Mining companies are now embracing solar PV and solar thermal technologies to reduce their dependence of diesel and other fossil fuels – and to keep a lid on soaring energy costs. The first solar thermal plant for a mining operation has been opened, and BHP has tested the waters by commissioning a 1MW project for its high-altitude Chilean copper project.
ARENA chairman Greg Bourne explains the rejection of Solar Dawn, why he rejects technology pie charts, why he is focused on hybrid and remote solutions, and his take on geothermal.
Dream to see concentrating solar power plant built in Port Augusta lives on as ‘warrior’ mayor loses battle with cancer.
Global banking and asset management group Investec plans 50MW solar PV power plant near Kalgoorlie, as local miners look to solar to offset high cost of gas and diesel. According to BNEF, solar PV is already cheaper than new build coal in Western Australia.
The goal of having 100 per cent renewable energy is no longer a mere aspiration, it could be inevitable. The plunging technology costs of wind and solar have unleashed economic forces that could be unstoppable.
China lifts its 2015 solar PV target again, California signs on for first large solar thermal with storage plant, Yingli reports rebound in margins, solar PV funding goes mainstream.
The Grattan Institute’s study into Australia’s energy future canvasses seven technologies that could help deliver an 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 – wind, solar PV, solar thermal, geothermal, CCS, nuclear and bio-energy. And then there is the grid, and it’s need to be smart and play fair, and not just favour the incumbent coal and gas plants.
America’s Crescent Dunes solar thermal plant passed another milestone this month, with receiver panels installed on the facility’s 540ft tower.
The 377-megawatt Ivanpah solar thermal power plant passes milestone ‘first flux’ test, demonstrating that it is essentially ready for operation.
Update: Plans to replace Collinsville coal-fired power station with 50MW ‘baseload’ plant using solar PV, and solar thermal/gas hybrid.
Turkish company Solimpeks this week installed the first system in the world using its all new 200Watt PV T collectors – right here in Australia.
Italy trumps Germany as most solar powered industrialized nation, while Spain’s array of solar thermal plants start to power up.
A University of Arkansas team has developed a a structured thermocline solar thermal storage system at an impressively low cost.
Yes. And Australia could be a global leader in concentrating solar power if it seizes opportunity and overcomes numerous barriers.
Hybrid solar cells push efficiency rating to 44%; fashionable designs for solar thermal plants, Canberra unveils energy efficiency grants.
The questions posed by the requirements of modern electricity markets should be about value, not cost. And some electrons are more valuable than others.
The Queensland government to stick to Solar Dawn funding commitment after failing to find an exit clause.
Solar thermal boost in India, the top 10 PV makers, and the OECD’s bleak warning.
