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 (26/06/2023 edition):
New research shows that countries with large amounts of renewable energy witness quickest economic recovery from crises
The researchers found that the best predictor of economic recovery was the amount of renewable energy a country used. Countries that relied on a broader range of energy sources, meanwhile, took longer to recover. “Although the mechanisms underpinning our results are unclear, one likely explanation is that renewables accelerate recovery because they are locally produced to the high volatility of availability and prices connected with fossil fuels,” says co-author Professor Robert Costanza, a researcher in ecological economics at University College London, UK. You can read the full report here (Cosmos Magazine)
Accelerating solar-plus-storage key to boosting the efficiency and resilience of global energy networks
According to research conducted by DNV Industry Insights, 92 percent of energy industry professionals agree that expediting the implementation of solar-plus-storage over the next five years will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and resilience of global energy networks. (Renewable Energy Magazine)
Huge 374 tonne machine travels 900km to join NSW renewable superhighway
This colossal piece of equipment, a 330 kV Phase Shifting Transformer (PST), had to travel from Port Adelaide to Buronga in NSW – a massive 900km journey! Usually, it’s a shorter trip of under 400km, but with its weight of 374 tonnes, a special route had to be taken to avoid roads with weight limits and bridges.️ The PST plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of active power on transmission networks, and it’s the first of its kind in the country! (Renew Economy)
German Study Forecasts Global Steel Sector’s Path to Net Zero Emissions by 2040
A recent German study suggests that by the early 2040s, the global steel sector could reach net zero emissions! How? By making crucial investments in cutting-edge technologies, swiftly transitioning away from coal-based steel production, and establishing a worldwide green iron trade. You can read the full report here (Renew Economy)
QLD Budget: More than $20B to allocated to energy and water
The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will receive a budget of $19 billion spread over a four-year period as assigned by the State Budget of the Queensland Government. Additionally, a substantial amount of over $1.7 billion has been earmarked specifically for water infrastructure and planning. (Utility Magazine)
May proves to be the peak month for wind farms in Tasmania, while Queensland takes the lead in solar rankings
In the month of May, Tasmania’s wind farms have showcased their dominance by securing the top two positions and four out of the top 10 spots in Australia’s rankings of best-performing wind energy assets.
Queensland solar farms, led by Moura (capacity factor of 29.4 per cent), Kidston, Ruygby Run and Columboola, took out the top six positions, 12 of the top 13 and all but four of the top 20.
Thanks to the addition of several new solar farms and improved conditions, Queensland experienced significant growth in solar PV, with its output soaring to 463GWh in the same month, more than double the 228GWh generated in the previous year. (Renew Economy)
The implementation of a solar and storage solution aids in the conservation of one of the world’s seven natural wonders
Major players in the renewable energy industry have contributed equipment, expertise, and their valuable time to establish a solar and storage solution, contributing to the preservation and protection of the Great Barrier Reef. This iconic natural wonder is recognized as one of the world’s seven marvels.
Fueling the cutting-edge bio bank facility, the solar and storage system plays a vital role in an initiative led by the non-profit organization Great Barrier Reef Legacy. The primary objective of this initiative is to gather live specimens of numerous coral species from the Great Barrier Reef and safeguard them within a living “coral ark.” By doing so, the project aims to shield these corals from the threats of mass bleaching events and potential extinction. (PV Magazine)
Refurbishment of dairy manufacturing plant among renewable energy projects in Victoria set to receive funding
Through the Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund, the Victorian Government plans to allocate over $8 million in investments to support a range of 24 projects. Notably, one of the projects focuses on enhancing a prominent dairy business, which aims to transform cheese whey waste into biogas. This biogas will be utilized to power the dairy manufacturing plant, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy utilisation. (Australian Manufacturing)
Exploding The Myths About Green Hydrogen: An Interview with Ben Schwarz of Fusion Fuel
Many people are still confused about green hydrogen, despite predictions that the global green hydrogen market will hit over $331.98 billion by 2032. Consequently, there is a lot of misinformation and myths flying around about how green hydrogen is poised for greater global adoption. REM discussed the situation with Ben Schwarz, Head of Investor Relations at Fusion Fuel. (Renewable Energy Magazine)
ACT electric vehicle fleet continues doubling annually, maintaining 20% market share for second consecutive month
The successful implementation of the ACT’s electric vehicle (EV) policies is evident as the EV adoption rate surpassed 20 percent in the month of May, a significant increase from the 3 percent recorded in May 2022. The latest data reveals that 318 new EVs were registered during this period, resulting in a total EV fleet of 4,541 as of June 1. This 20 percent market share exceeds the national average by more than two and a half times, which stands at just under 8 percent in recent months. (The Driven)
Decarbonization of the mining industry – affected by the energy crisis? | Rystad Talks Energy
In our latest instalment of the Rystad Talks Energy webinar series, we had the pleasure to host an esteemed industry guest speaker from Worley and a team of specialists, where we discussed the topic of Decarbonization of the mining industry – affected by the energy crisis? Watch it here
How to reduce Australia’s transport emissions | Climate Council
Our ability to get around – safely and without barriers – is fundamental to our quality of life, wellbeing and participation in society. Transport connects us to everything: our communities, workplaces, friends and family, education, healthcare and all the essential services we need.
Transport also produces a large and rising share of Australia’s harmful carbon pollution (19 percent). To reverse this trend, we need to fundamentally alter the ways we get around, as well as the transport options available to Australians.
From brown coal to big batteries | Energy Insiders Podcast
We talk to Daniel Burrows from Eku Energy on new Hazelwood battery, the first at a coal generator, and the first to be wholly privately funded. Plus: AGL’s incrementalism and Queensland’s deep storage plunge.
Tearing down electric vehicles | The Driven Podcast
Cory Steuben from Munro Associates on the epiphany on EVs. Plus: News of the week including MG’s budget MG4, and Tesla’s charging coup.
The transition is happening. Fast. | What on Earth Podcast
In this episode, the three amigos address the question: What on Earth do businesses in Australia need to understand about the transition to the post-carbon economy?
Our photo of the week (from the Meralli archives) is of our hard-working moduling team at the Dunblane Solar Farm, located in Barcaldine, Queensland. The 11MW Dunblane project in Barcaldine, Queensland is the largest, privately funded, unsubsidised solar farm of its type currently in the world and was built in just 10 weeks and 4 days; achieved without any tax payer subsidies and using an Australian workforce. At Dunblane we managed up to 1700 modules a day with a moduling team of 14.
