The advance of PV has been lauded by the International Energy Agency as it launched the latest edition of a flagship World Energy Outlook 2020 report declaring – “Solar is the new king of the global electricity markets.”
Ikea Adelaide is leading the way for the Swedish giant’s global aspirations towards 100% renewable energy through what is being touted as Australia’s largest grid-connected commercial microgrid.
Australian companies continue to turn to wind and solar to cut their energy costs, with the market for corporate power purchase agreements (PPA) setting new records in 2020, according to consultancy Energetics.
Spanish giant Iberdrola has broken ground on its 317 MW Port Augusta hybrid wind and solar farm, set to be the largest in Australia. The global energy company stressed its desire to increase its renewable presence in Australia on the day, betting on Australia’s potential for a green recovery from the economic strife of Covid-19.
A new solar module “custom made for Australia’s harsh conditions” has been unveiled by South Korea-owned PV manufacturer Q Cells, offering a power range between 350-360W, a 15-year product warranty, and a 25 year performance warranty.
Western Australia has unveiled its first 20-year blueprint into how the clean energy transition may evolve in its uniquely isolated grid, and it seems clear that rooftop solar PV and battery storage will take centre stage.
At Melbourne airport (MEL), Australia, construction is underway on a 12.4 MW (DC) solar farm, large enough to power all four passenger terminals.
Once operational in early 2021, the farm will produce 17 GW hours of electricity every year, almost 15 per cent of the airport’s consumption needs. At a time when airports globally are quiet, MEL is taking the opportunity to create sustainable growth within a notoriously carbon emissions-heavy industry.