U.S. firm Solar Reserve for a massive solar thermal plant project, touted as the world’s biggest.
South Australia to get first solar-methane plant
Seeking to hedge against instability in electricity supply and utility price hikes, South Australia is relentlessly increasing its renewable electricity generation capacity, tapping into its abundant sustainable energy potential. This time, the state is set to host a combined solar and methane power plant, believed to be an Australian first.
Australian EPCs face survival of the fittest
As competition increases, some players are likely to exit Australia’s EPC market despite a surge in projects entering the pipeline, finds SERA.
BREAKING: Equis Energy secures approval for 1 GW Australian solar farm
The massive utility-scale PV plant will be built by the Singapore-based developer in Queensland Western Downs, near Wandoan, for an estimated investment of up to AU$2bn. Storage component likely to be added at later date.
Australia: 10 remote Aboriginal communities add 3.325 MW solar
Aimed at phasing out diesel fuel for electricity generation in remote Aboriginal communities, the Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP) has switched on solar PV systems for the first 10 indigenous communities in Australia’s Northern Territory
Australia becomes 35th member of International Solar Alliance
Launched in Paris during the COP21 summit, the International Solar Alliance, spearheaded by India and France, has this week welcomed Australia to the fold.
Australia: sonnen partners with Natural Solar to roll out sonnenFlat
German storage provider sonnen has partnered with Australia’s self-styled “largest installer of home energy solutions” Natural Solar to introduce its sonnenFlat concept. In a launch event in Sydney tonight, Natural Solar CEO Chris Williams said that in light of recent utility price hikes in some parts of the country, that there is “very strong interest” in the sonnenFlat from households.
Australian universities create Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science
Several of Australia’s top universities are working together on gaining a better understanding of excitons. The Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science is a partnership led by the University of Melbourne alongside other top Australian universities and organizations, and consists of a team with a broad range of expertise in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering and other disciplines.
