6 January 2020
Here is the Energy Next news round up for December 2019.
University of Wollongong sets benchmark for sustainable buildings in Australia
The University of Wollongong’s Sustainable Buildings Research Centre has become the first building in Australia to achieve full marks under the world’s toughest sustainability standard for buildings, the Living Building Challenge.
ARENA and CEFC to kick-start Australia’s ‘clean’ hydrogen industry
Australia’s two premier public funding institutions for clean energy will commit a combined $370 million in funds to kick-start Australia’s clean hydrogen sector, as a new battle is set to heat up over the definition of what exactly is ‘clean hydrogen’.
Most consumers want companies to target 100 per cent renewable energy
Nearly three-quarters of Australian consumers expect companies to target 100 per cent renewable energy as part of their responsibility to tackle climate change, a new survey has found.
The Ucomms poll, commissioned by Greenpeace Australia Pacific, shows that the shift to solar and wind power by corporations is being driven not only by good economics, but also public expectation.
NSW’s first ultra-rapid EV charging station
NSW now has its first ultra-rapid charging station, with Chargefox, Australia’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, opening a new station in Sydney.
Located at Zetland’s East Village Shopping Centre, the charging station will mean two cars can charge at 350kW simultaneously, capable of delivering up to 400km of charge in 15 mins (or 200km of charge in eight minutes), backed up by 100 per cent renewable energy.
SolarReserve and Aurora Project acquisition
SolarReserve Australia II Pty Ltd, who own the Aurora Solar Energy Project near Port Augusta in South Australia, will soon be acquired by 1414 Degrees (14D).
The Aurora Solar Energy Project has SA Government development approval for a 70MW solar PV farm and 150MW of generation from a concentrated solar thermal plant (CST). South Australian company 1414 Degrees proposes to use the site to pilot its world leading TESS-GRID technology.
ARENA boots Sustainable Australia fund, more renewables access for small businesses
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is set to aid small businesses become more sustainable with the announcement of expanded funding for the Sustainable Australia Fund (SAF). The funding will help to provide more access to renewable energies and other low-cost energy-efficient upgrades for local businesses.