Increasing efficiency of thin film solar
04 June, 2012In a boon for the local solar industry, a team of researchers from Swinburne University of Technology and Suntech Power Holdings has developed what is claimed to be the world’s most efficient broadband nanoplasmonic solar cells.
Sustaining a clean energy future
01 June, 2012 by Sylvia Tulloch, Director and Joint Founder, Dyesol Limited* | Supplied by: DyesolSolar photovoltaic (PV) electricity continues to grow rapidly across the world and is now, after hydro and wind power, the third most important renewable energy source in terms of globally installed capacity. PV represented about 0.5% of global electricity demand and 1% of peak power demand at the end of 2011^.
Quick and easy energy measurement with new metering device
01 June, 2012The ambitious goals set by the German government to promote energy efficiency have put pressure on companies to change their energy-use policies. But the sustainable management of energy resources and the associated energy-saving measures can only be implemented if users have a reliable means of quantifying their power consumption. A new metering device, which was presented at the Sensor+Test 2012 trade fair in Nuremberg from 22-24 May, has enabled them to do just that.
South Australian wind power figures vindicate radical energy plan
31 May, 2012Yesterday, energy consultants EnergyQuest broke the news that wind power supplied 31% of South Australia’s electricity in the last quarter - up from 21% 12 months ago. Just six years ago, the contribution of wind in South Australia was close to zero.
Australian solar technology breaks the 20% barrier
30 May, 2012Australian solar research has produced photovoltaic solar cells that recently broke the 20% barrier for conversion efficiency in capturing the sun’s energy, the highest-ever efficiency for a low-cost, commercial silicon solar cell.
Shining a light on energy savings
29 May, 2012 | Supplied by: EELCO - Energy Efficient Lighting CompanyAs electricity prices soar, many commercial and industrial facilities are seeking viable solutions to reducing their energy consumption. Lighting is one area where savings can be made.
NZ’s $4.6 billion national grid investment
29 May, 2012The Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) has welcomed the government’s Budget announcement that $4.6 billion would be spent upgrading the national electricity grid over the next 10 years.
Renewables set to defy M&A downturn - but is Australia ready?
29 May, 2012 | Supplied by: KPMG AustraliaPrivate equity and infrastructure funds are preparing to fly in the face of the downturn and kickstart an increase in deal activity in the renewable energy sector over the next 18 months, according to ‘Green Power: 2012’, KPMG’s annual survey of global renewable energy mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Savvy students’ solution can cut costs of power bills
29 May, 2012Consumers could save on power bills thanks to an energy-saving solution devised by two savvy students at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies.
Sunways solar inverters
28 May, 2012 | Supplied by: Solar Energy AustraliaSolar Energy Australia (SEA) is now the distributor of Sunways Solar Inverters in Australia and will also provide the customer service for these devices. Comprising the AT, NT and PT device series, the agreement with SEA covers the entire Sunways product range for solar inverters.
CEFC a distraction, not a solution, claims BZE
25 May, 2012Renewable energy think-tank Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) has released its response to the government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) legislation as it was recommended by the CEFC Expert Review in April 2011. The $10 billion CEFC was announced by the Australian Government as part of the Clean Energy Future Package to invest in firms and projects utilising renewable energy, energy efficiency and low-emissions technologies, as well as manufacturing businesses that focus on producing the inputs required.
Solar-powered systems for Tongan schools
23 May, 2012Installing solar power systems into Tongan high schools, allowing computers to be used in classrooms, is an initiative about to be launched by the University of Canterbury’s Russell Taylor.
Sports centre to be powered by solar heat and electricity
21 May, 2012Hunter-based invention Granex will soon be powering and heating The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus, thanks to a $770,000 grant from the Australian Solar Institute.
Gas powered retrofit improves building efficiency
20 May, 2012 | Supplied by: Origin EnergyFMSA recently completed an environmental retrofit of its office building in North Melbourne, which included installation of three 85 kW Yanmar gas powered air conditioning systems. This helped to reduce its energy usage and energy costs while improving the efficiency of its building.
Choice in green car for the future
16 May, 2012 by Carolyn JacksonSustainability in the automotive industry is not just about producing small electrical vehicles, it’s about providing a choice of vehicles in all shapes and sizes that are environmentally sound.
