Queensland

The government of the Australian state of Queensland says it has committed AUD 2.5 million ($1.6 million) to progress the development of an “Australian first” solar-panel recycling scheme, in preparation for “thousands” of PV modules installed on rooftops and in large-scale solar farms that are approaching end of life.

Genex Power says that the 250 MW/2 GWh Kidston pumped hydro project in Australia is now on track for completion in 2024.

Mining major Anglo American has struck a deal with Stanwell to power its Australian operations with 100% renewable energy from 2025 onward as part of a 10-year power supply deal.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, the premier of the Australian state of Queensland, has launched a new plan to develop what could be the world’s biggest pumped hydro scheme.

Gasunie will establish a total storage capacity of approximately 26 million kilograms of hydrogen, with the first storage facility to be operational by 2026. Porsche Engineering has revealed its findings on the potential of hydrogen combustion engines, while hydrogen plans advanced in Australia and Portugal.

Known as Australia’s “Sunshine State,” Queensland households have, in just two years, doubled their residential energy storage, according to a new survey. The figures reveal 37% of Queensland households now have panels installed, with a further 22% looking to install or upgrade their systems.

In an Australian first, the newly re-elected premier of Queensland has set up a ministry for hydrogen. The move reinforces the nation’s determination to lead the global race to create a hydrogen economy.

Clean energy power plants will figure prominently as Queensland and Victoria bid to reset their economies for a post-coronavirus world. France suffered a hit to its new solar deployment figures in the first half of a Covid-hit year but its neighbor appears to have no such concerns.

The northern Australian region this week added nine solar plants to the two already threatened – along with a wind farm – with having their output halted under certain conditions.

Plans to develop an 18 GWh lithium-ion battery factory in northern Queensland have reached an important milestone with the project feasibility study submitted to the Queensland government.