Here’s a wrap-up of all the key news across solar and other renewables last week. Grab your coffee, here’s the industry must-knows for the week (10/04/2023 edition):
• Annual investment in renewable energy construction in Australia is forecast to jump almost 50% this year and continue to climb to a peak in 2026 with historically high levels of activity to follow as the country continues its transition away from fossil fuel-fired power generation. (MacroMonitor)
• Australia’s lithium and base metals like nickel, aluminium and copper are forecast to earn around $47 billion (USD 31.8 billion) in the current financial year, according to the Australian government’s latest forecasts. The value of Australia’s lithium exports alone are expected to exceed $18.5 billion this year, up from $5.3 billion in 2021–22, according to the Australian government’s Resources and Energy Quarterly (REQ). (www.industry.gov.au)
• The New South Wale government’s competitive tender for 380 MW of ‘firming’ battery capacity has now opened. The tender is being managed by AEMO Services, a subsidiary of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), and is seeking applications for storage projects based in Sydney, Newcastle, or Wollongong. Interested parties will be able to submit project bids through AEMO Service’s online portal until May 18. (www.aemoservices.smartygrants.com.au)
• On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $120 million in funding will be made available for Round 1 of the Community Batteries Funding Program. The program aims to support the deployment of community batteries across Australia to lower energy bills, cut emissions and reduce pressure on the electricity grid. ARENA is now seeking applications for up to $20 million in funding to deploy a minimum of five community batteries. (ARENA)
Webinar 1 – 10AM AEST Wed 12th April 2023 Register – Webinar 1
Webinar 2 – 10AM AEST Tue 18th April 2023 Register – Webinar 2
• Horizon Power’s push to electrify the town of Esperance has reached a major milestone with the Western Australian coastal community’s reticulated gas supply switched off as part of a move that the state government expects will serve as a “blueprint” for other electrification works around the country. (PV Magazine)
• The Western Australian (WA) Government has launched the $40 million Sustainable Geoscience Investments package to accelerate critical minerals discoveries. The critical minerals investment aims to guarantee WA is well-placed to capitalise on economic opportunities as the world works towards a net zero future. The Sustainable Geoscience Investments package, included in the State Budget for 2023-24, addresses the growing need for critical minerals utilised in technologies like electric vehicles, energy storage, and solar panels. (www.australianresources.com.au)
• The Victorian Government has invested $1.4 million in a new purpose-built electric vehicle (EV) laboratory at the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence which will deliver a wide range of EV-specific accredited courses and skills to give those in the automotive industry the chance to upskill. The new apprenticeship program specialising in EVs will give all Australians the opportunity to train and work in an emerging industry. (Energy Magazine)
• Australian steel manufacturer Molycop will begin using recycled rubber from used tyres, conveyer belts and rubber safety boots as feedstock for the production of steel at its electric arc furnace (EAF) in Newcastle. The steel industry contributes a quarter of global industrial emissions of CO2 and six to nine per cent of total global emissions. Molycop manufactures over 240,000 tonnes of steel each year, including production of train wheels. “This project proves that Australia can develop and, critically, commercialise new and innovative ways to address waste and emissions that also benefits steelmakers’ bottom lines and the environment” (Renew Economy)
• Members of the public are invited to provide feedback on the proposed updates to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme by making a submission through this public consultation process. You can find more information, including how to make a submission, here. (www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au)
Eytan Lenko on Supercharging Australia | The Fully Charged Podcast
Robert is joined this week by Eytan Lenko, technology entrepreneur, philanthropist and investor focused on climate solutions and CEO of Boundless Earth. Taking Robert through the reasons why he sees Australia becoming a global energy superpower by 2030, Eytan also reveals his tech development approach to problems and business growth.
“Driver optional” electric tractors begin rolling off production line in US
Our shot of the week (from the Meralli archives) captures the PEG substructure during our build of the Kanowna solar farm at Bullarah NSW, completed in 2019.
