Orchestrating the energy transition: Tuning into buildings

GreenBiz Group

April 2, 2020

For the sector to play its part means adopting aggressive energy efficiency, zero-carbon and grid-interactive strategies, especially for existing structures.

Is a solar desalination breakthrough coming to the desert?

GreenBiz Group

April 1, 2020

The output of desalination plants is a mere fraction of what it the world could use. Using the sun to convert seawater into drinking water could be key.

Energising Australia

Sustainability Matters

March 26, 2020

Australia is a unique space for a vast array of energy sources; coal, uranium, oil and gas have powered us for years, but as the demand for sustainable options increases, we must adapt and support industry innovation to fulfil these needs. Part of this is smart energy, which, among other improvements, will help in supporting our local electricity networks to integrate and maximise the use of solar and energy

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Acciona to build huge wind farm complex in Qld

Sustainability Matters

March 26, 2020

The construction of a 1026 MW wind farm complex in Queensland has been announced by Acciona following an agreement with CleanCo Queensland, the Queensland Government’s renewable energy generator. Reported to be the largest ever wind farm in Australia, the MacIntyre complex will boost the Queensland Government’s decarbonisation strategy, mobilising total investments of $1.96

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Funding brings UNSW hydrogen storage to life

Sustainability Matters

March 15, 2020

In a bid to support energy affordability and innovation, NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean has announced more than $15 million in funding from the government’s Regional Community Energy Fund, including a $3.5 million grant to the Manilla Solar Project. The project — a partnership between Manilla Community Renewable Energy Inc and Providence Asset Group — will use an advanced hybrid battery

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Using smelly fruit to charge your phone

Sustainability Matters

March 11, 2020

A new method that involves converting durian and jackfruit waste into super-capacitors that can charge mobile phones has been developed at the University of Sydney. This system could substantially reduce the cost of energy storage and charge devices such as mobile phones, tablet, laptops and electric cars very quickly. “Using durian and jackfruit purchased from a market, we converted the

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Generating solar power on building facades

Sustainability Matters

March 4, 2020

Using photovoltaic elements on facades could be a useful way to supplement solar energy supply, new research suggests. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP have discovered that if they are appropriately designed, these elements can be attractively integrated and deliver 50% more energy than existing types of wall-mounted PV elements. Even concrete walls are

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Is water the solution for renewable energy storage?

Sustainability Matters

February 26, 2020

Seasonal pumped hydropower storage means pumping water into a deep storage reservoir, built parallel to a major river, during times of high water flow or low energy demand. When water is scarce or energy demand increases, stored water is then released from the reservoir to generate electricity. IIASA research published in the journal Nature Communications showed that compared with other mature storage

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Five ways UK energy managers can help deliver a net-zero economy

Ethical Corporation

February 25, 2020

Despite being a major overhead, most businesses still don’t fully understand exactly how, when or where they use energy, or know how much it’s going to cost in five years’ time. The energy landscape is also changing rapidly: as energy managers know well, new regulations, supply security and sustainability demands present new challenges.Image: Channels: Business

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AEMC issues paper wants the lowdown on EV prep

Sustainability Matters

February 20, 2020

Australia needs a roadmap to get its energy system ready for an electric vehicle future, said the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC). Releasing an issues paper as part of its 2020 Retail Energy Competition Review, the commission said planning for the boost in energy use from electric vehicles will ensure the new technology has a positive impact on the energy market. “Electric vehicles

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