Australia

As electrolysis is gaining traction in the markets, European and US companies announce new hydrogen projects in the heavy mobility sector. Meanwhile, UK-based solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) tech developer Ceres Power signed a global long-term agreement with Delta Electronics.

The manufacturer is working to localize its products and services as it expands globally, according to Jesse Lau, SOFAR’s Head of APAC & MEA Region. In this interview, he talks about the company’s strategy and plans for Australia in 2024.

Frontier Energy has revised its strategy for the first stage of the proposed Waroona Renewable Energy Project, now under development in Western Australia, to include a four-hour, 80 MW battery energy storage system, in a move that is expected to offer significantly better economic outcomes than solar alone.

The DeGrussa solar and battery hub in remote Western Australia – the largest integrated off-grid solar and battery storage facility in Australia when it was deployed – has reached end of life, says asset owner Neoen.

Scientists in Turkey determined the optimal tilt angle for agrivoltaic projects associated with different crops in the central Mediterranean region, and other regions with similar latitude and climatic conditions.

Solar fences are starting to gain traction in European and North American markets, with figures from energy software specialist Gridcog suggesting that vertical bifacial solar could also be technically and economically viable in Australia.

Australia currently has about 40% renewable electricity, mostly solar and wind. This is not causing wholesale spot prices to change, nor destabilizing the grid. On current policy settings, the country will reach 82% renewable electricity in 2030.

The Australian authorities launched an investigation after an inverter burst into flames at the 30 MW Mannum Stage 2 solar farm, which is being developed near the town of Mannum, South Australia. A worker is now being treated in the hospital for burns.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) says the rollout of rooftop solar in Australia will drop off “faster than anticipated,” with grid integration challenges and saturation of the power system contributing to a revision of expectations for renewable energy growth.

Australia’s ClearVue Technologies has secured an order to provide its clear solar glass technology for a AUD 12 million ($8.0 million), six-floor building in Melbourne.