Energy

  • Fair Futures warns of modern slavery risks in WA's clean energy strategy

    ENERGY NEWS

    Fair Futures warns of modern slavery risks in WA’s clean energy strategy

    Sustainability consultancy Fair Futures has released a comprehensive white paper highlighting significant modern slavery risks embedded within the renewable energy sector, in response to the Western Australian ... more

  • Investment boosts local manufacturing for clean energy projects in WA

    ENERGY NEWS

    Investment boosts local manufacturing for clean energy projects in WA

    Western Australia's energy manufacturing sector will receive a significant boost with a $26.4 million investment by the state government, aimed at driving local jobs. The investment will focus on locally-bui... more

  • NSW govt opens access schemes for Renewable Energy Zones

    ENERGY NEWS

    NSW government opens access schemes for Renewable Energy Zones

    The New South Wales government has announced the opening of access schemes for solar, wind, and battery projects in two Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in the state. These schemes will provide new opportunitie... more

  • ### **Consultation open for $1b Solar Sunshot program design**

    ENERGY NEWS

    Consultation open for $1b Solar Sunshot program design

    The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has opened a consultation on the design of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program, announced by the Australian government in March 2024. The program aims to accel... more

  • Fair Futures warns of modern slavery risks in WA’s clean energy strategy
    07 May, 2024
  • Investment boosts local manufacturing for clean energy projects in WA
    03 May, 2024
  • NSW government opens access schemes for Renewable Energy Zones
    03 May, 2024
  • Consultation open for $1b Solar Sunshot program design
    03 May, 2024
Europe's solar surge forecasts a bright future for renewable energy in 2024

Europe’s solar surge forecasts a bright future for renewable energy in 2024

In 2023, Europe witnessed a remarkable expansion of 60 gigawatts of direct current (GWDC) in solar PV capacity, yet solar power generation only saw a modest uptick of about 20 per cent. However, 2024 is poised to tell a different story, with Rystad Energy forecasting a substantial spike of approximately 50 terawatt-hours (TWh) in solar PV energy. This surge, the largest among all generation sources, is attributed to major capacity installations across the region, with Germany leading the charge. Germany, which transitioned from a major electricity exporter to a net importer in 2023, is expected to maintain its lead in…
Battery storage to reach 124 GWh in C&I by 2030

Battery storage to reach 124 GWh in commercial sector by 2030

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming crucial for smart energy strategies used in public grids, homes, and businesses. A report by ABI Research predicts that the global battery storage capacity in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector will reach 124 GWh by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 31.6 per cent. According to ABI Research End Markets and Verticals VP Dominique Bonte, "Battery storage offers a wide range of benefits, ranging from buffering unpredictable renewable energy generation and addressing volatile pricing to higher levels of energy availability, quality, resilience, independence, and flexibility. Additionally, C&I BESS systems are instrumental…
CSIRO sets efficiency record for printed solar cells

CSIRO sets efficiency record for printed solar cells

Australian scientists from CSIRO have achieved a breakthrough in clean energy by setting a new efficiency record for fully printed solar cells. This technology, printed on thin plastic films, is lightweight and flexible, expanding the possibilities for solar energy use. Unlike rigid silicon panels, these printed cells are highly flexible and portable, making them suitable for various applications, including urban construction, mining, emergencies, and even space exploration. This achievement is the result of over a decade of research and development, solving engineering challenges to achieve record results. CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Dr Doojin Vak said: “We developed a system for…
SafeWork

SafeWork blitz begins for rooftop solar installations

SafeWork NSW has commenced a compliance blitz focusing on the safe installation of rooftop solar devices.  Inspectors are ensuring rooftop solar business owners are checking safety of sub-contractors and that those working in the industry are incorporating safe work practices across the board. In 2022, SafeWork Inspectors visited 86 rooftop solar installation sites and observed a high level of non-compliance. During these inspections, 403 notices were issued, with fines totalling $216,864. Most notices issued were for falls from heights, followed by falling object and electrical risk. In 2022’s blitz, Inspectors noted: 54 per cent of the sites that had fall…
wind energy

Study finds WA on track to meet wind energy growth aspirations

Western Australia appears set to meet offshore wind energy generation estimates outlined in a market study launched by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Arup. This follows the recent announcement by the Australian Federal Government opening public consultation for the Indian Ocean area for offshore wind off the coast of Bunbury. The Australian Offshore Wind Market Study, conducted by Arup, evaluates potential Australian offshore wind markets and analyses the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for UK support. Key findings indicate that the Australian offshore wind market could substantially benefit from collaboration with UK suppliers, given the UK's 23…
gender

Queensland commits to gender equity in clean energy transition

The Queensland government has committed to a key initiative to deliver gender equality in the clean energy sector, as the first Australian state to sign up to the international Equal by 30 campaign. Equal by 30 aims for equal gender balance, equal pay, leadership and opportunity in the clean energy sector by 2030, and today Queensland joins more than 180 signatories from around the world in committing to it. Five proposed commitments have been developed to assist the Queensland Government in improving women’s participation in the energy sector. Adopting the campaign commits the government to: Develop a Women in Renewables…
UNSW recycling and clean energy innovation program unveils projects 

Projects revealed for clean energy TRaCE scheme

In its first year, the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) scheme has supported $117 million in R&D initiatives with industry partners. Hydrogen produced from saltwater and 'green ceramics' made from textile waste are just two of over a dozen inventions developed under the TRaCE scheme, which aims to speed research monetisation and provide skills for a circular, clean energy economy. Led by UNSW Sydney in partnership with the University of Newcastle (UoN), the two universities have been working closely with industry partners since being awarded $50 million in funding under the Australian government’s Trailblazer program in 2022. A…