Energy
The WA government has lodged a proposal with the Commonwealth government to establish a Clean Energy National Centre of Excellence in Western Australia, as it works to position the state at the forefront of the global clean energy transition. The clean energy investment pipeline in Western Australia is in the vicinity of $200 billion, and projections show the clean energy sector is expected to generate around 350,000 jobs from 2025 to 2050. WA Premier Roger Cook said: “Our proposed TAFE Clean Energy National Centre of Excellence initiative is an excellent opportunity to use the entire network of WA TAFE colleges…
New fund for local QLD communities hosting key renewable energy project
A new state government fund will deliver local benefits to communities around the Borumba Pumped Hydro project in Queensland. An initial $5-million investment will restore crucial local family health services back to Imbil, after the private clinic shut a year ago. Additionally, funds will help deliver long awaited local mountain bike and walking trails, and progress proposed plans to build a second stage to the Mary Valley rail trail. QLD Minister for Energy Mick de Brenni said that with every energy project the government delivers, it would create new jobs and protect existing ones, and deliver legacy benefits to the…
Origin Energy acquires renewables developer Walcha Energy
Origin Energy has acquired renewable energy developer Walcha Energy, including its proposed Ruby Hills Wind Farm and Salisbury Solar Farm projects with a planned capacity of more than 1,300 megawatts. The acquisition complements the purchase of the nearby ‘Warrane’ property in July 2023, increasing Origin’s renewable project development interests within the NSW Government designated New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). Origin Head of Energy Supply and Operations Greg Jarvis said: “The acquisition of Walcha Energy is consistent with Origin’s ambition to lead the energy transition, and specifically our strategic priority to accelerate renewables and storage in our portfolio. “Through Walcha…
Consultation opens for offshore wind zone in western Australia
Consultation commences today on the proposed Bunbury offshore wind zone — 20 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia — potentially unlocking thousands of renewable energy jobs and cleaner, cheaper energy for the resources-heavy state. Offshore wind represents a huge opportunity for WA, providing highly skilled and well-paid jobs like engineers, electrical technicians, cable installers, boilermakers, crane operators, riggers, divers, seafarers, dockworkers and administrators. The Australian government is seeking feedback on a proposed area, which is 7,674 square kilometres and at least 20 kilometres from shore at its closest point off Cape Naturaliste and Bunbury and 36 kilometres from Busselton.…
World-first technology could charge heavy EVs wirelessly
A $3 million grant from the Australian Government promises to make it possible for trucks and buses to wirelessly charge while travelling on the highway — boosting the country's electric vehicle industry. In a world-first, the Swinburne University of Technology-led project aims to implement an embedded dynamic wireless charging technology into roads, unlocking the uptake of electric heavy vehicles. Ensuring that large vehicles have adequate charge when carrying high loads or travelling long distances has proven to be a major challenge to electrification — which could save Australia $324 billion by 2050 and contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more…
Victoria opens first electric bus depot to support zero emissions future
The Victorian government has recently opened Victoria's first electric bus depot in Melbourne's north-east, as the state works towards reaching net zero emissions by 2045. As part of the government's $20 million Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Trial, Ventura's Ivanhoe depot has been converted to accommodate the largest fleet of zero-emission buses in the state, according to Ministers for Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio and Public and Active Public Transport Gabrielle Williams. The 27 electric buses operating from the upgraded depot will transport up to 10,000 people each week covering more than 1.2 million kilometres a year across the northern suburbs —…
Roadmap provides pathway for domestic solar manufacturing
An industry roadmap for domestic solar PV manufacturing, funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), has recently been released. The roadmap defines a viable approach for Australia to create domestic supply chains from raw material processing to module production. The report, titled Silicon 2 Solar, was developed by the Australian Photovoltaic Institute (APVI) in collaboration with Deloitte and a group of key industry stakeholders — including The Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), AGL, Aspiradac, Energus, Siemens, SunDrive, Tindo Solar and 5B. The roadmap provides a framework for Australia to become a viable solar manufacturer, based on a detailed techno-economic…