Tesla’s mega battery saves Australia $40 million in its first year
The 100-megawatt Hornsdale Power Reserve, which was designed by Tesla, has saved over $40 million AUD in annual maintenance costs to the electrical grid.
Australia & Oceania
Australia invests $7.5 million in hydrogen project for clean energy
The majority of the hydrogen produced will be injected into the local gas network for domestic use and demonstrate the potential for renewable hydrogen storage in Australia’s gas network.
The world’s largest collection of rice is now permanently funded
Like the “doomsday” seed vault in Norway, the purpose of the IRRI gene bank is to ensure we never find ourselves in a position where our food supply isn’t secure and diverse.
In ‘world first’, ultra-cheap printable solar panels are launched in Australia
Less than one millimeter thick and held down with double-sided sticky tape, the panels are similar in texture to a potato chip packet and can be produced for less than $10 per square meter.
New Zealand to ban single-use plastic bags by next year
Single-use plastic bags are among the most common items found in coastal litter in New Zealand.
Green light given for a 100MF solar farm in Australia – the country’s largest ever
French renewable energy producer Neoen announced that full construction on Victoria’ Numurkah Solar Farm is ready to commence this week.
The island of Samoa to go 100% renewable by 2025
The local utility has worked with Tesla to install a key piece of that plan, battery storage, and also a software system that can control Samoa’s entire electricity supply.
Philippine city of Mandaluyong passes law against LGBT discrimination
The Philippine city of Mandaluyong has approved an ordinance to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from discrimination, the latest in a slew of local laws passed across the country.
Australian state of Queensland approves $1bn wind farm
The Queensland government has approved the country’s largest windfarm, a $1bn project to build almost 200 turbines in the shadow of the Bowen basin’s coalmines.
Small minimum wage rises don’t cause job losses, Reserve Bank of Australia study finds
The study of increases in the minimum award wages is the first of its kind in Australia and provides a boost to unions’ argument in the Fair Work Commission for a $50-a-week increase in the minimum wage.