BUSINESS NEWS: Queensland and Tasmania both aim to be crowned Australia’s capitals of renewables, with the state’s battling it out for the top spot in solar and hydrogen energy. Meanwhile, NSW is rolling out its biggest schools project yet, as a number of new buildings hit milestones in Sydney.
In NSW the state government has just announced that an expression of interest process will be held for renewable energy proposals across 2200 public schools.
It’s apparently the largest exercise of its kind ever undertaken across Australia and will be managed by School Infrastructure NSW as part of the Smart Energy Schools Pilot Project.
Proposals are being sought to finance, install and operate solar and battery energy systems across the state’s public schools as part of a long-term Power Purchase Agreement, or other alternative models including EV charging and other behind-the-meter solutions or Virtual Power Plants.
Australian Parents for Climate Action said it’s a smart move.
Chief executive Nic Seton commented that it “will accelerate the roll out of clean energy and save schools critical funds, particularly while electricity prices are rising.
“This really is a no-brainer policy with widespread public support.”
Central Place Sydney has received development approval with its $3 billion two towers of 35 and 37 levels, a third smaller building called The Connector and a public space called the Pavillion.
It’s part of the 24 hectare Tech Central precinct over Central’s rail yards, with construction to commence in 2023 and the first stage expected to be delivered in 2027.
The City of Sydney is looking for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander operator to manage a public plaza, multi-purpose space for a cultural display and café or retail area with rent subsidised. The location will be Sydney’s tallest office tower – Lendlease’s $1.9 billion 55-storey Salesforce Tower at 180 George Street, near Circular Quay.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the new tower is vital for Sydney’s post-pandemic recovery.
“During the lockdowns, construction projects continued apace. Now it’s our job to make sure these new precincts buzz so the city is not only a great place to work, but also to visit and linger, to catch up with friends and eat, drink and shop.
“The public plaza features a stunning canopy artwork and multipurpose building designed by Aboriginal artist Daniel Boyd and acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye.
“We’re calling for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander businesses and operators who can deliver experiences that will benefit both locals and visitors.”
Australia’s newest solar farm officially opened in Queensland last week, Spanish solar developer and operator X-ELIO‘s 200 megawatt Blue Grass Solar Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs.
X-ELIO says its $215m capital investment is pinned to create up to 400 local jobs and deliver more than 420 gigawatt hours of energy annually, powering 80,000 Queensland homes and offsetting more than 320,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
It’s the largest solar farm yet from the company in Australia with a positive reaction from the local community, with Western Down Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh stating that the community hoped to become the “renewable energy powerhouse” of Australia.
“It’s fantastic to see another project creating local jobs and boosting our economy. We have the optimum climate, landscape and location for renewable energy, with a skilled workforce and great liveability to back growth in the sector,” he said.
Its first major purchaser is Salesforce, with Pip Marlow, Australia New Zealand and ASEAN chief executive stating that the company selected the Blue Grass project “based on its community support program, the low ecological value of the site, and the high potential to significantly reduce emissions”.
This comes as Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables, and local state member Guy Barnett said Tasmania was vying to become a national hydrogen powerhouse through its Future Gas Strategy and Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan.
“Hydrogen is a burgeoning industry and Tasmania has plans to be a leading – and genuinely green – hydrogen producer,” he said.
Renewable hydrogen project development company Countrywide Hydrogen, owned by clean energy investment incubator ReNu Energy Limited, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Launceston Airport for the development of a multi-purpose renewable hydrogen project powered by solar power in Launceston, Tasmania.
It would support Tasmanian heavy transport to transition from diesel to hydrogen.
ReNu’s countrywide managing director Geoff Drucker commented that there were a “number of complementary hub opportunities this collaboration could afford Northern Tasmania Including on-site hydrogen refuelling for bus and truck operators looking to decarbonise their vehicle fleet, while offering fuel cell vehicle servicing, maintenance and upskilling diesel mechanics and technicians.
“There is potential for Tas Gas to install a new gas reticulation system at Western Junction, delivering a decarbonised natural gas network for the local commercial and industrial zone, all of which will help Tasmania lead the world in achieving renewable energy self-sufficiency and slashing emissions.”