Oceania

Australian researchers have developed a new microwave technology that could advance solar-cell production by improving manufacturing processes and making them easier to recycle.

Observations shared by Solcast, a solar specialist, have shed new light on the impressive performance of Australian solar farms.

Lazard explains in a new report that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is normally lower for green hydrogen than for pink hydrogen, using both PEM and alkaline electrolyzers, with or without subsidies. Meanwhile, Australian authorities are trying to increase the competitiveness of the local hydrogen sector, while car companies are updating their fuel cell plans.

Australia’s biggest electricity “gen-tailer” AGL is one step closer to energising its 250 MW/250 MWh grid-scale battery at South Australia’s Torrens Island after receiving the tick of approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator.

New Zealand renewables company Lodestone Energy’s plans to develop an initial suite of five large-scale solar farms with a combined generation capacity of more than 365 GWh per annum has reached another milestone with construction beginning on the second of the projects.

EntX has secured a license to explore salt deposits along the western side of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia for the purpose of hydrogen storage.

Renewables developer GMR Energy has started working on a 240 MW/480 MWh battery project in Victoria, Australia.

Sun Cable’s troubled AUD 30 billion ($20 billion) mega solar and storage project has received a welcome boost, with resources company Tivan announcing that it has signed a deal with the developer for the potential offtake of up to 300 MW of renewable electricity.

Renewable energy retailer Flow Power claims that the integrated technology behind a new “smart” solar farm in the town of Berri, South Australia, is the first of its kind to be switched on in Australia.

The question of where to put new solar projects in Australia is becoming troublesome, as many of the top-choice land parcels for renewables development have been taken. However, RELA Australia says it has a novel solution that levels the playing field between landowners and developers.