Joint Statement Calls For Ditching Of Partisan Politics On Energy
Dozens of industry, community and non-profit groups have come together to call for all political parties to work together to reform Australia’s energy systems and markets – and soon. When politicians need to start using props in Parliamentary debates (something that is expressly forbidden), it could be considered not a lot of headway is being […]
Smart Home Technology Gaining Popularity In Australia
A recent survey indicates one in four Australian houses are considered to be ‘smart homes’ – and the number may be even higher. These homes considered “smart” are using climate control, lighting, media systems, cameras and computers controlled remotely via the Internet; i.e. they are part of the Internet of Things. As well as providing […]
Long-lasting, Minimum Maintenance Flow Battery Unveiled
Researchers from Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have developed a cheap, non-toxic flow battery for wind and solar power storage that can withstand over a decade of full charge-discharge cycles. Flow batteries are large-scale liquid batteries in which all electroactive components are dissolved in the electrolyte. The liquids […]
More Recognition For Battery Manufacturer Sonnen
There would be few battery manufacturers that have racked up as many accolades in such a short time as Germany’s Sonnen – and they’ve just added another. Fast Company has named the firm in its 10 Most Innovative Companies in Energy for 2017. “We are extremely proud to receive this honor, one that is only […]
Australian Electricity Prices Soar 106% In A Decade
Residential power prices have jumped up to 135 per cent in some Australian states since 2007 and electricity costs for businesses have increased 50 per cent in just seven years. Analysis carried out by the ANU’s Centre for Social Research and Methods, commissioned by The Australian, indicates an average rise of 106 per cent across […]
Former President Jimmy Carter Still A Strong Supporter Of Solar
A 1.3 MW solar energy project in Plains, Georgia has been constructed on 10 acres of land owned by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The former President’s passion for the technology goes back decades. It was in June 1979 when President Jimmy Carter delivered a memorable speech on the potential of solar energy during the […]
Heatwave Blackout Threat Boosts Solar Battery Interest
The threat of heatwave related blackouts in Australia is another reason households are contemplating increased energy independence through the installation of solar and battery systems. Recent heatwave conditions in South Australia have seen wholesale electricity prices soar past $14,000 per megawatt hour at times – that’s $14 per kilowatt hour. Demand was such on Wednesday […]
WA Greens Spruik Solar Battery Grants Scheme
A Greens plan to support battery storage in Western Australia could benefit 120,000 WA households and thousands of businesses within five years. The proposed scheme would consist of a 50 per cent tax rebate of up to $5000 to install battery storage. Households on less than $80,000 year could also claim $5000 per household; declining […]
UPS Investing Big Bucks In Solar Energy
International logistics and freight giant UPS has announced it is investing USD $18 million in 10 megawatts of solar panels for some of its facilities in the USA. More than 26,000 solar modules in total will be installed on at least eight of its facilities, with the solar electricity generated to provide approximately 50% of […]
Pee Power – High Efficiency Urea Solar Batteries
Stanford University engineers have utilised urea, a compound that can be derived from animal urine, to produce a super-efficient solar battery that could provide a low-cost energy storage solution. Professor Hongjie Dai, who developed the device alongside colleague Michael Angell, incorporated urea into the system’s electrolyte as it is one of the most widely used […]