Australia: 87 MW project “one of the first” to deploy First Solar Series 6
The 87 MW Beryl Solar Farm in New South Wales is set to become one of the first in the world to deploy First Solar’s Series 6 modules. The U.S. module manufacturer is the project developer, with Downer selected to commence construction in July.
Rystad Energy: 83% of Australian utility scale pipeline to deploy tracking
Single-axis tracking technology will be deployed in the vast majority of Australian large scale solar projects currently under development. Rystad Energy made the observation in its latest research note, adding that at present two companies share 90% of the confirmed orders.
100 MW months emerge as the new normal for small-scale PV installs Down Under
Green Energy Markets’ small-scale solar figures for April reveal that above 100 MW is emerging as the new normal for monthly installations in the segment in 2018. While the month was below the record-setting 127 MW in March, April’s 109 MW indicates that installations north of 100 MW is new normal for the Australian residential and small commercial sector.
Power Ledger partners with Japanese utility in new trial
Australia-based peer-to-peer (P2P) energy pioneer Power Ledger will partner with Japanese utility Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) to trial its blockchain-enabled platform. The limited trial will first involve only 10 homes in Osaka, however, Power Ledger says that Japan is an excellent fit for P2P energy trading.
March rooftop solar installs sets new Australian record, exceeding NEG modelling by 50%
Rooftop solar PV installation rates in Australia are breaking all previous records. March saw the highest number of rooftop systems ever installed in the country, worth a capacity of some 127 MW.
Australia: Fast-falling EPC prices make sub-$60/MWh solar feasible
Analysis from Rystad Energy has revealed that sub-AU$60/MWh utility-scale solar projects could be viable in sunny parts of Australia today. The highly competitive EPC landscape has been identified as the major driver of the improving PV power plant economics although, as always, cost of capital remains key.
Tonga launches tender for 6 MW of solar-plus-storage
Local power utility, TPL is seeking independent power producers for the deployment of 6 MW of solar PV capacity combined with storage. The selected project will be granted a 25-year PPA.
Australian researchers unveil new sodium-ion battery design
Scientists from the University of Wollongong in Australia have developed battery cells based on sodium-ion technology, which the university says can achieve excellent cycling stability and easily be scaled up for mass production.
Australian large-scale renewables under construction passes 5 GW
5,056 MW of large scale solar and wind are currently being built in Australia. The latest figures from Green Energy Markets shows that the total passed the 5 GW milestone for the first time in February.
Solar on tap: Australia’s Carlton Breweries signs PPA with BayWa r.e. for PV supply
The Melbourne-headquartered brewer will receive solar energy from a 112 MW solar farm located in the state of Victoria, and owned and operated by Germany firm BayWa r.e. The move is part of Carlton’s drive to become 100% renewable.
