South Australia: Labor sets 75% RE target by 2025
The South Australian Labor Party has increased its Renewable Energy Target (RET) to 75% by 2025. It also plans to introduce a target of meeting 25% of the state’s peak electricity demand with stored renewables – equating to 750 MW of storage capacity.
Innogy to acquire two Australian projects worth 460 MW
Germany’s innogy is set to acquire the Limondale and Hilston utility-scale solar projects in Australia’s New South Wales from developer Overland Sun Farming. The two projects have a combined capacity of over 460 MW.
Wind giant Vestas taps solar, storage markets for hybridization drive
The Danish wind turbine producer to explore further development of hybrid renewable energy plants that combine wind, solar and battery storage at single location as wind growth rates ease in face of market consolidation.
South Australia, Tesla partner for $800 million virtual power plant
South Australia could play host to the world’s largest deployment of residential solar+storage in the form of a virtual power plant. The scheme, announced by SA Premier Jay Weatherill on the election campaign trail, could see 250 MW of rooftop PV and 650 MWh of battery storage added to 50,000 homes over 4.5 years.
Canadian Solar acquires 51% stake in five Photon Energy projects in Australia
Chinese module maker and project developer Canadian Solar has acquired a 51% stake in project pipeline of five utility scale solar farms in New South Wales. The projects, which are at an early stage, were initiated by Netherlands-based Photon Energy NV.
Australia: Rapid large scale solar segment growth potential risk to quality
The rapid build out of a large pipeline of utility scale PV projects around Australia could stretch the experienced installation labour force, threatening quality. Solar industry veteran and the Managing Director of PI Berlin Lars Podlowski made the warning as the company expands into Australia through its acquisition of quality assurance provider SolarBuyer.
Australia’s CEFC steps up to finance 70 MW Oakey 2 project
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is continuing to foster utility scale PV growth in Queensland, providing $55 million in non-recourse project finance to the Oakey 2 Solar Farm. Canadian Solar will supply modules for the project and will also serve as EPC.
ARENA awards AU$29.2 million to 20 solar R&D projects
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced that it will award multiple Australian universities and research institutes with a total of $29.2 million to support early-stage research into new solar innovations.
Australia: November’s rooftop record, large C&I, storage still to come
A major milestone was surpassed in the Australian PV market last month, indicating that the rooftop solar sector is in robust health. However, not tracked in the figures underlying the record are large commercial rooftops and distributed battery storage, and reports are that here too strong growth is being achieved.
Australia, Cuba, Malawi, and Peru ratify ISA framework
Four more countries have ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) framework agreement, taking the total number to 19. On Wednesday December 6, the ISA will be established as a legal international intergovernmental body.
