Energy

  • ENERGY NEWS

    New trial to see how EVs can help stabilise power grids

    A major challenge of managing an electricity network now and into the future is high volumes of solar energy during the day – this week, a multi-million dollar electric vehicle (EV) home-charging trial is loo... more

  • NERA launches Australia’s first hydrogen capability finder

    ENERGY NEWS

    Green hydrogen critical to decarbonisation but remains a challenging investment

    Nanuk Asset Management (Nanuk) has detailed in a recent webinar presentation to Australian financial advisers the challenges facing green hydrogen that limit its current investment potential. Green hydrogen ... more

  • ENERGY NEWS

    Rooftop solar PV curtailment raises fairness concerns

    Solar PV curtailment is the intentional reduction of power output from solar energy systems to the grid, allowing management of voltage to prevent possible unsafe increase in voltage levels, but also limiting t... more

  • ENERGY NEWS

    New roadmap paves the way for decarbonised precincts

    The Green Building Council of Australia has released a roadmap to decarbonise Australia’s precincts – setting a net zero goal for new precincts by 2030, and existing precincts by 2050. GBCA senior manag... more

  • New trial to see how EVs can help stabilise power grids
    19 May, 2022
  • Green hydrogen critical to decarbonisation but remains a challenging investment
    16 May, 2022
  • Rooftop solar PV curtailment raises fairness concerns
    12 Apr, 2022
  • New roadmap paves the way for decarbonised precincts
    07 Apr, 2022

PV-powered charging stations are on the rise

The number of PV-powered charging stations (PVCS) around the world is rapidly increasing, and this technology may offer significant benefits to drivers and become an important contribution to the energy transition. However, the optimal implementation of PVCS at scale requires the right technical and sizing, combination of stationary storage and grid connection, and change in vehicle use and driver behaviour. PVCS have the potential to further decrease the CO2 emissions impact of electrified transport and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles overall due to decreased dependence on the public grid. PVCS with a well-designed power management strategy are also an…
MUA questions report’s omission of offshore wind investment

Victoria leads nation with ground-breaking offshore wind target

Australia’s offshore wind industry has just become a reality after the Victorian state government announced a ground-breaking new target to build 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2040, establishing an entirely new clean energy sector. Environment Victoria chief executive officer Jono La Nauze welcomed the news and said it would result in thousands of good, long-term jobs in regional areas, especially in Gippsland. He continued: “This is a deeply impressive announcement on renewable energy that will kick start one of the most important industries for solving the climate crisis. “Offshore wind is the missing piece of Australia’s energy puzzle and…
Researchers develop rival to lithium-ion batteries

Breakthrough in new technology for better lithium batteries

Researchers from Monash University have created a new lithium-sulphur battery interlayer that promotes exceptionally fast lithium transfer, also improving the performance and lifetime of the batteries. This cheaper, greener, and faster lithium-sulphur battery enables the charge and discharge of batteries and discharge of energy at a much faster rate than previously offered, and can be made in Australia. This latest breakthrough, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, continues the world leading work into lithium development by a team from Monash’s Faculty of Engineering led by Professor Matthew Hill, Dr Mahdokht Shaibani, and Professor Mainak Majumber. Professor Hill said: “A…

FBICRC outlines vision for a successful and sustainable domestic battery industry

The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre has outlined a pathway for Australia to claim its share of the global battery industry titled: “Towards 2030 – Australia’s Battery Powered Future”. With global battery demand expected to grow at least nine to tenfold over the next decade with an estimated market of between US$133-151 billion by 2030, the document proposes a multi-faceted strategy that Australia will need to pursue to deliver success and economic value. The range of measures put forward include the development of a national battery strategy, an industry attraction fund with specific focus on batteries and a bi-coastal…

Andrew Forrest announces $3 billion Queensland green energy precinct

Andrew Forrest has unveiled a $3 billion renewable energy precinct in Central Queensland, with contracts already issued for the immediate start of construction. The new precinct will deliver lower power prices for households and businesses, create regional jobs, and boost local economies across the state. Under the plan, Squadron Energy – the energy division of Tattarang – has acquired stage one and two of the Clarke Creek wind, solar, and battery farm to create the largest renewable energy precinct in the southern hemisphere. The project could produce enough wind, solar, and battery energy to power more than 660,000 homes, equivalent…
25GW

Australia reaches a new benchmark of over 25GW of solar installed across the nation

With over 25GW of solar installed by the end of 2021, Australia remains in the top 10 countries worldwide for annual growth and total solar installations. Australia holds this remarkable position as a result of the investment of over three million households and small businesses who are powering their own needs from rooftop solar. This is complemented by a growing number of large-scale installations, each sized to power hundreds or thousands of homes and businesses with clean, green energy. Renate Egan, APVI Secretary, said “with a population of 25.7 million people, and at least 25.4GW of solar installed, Australia has…
grid

WA the latest state to be able to turn off solar power to stabilise grid

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has been given the authority to turn off household solar systems in Western Australia to preserve grid stability. The energy generated by residential solar panels in the South West Interconnected System is more than the amount generated by WA's largest power station which puts residential power supply at risk on mild sunny days when rooftop solar generation is high and demand from the system is low. Therefore, from 14 February 2022 new or upgraded solar panels will be installed with the capability to be remotely turned off, for short periods, when demand for electricity…