Flexible printed solar film research tacks closer to commercial viability
Australia’s scientific research agency CSIRO has taken its pilot-scale production of flexible printed solar film to a new level following the official launch of the new Printed Photovoltaic Facility in southwest Melbourne, Victoria.
Rooftop solar leads Q3 renewables growth in Australia
Rooftop solar led renewable generation in Australia in the third quarter of 2024, accounting for 38.5% of the total, compared to grid-scale solar at 18.3% and wind at 13.4%. New capacity in the connection phase rose 36% and battery projects grew 87% from the same quarter in 2023, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
The Outback communities embracing solar
Supporting First Nations people to effectively engage in and benefit from the energy transition is a timely priority for Australia’s emerging Net Zero Economy Authority, which is tasked with facilitating investments nationwide. pv magazine Australia’s Ev Foley finds the road to clean energy for remote communities can be long and hard, but possible. In the Pilbara, a First Nations group is blazing a trail as a developer of a 3 GW renewables pipeline.
SunBrush develops robotic cleaning solution for commercial rooftop solar
SunBrush Mobil GmbH plans to develop a mechanically simple robotic solution designed to maximize utility-scale solar module yield by removing soiling. Once complete, the company will market this technology for commercial rooftop systems in Australia.
Off-grid solar appliance repair training a must for remote communities
An Australian Research Council funded report co-authored by Sydney-based University of New South Wales and UK-based charity SolarAid says the off-grid solar sector should do more to enhance its product repair initiatives.
South Australia earmarks regions for large-scale renewables
South Australia has announced two proposed release areas designated for the development of large-scale renewable energy projects in the Whyalla and Gawler Ranges regions.
Australian gas utility hits 10% renewable hydrogen blend milestone
Western Australian gas utility ATCO Australia has achieved a network distribution blend of up to 10% renewable hydrogen, produced by a solar-powered electrolyzer, for 3,000 homes.
Australian pumped hydro facility records highest generation in 40 years
Queensland electricity utility Cleanco has set a new quarterly generation record at its 570 MW Wivenhoe Power Station, which outshines all previous production milestones since the station opened in 1984.
CleanCo pilots 1.5 MW sodium sulphur battery
Australian electricity generator CleanCo is piloting Australia’s largest grid-connected sodium sulphur battery at the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub project, 45 kilometres southwest of Brisbane.
Electric mine-site graders to be powered by Fortescue Zero battery system
Canadian-headquartered underground heavy vehicle manufacturer MacLean, will deliver 30 electric powered graders to Australian resources giant Fortescue’s Western Australian mining operations toward a shared goal of Real Zero emissions by 2040.
