WA snubs National Energy Guarantee (NEG) to forge its own renewable energy policy
The Western Australian government has rejected the federal National Energy Guarantee (NEG) in favour of its own renewable energy policy. WA Energy Minister Ben Wyatt says WA is determined not to be dragged into the east coast energy market “nightmare”. According to Mr Wyatt, WA’s energy market is functioning effectively and on-track to reduce carbon […]
Victorian home builders wanted for zero net carbon homes scheme
A Victorian pilot program will boost supply of zero net carbon homes in Melbourne’s growth corridors. The state government will partner with land developers and volume home builders in the $2.18 million scheme. Up to three selected partnerships will focus on design, marketing and construction of zero net carbon homes. Research by Sustainability Victoria shows […]
Ballarat General Cemeteries takes up solar energy with Community Power Hub
Ballarat General Cemeteries has committed to a renewable energy future by joining Victoria’s Community Power Hub (CPH) program. The not-for-profit trust is one of eight local organisations to receive a feasibility study into transitioning operations to renewable energy sources. BREAZE, the local organisation hosting Ballarat’s CPH, will prepare a business case for installing rooftop solar panels on […]
Solar powered homes dodge state blowout on grid upkeep
Consumers with solar panels are enjoying falling costs, while grid customers in three Australian states face rocketing power bills, a new report shows. Because of state government overspends on electricity grids in New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, network customers are paying $100-$400 each year more than they need to. According to the Grattan Institute […]
deX – the distributed electricity grid that lets you trade power with neighbours
A new, decentralised energy exchange (deX) allows households and businesses with solar assets to trade electricity with each other. deX offers a fundamental change in the way “distributed energy” is shared, stored, used and traded in Australia. A white paper on the topic by global energy technology company GreenSync, which created deX, shows how the […]
Carlton & United Breweries to buy electricity from Victorian solar farm
Australia’s largest brewery has signed a contract with a German-owned Victorian solar farm with the aim of becoming energy self-sufficient through using solar power. Because Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) want to use 100 per cent renewable energy, they have signed a 12-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with BayWa r.e. The German renewable energy developer, […]
Vic govt and ARENA jointly fund energy storage battery at Victorian solar farm
ARENA and the Victorian state government have announced joint funding of two large-scale energy storage battery projects in country Victoria. This includes integration of a Tesla Powerpack into an existing solar farm at Gannawarra near Kerang. The Gannawarra Solar Farm was Victoria’s first large-scale renewable energy project of its kind. The 60 MW plant has […]
NSW feed-in tariffs cut threat: Greens protest proposal to cut solar power payment
The NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is considering a cut to the benchmark price for NSW feed-in tariffs, most which come from solar power. The current NSW feed-in tariff sits around 11 cents per kilowatt hour. From July 1 this year it could be reduced to 8-9 c/kWh. IPART says it is taking the […]
Renters can reap the benefits of solar power too – here’s how
Solar power for renters? There’s a lot of talk about Australian home prices, along with prices for house solar panels and batteries. But what about the people who rent a house or apartment? Is it worth looking into solar panels when you don’t own a property to put them on? The answer is yes. New […]
Battery storage grid link more reliable as coal-fired generators fade out: AEMC
Increasing amounts of renewable energy are challenging Australia’s national grid as coal-fired generators fade out. But battery storage grid integration could provide the needed stability. A report by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) released today explores the instability caused by adding solar energy and wind power to the nation’s generator mix. The grid requires a […]
