Caffeine perks up interest in perovskite solar cells
A simple cup of coffee inspired a research breakthrough that could see perovskite solar cells replace silicon ones. Graduate student Rui Wang from UCLA was drinking coffee with colleagues in March last year. Wang decided to test whether caffeine’s chemical structure could solve perovskite’s key problem – its inability to cope with harsh sunlight. His […]
Victorian water corporations choose solar power to cut emissions and costs
Thirteen of Victoria’s public water corporations have banded together to purchase solar energy in an effort to cut water industry carbon emissions. The venture will operate under a new organisation called Zero Emissions Water Ltd (ZEW). It’s the latest in a suite of climate-friendly announcements from the Andrews Labor Government. Under the deal, the corporations […]
Australian farmers’ election plea: ‘Fix the energy disaster killing agriculture’
An agricultural lobby group wants the next Federal Government to promote smart technology like solar panels and battery storage to support competitiveness. Agricultural energy costs are proving a challenge to farmers. The Ag Energy Taskforce 2019 Federal Election Policy says farmers are now battling to supply the nation’s food and other resources as energy bills […]
‘Renewable energy is the solution for Australia’ – finance expert reveals why
Cheaper, cleaner and industry-building – three reasons why a renewable energy solution is the answer to Australia’s energy future. Then there’s the “baseload myth“. The issues come from a report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis authored by Tim Buckley, director of Energy Finance Studies. In ‘Why Renewables are the Solution for […]
Western Australians brace for more electricity bill hikes
Households in Western Australia are bracing for new power bill hikes – an additional 2 per cent to annual bills. According to The West Australian, this means power bills have increased by around 20 per cent since Mark McGowan’s Labor Government took office in 2017. The increase also represents a 100 per cent increase in […]
Australia has big solar thermal future despite collapse of $650 million project
Australia still has a promising solar thermal technology future despite a major Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in South Australia failing because of financing issues. Energy expert Simon Currie says the emerging CSP industry can overcome the collapse of SolarReserve’s $650 million Aurora project near Port Augusta. Solar thermal technology is perfect for Australian conditions, […]
Batteries for the Nation: Why storage is key to Australia’s renewable energy future
Australia’s coal-fired power stations will retire over the next decade or two and other forms of energy, like wind and solar power, will take over. Alongside this change will be the need for large-scale national battery storage. Batteries are important because energy operators need to “firm up” the intermittent power from solar and wind. Even […]
Energy efficient community housing saves tenants, developers money
A new apartment complex for low-income tenants has achieved a 7-star rating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). The building in Liverpool, NSW, features high-performance glass, insulation to floors, ceilings and walls, and shade to windows. In addition, the six-storey complex also has rooftop solar panels installed, along with ceiling fans in every room. […]
Solar shines as star employer in surging renewable jobs market
Renewable jobs are growing across Australia with jobs in the solar sector growing fastest. Yesterday’s figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show the highest level of estimated full-time equivalent (FTE) employment in renewable energy since 2011-12. The Employment in Renewable Energy Activities, Australia, 2017-18 report shows the staggering advance of solar energy. Construction […]
Solar panel silver: Global popularity of solar power raises price of silver
Researchers in the UK predict the global popularity of solar power is contributing to an increase in the price of silver. Silver is the most conductive element for both electrical and thermal energy. As a result, it is used widely in the production of solar panels. As solar panel demand increases, so does the demand […]