Colorado-based mini-grid specialist Husk Power has secured more than US$100 million in equity and debt funding aimed to grow its community solar mini-grids in rural sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed AU$358 million (US$227.8 million) to new projects during the year from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, while it has also assigned AU$41.5 million for ultra low cost solar, a new focus since last year.
Mining major Rio Tinto and Aboriginal energy partnership the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to pursue the development of solar and wind projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Many large solar PV projects cross over First Nations land, and the representative body the First Nations Clean Energy Network (FNCEN) says that “proper and meaningful engagement with First Nations will be essential for the success of the renewable energy sector.”