#Rooftop Solar Plant in Victoria

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - November 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles! (sorry it's slightly late, the links didn't wanna work and I couldn't figure it out all day)

1. Wyoming's abortion ban has been overturned, including its ban on abortion medication

“Wyoming is the second state to have its near-total abortion ban overturned this month[…. Seven other states] also approved amendments protecting the right to an abortion. A lawsuit seeking to challenge the [FDA]’s approval of abortion medication recently failed when the Supreme Court refused to hear it[….]”

2. Patches of wildflowers in cities can be just as good for insects as natural meadows – study

“This study confirmed that small areas of urban wildflowers have a high concentration of pollinating insects, and are as valuable to many pollinators as larger areas of natural meadow that you would typically find rurally.”

3. Paris could offer new parents anti-pollution baby 'gift bags' to combat 'forever chemicals'

“The bag includes a stainless steel baby cup, a wooden toy, reusable cotton wipes, and non-toxic cleaning supplies as part of a "green prescription". […] The city will also have 44 centres for protecting mothers and infants that will be without any pollutants[….]”

4. Indigenous guardians embark on a sacred pact to protect the lowland tapir in Colombia

“The tapir is now the focus of an Indigenous-led conservation project[… A proposed “biocultural corridor”] will protect not only the populations and movements of wildlife such as tapirs, but also the cultural traditions and spirituality of the Inga and other neighboring Indigenous peoples[….]”

5. Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest

“[…] 43 billion kroner ($6.1 billion) have been earmarked to acquire land from farmers over the next two decades[.… In addition,] livestock farmers will be taxed for the greenhouse gases emitted by their cows, sheep and pigs from 2030, the first country to do so[….]”

6. The biggest grid storage project using old batteries is online in Texas

“[Element operates “used EV battery packs” with software that can] fine-tune commands at the cell level, instead of treating all the batteries as a monolithic whole. This enables the system to get more use out of each cell without stressing any so much that they break down[….]””

7. Durable supramolecular plastic is fully ocean-degradable and doesn't generate microplastics

“The new material is as strong as conventional plastics and biodegradable, [… and] is therefore expected to help reduce harmful microplastic pollution that accumulates in oceans and soil and eventually enters the food chain.”

8. Big Oil Tax Could Boost Global Loss and Damage Fund by 2000%

“[… A] tax on fossil fuel extraction, which would increase each year, combined with additional taxes on excess profits would […] generate hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the decade to assist poor and vulnerable communities with the impact of the climate crisis[….]”

9. Rooftop solar meets 107.5 pct of South Australia’s demand, no emergency measures needed

“[T]he state was able to export around 658 MW of capacity to Victoria at the time[….] The export capacity is expected to increase significantly as the new transmission link to NSW[…] should be able to allow an extra 150 MW to be transferred in either direction by Christmas.”

10. Light-altering paint for greenhouses could help lengthen the fruit growing season in less sunny countries

“[Scientists] have developed a spray coating for greenhouses that could help UK farmers to produce more crops in the future using the same or less energy[… by optimising] the wavelength of light shining onto the plants, improving their growth and yield.”

November 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[b2bbusiness]

Comprehensive Analysis of the Australia Power Market in 2024

Australia's power market is a dynamic, rapidly evolving sector with strong government initiatives, innovative technology adoption, and a push towards renewable energy. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current trends, challenges, and future prospects of the power market in Australia. Understanding these factors is essential for stakeholders, investors, and consumers looking to navigate or invest in Australia's energy sector.

Overview of the Australia Power Market

Australia's power market is primarily managed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), which oversees the National Electricity Market (NEM). Covering the eastern and southeastern regions, the NEM supplies power to over 10 million customers, constituting a majority of the country’s power demands. Western Australia and the Northern Territory operate independently with their own networks, addressing the specific energy needs of these regions.

Key Trends Shaping the Market

1. Renewable Energy Expansion

Solar Power: Solar power has seen exponential growth, with over 30% of Australian households now using rooftop solar panels, making it one of the highest per capita rates globally. Large-scale solar farms are also emerging, with government support and investment aiding their growth.

Wind Power: Wind farms contribute significantly to the power mix, particularly in South Australia and Victoria. Many states now rely on wind energy for a substantial percentage of their electricity, a trend likely to continue as new projects come online.

Battery Storage and Grid Stability: Battery energy storage is an essential component of Australia's renewable energy landscape. Projects like the Hornsdale Power Reserve and Victorian Big Battery support the grid’s stability, helping balance supply and demand fluctuations and reducing the risk of blackouts.

2. Government Initiatives and Policy Changes

Renewable Energy Targets (RET): The federal government and state-level renewable energy targets continue to incentivize the shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. The national RET aims for significant reductions in carbon emissions, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

National Electricity Rules (NER): The NER governs the wholesale and retail markets, with recent amendments prioritizing energy security and integrating new technologies into the grid. This policy framework ensures fair pricing, encourages competition, and protects consumer interests.

3. Transition from Coal to Cleaner Energy Sources

Despite coal still being a dominant energy source, Australia's reliance on coal-fired power plants is diminishing. Major utilities are either decommissioning older plants or transitioning to less carbon-intensive energy options. This shift is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, though it presents challenges in maintaining consistent power supply due to coal's traditionally stable output.

4. Electricity Price Fluctuations

Electricity prices in Australia have historically been high due to factors like network costs, fuel prices, and the cost of transitioning to renewable energy. However, the integration of renewables and better battery storage technology has begun to stabilize prices. Additionally, state-based subsidies for renewable energy projects are expected to contribute to long-term price reductions.

Challenges Facing the Australia Power Market

1. Grid Reliability and Infrastructure Challenges

With an increased reliance on renewable energy, maintaining grid reliability has become a critical challenge. Renewable sources like wind and solar are intermittent, making energy storage and distribution networks essential. Expanding infrastructure to accommodate these sources requires substantial investment and strategic planning.

2. Balancing Environmental Goals with Economic Stability

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables requires a fine balance between achieving environmental targets and ensuring economic viability. This challenge is particularly evident in regions heavily dependent on coal for both power and employment. Addressing job transitions and retraining workers in these areas is a key focus for policymakers.

3. Climate Impact and Extreme Weather Events

Climate change-induced extreme weather events, such as bushfires and heatwaves, are straining the grid and increasing demand. These conditions can damage infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and impact generation capacity, making it essential for the Australian power market to adapt to these risks.

Future Outlook for the Australia Power Market

The future of Australia's power market is bright, with a significant move towards renewable energy sources and robust investment in grid technologies. Key areas of growth include:

Hydrogen Energy: Australia is positioned to become a global leader in hydrogen production, with extensive resources and government support for hydrogen projects. Hydrogen has the potential to be a sustainable export product and a future energy source domestically.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Integration: The adoption of EVs is increasing, and their integration into the grid will influence power demand patterns. EV charging infrastructure and policies supporting the use of EVs are likely to play a significant role in the future power market landscape.

Investment in Microgrids and Decentralized Energy: Microgrids and decentralized energy systems are being developed in remote and off-grid regions, enhancing energy access and reliability. This trend will support the decentralization of power generation and contribute to grid resilience.

Buy Full Report For More Information on The Australia Power Market Forecast, Download a Free Report Sample

[solarkangaroo-blog]

The Many Advantages of Solar Power System

Solar power can supply you with a wide range of benefits. It can create power for your home and enable you to reduce your monthly electricity bill. By setting up a solar power system, you can utilize the all-natural and renewable resource the sun attends to free every day to conserve your money and aid the earth at the same time.

Solar power innovation has actually been available for years and has actually started to end up being popular over the last few years. Property owners are beginning to recognize the many benefits of solar power and exactly how it can help them lower their monthly electricity and home heating expenses. These modern-day home solar power systems are much more efficient, more economical and easier to install than ever before and stand for an amazing value for homeowners. A lot of contemporary home solar power systems enable the ordinary homeowner to create all the power they require with nothing greater than basic sunshine for fuel.

WorldwideAvailability

One of the main advantages of solar power for homes is the fact that it uses an entirely renewable energy that is offered worldwide. Unlike various other forms of different power that require a particular power source like running water in a river or high sustained winds, solar power can supply complimentary power anywhere you are located. Although it might run slightly far better the closer the system is located to the equator, it can still offer sufficient energy for the majority of home's requirements anywhere on the planet. This is one of the crucial benefits of solar power that has assisted to fuel its recent adoption.

Clean Technology, No Pollution

Another advantage of Rooftop Solar Plant in Victoria is that it does not produce any troubles for the world. It is a totally tidy technology that will not produce any type of air pollution or waste as a result of producing all its totally free power. This suggests that you can mount among these home solar power systems on your home and appreciate the reality that you are assisting the planet while you are generating complimentary power for your home. Several of the other alternate power solutions like nuclear power might have the ability to generate electrical power on a bigger scale, but have the downside of spent fuel poles that rather offsets their overall benefits.

    Flexibility and Expandability

These modern 6.6 KW Solar Panel Systemis additionally more adaptable than ever before and allow you to expand their ability for power generation with time. Unlike other alternative power remedies that need the whole system to be installed at the same time, you can gradually function your menus into a bigger home solar power system with time. This allows you to avoid the substantial initial investment that many of these other solutions require.

Old vs. New System Techonology                                                 

This flexibility in home solar power systems is a rather new development and has helped to increase the variety of these systems being set up over the last few years. Older solar power systems were rather inflexible in their layout and required every one of the components to be set up together. This meant that you had very little opportunity for expanding the benefits of solar power for your home once it was mounted. These newer home solar power systems are various and are really made to be simple to increase annually by merely adding even more solar panels to your system. By doing this you can start with a smaller sized system and enjoy the financial savings it supplies from the start. You can then broaden this system with time as your budget and requires dictate until you have entirely eliminated your monthly electricity bill with your home solar power system.

Solar Kangaroo is one of the Best Solar Company in Australia. We offer 6.6 KW solar panel system, solar Inverter, solar rooftop battery system and low cost solar equipment like Q cells, Fronius Solar Inverter, Jinko Solar in Australia. Visit us to get more information!

[solarkangaroo11-blog]

Solar Kangaroo

Category : Solar Supplies

Address : 3 cobblestone Green, Caroline Springs, Victoria 3023, Australia

Website : http://www.solarkangaroo.com.au

Phone : +61-3 9015-4748 Email : alex@solarkangaroo.com.au

Description : One-stop-shop for all your solar buying needs. We connect you to the best solar Quotes in Australia. Now get competitive quotes from different companies and choose the best option for yourself. Get authentic reviews from fellow users on their installation experience. 100% technology-driven aggregator platform. No manual intervention and hence tamper-proof.

Latest Technology We provide you the latest and best solutions. We aim to provide you the latest possible technology for solar power system without compromising the quality.

Cost Effective We are focused on providing the most cost effective solar solutions to customers ranging from small business to the largest commercial and industrial companies, as well as government organisations, across Australia.

Open hours : 9 am - 9 pm/ 7 Days

Keywords : Solar panels battery for rooftop, solar equipment seller,  rooftop solar power plant in Victoria, 6.6 kw rooftop solar

[argumate]

Figures from the Australian Energy Regulator, released on Monday, shed light on the impact of the clean energy transition sweeping the country’s main power grid and the existential challenges engulfing fossil-fuel generators.

Coal generation for the quarter dropped by 800MW, accounting for just 15,000MW: its lowest proportion since the formation of the National Electricity Market in the late 1990s.

During the past March quarter, usually the most energy-intensive period, the development of large wind and solar farms, greater output from rooftop solar panels and milder-than-usual weather slashed prices across the National Electricity Market. The Victorian wholesale price fell the most sharply, to $27 a megawatt-hour from more than $100 the same time last year.

“In summer, and particularly the first quarter, wholesale electricity prices are usually higher with hot weather prompting more use of air conditioners, and higher demand for electricity pushing up prices,” Australian Energy Regulator chair Claire Savage said. “But the first quarter this year was different.”

Rock-bottom wholesale electricity prices – which Ms Savage described as “good news for consumers” because they would eventually translate to lower bills – have been piling enormous pressure on coal-fired generators, which supply the bulk of the country’s power but are now running at a loss and are unable to compete with cheaper renewables during the day.

In March, EnergyAustralia announced it would shut Victoria’s Yallourn brown coal-fired power plant in 2028, four years earlier than planned. AGL, the nation’s top power company, is planning to de-merge its huge coal and gas-fired power stations from its wider retailing business after sinking to a $2.3 billion half-year loss.

[cymsolar]

Buying Solar South Australia | cym-solar.com.au

Buying Solar South Australia - Buying a solar power system in South Australia can help you to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the environment. Buying solar power systems can also help you to get a better return on your investment. This is because solar panels don't have a fixed lifetime. Instead, solar panels can be purchased and installed for many years. It is important to choose a solar company that has experience in installing solar panels.

Commercial solar system owners can expect between 3.5 and 4.5 hours of "peak sunlight" daily

Purchasing a solar energy system can improve the value of your home, reduce your utility bill, and improve your lifestyle. The cost of installing a solar photovoltaic system varies depending on size, and most homes need between 1 and 5 kilowatts.

One of the cheapest ways to buy solar energy is by signing up for a government sponsored rebate. Another option is to install solar panels on your roof. These panels can be visible from the ground, and require minimal space for a power bank. The main components of a solar system are the panels and the inverter.

Solar panel technology has come a long way in recent years, and costs are dropping rapidly. One of the more cost effective solar energy systems, the 6 kW system, costs around $20,000. For a business, installing solar panels on the roof can be a cost saving measure. Larger commercial solar installations can reduce the need to purchase power from the grid, thereby saving money on the electric bill.

In the United States, the average peak sun hours are 3 to 5 hours. This number increases closer to the equator. It is interesting that a commercial solar system can produce more than enough energy to meet the needs of a single family home.

AEMO's order to cut off as much rooftop solar as possible

AEMO's order to cut off as much rooftop solar as possible has had a negative impact on solar in South Australia. The state has seen days with incredibly low demand. However, the problem can be minimised by increasing the capacity of storage in the grid.

A significant amount of rooftop solar PV is being installed in South Australia. One of the key attributes of the system is that it is able to provide reliability when paired with battery storage. Batteries will become more affordable and become more available for household use. However, the AEMO has called for urgent investment in more transmission lines to support the state's ambitions of reaching 100 per cent renewables.

In late October, rooftop solar in South Australia hit the local demand mark, generating enough power to fill the gap left by the Heywood interconnector, which links the state with Victoria. The solar arrays met the local demand for five straight hours on a sunny Saturday.

There are a number of projects in the works, and five key projects are awaiting regulatory approval. These include the VNI West, the HumeLink, the New England REZ Transmission Link, the Marius Link, and the NERO. They all require regulatory approval and are likely to be threatened by supply chain disruptions.

Elon Musk's plans to build the world's largest virtual power plant in SA

Earlier this month, Tesla and the South Australian Government announced plans to build a world-leading virtual power plant (VPP) in South Australia. The project will be built over the next four years and will be installed on at least 50,000 homes. The project is expected to lower energy bills by up to 30%.

The project will draw on a network of home battery systems, with each home able to store excess electricity, which can be drawn on in an emergency. The plan will be financed through the sale of electricity produced by panels and the sale of excess electricity.

The plan was modeled by Frontier Economics, which said that the program would cut energy bills by up to 30%. The South Australian government also plans to help finance the program by offering a $2 million grant.

Tesla already has a battery system in South Australia, but plans to expand its deployment. The company will install Powerwall batteries on up to 50,000 homes, with the aim of providing backup power in power outages.

In the first phase of the project, best solar company Adelaide will install 5 kilowatt-hour (kWh) solar panels on 1,100 public housing properties. In 2018, 600 homes will receive Powerwall batteries. The full program could be rolled out to 49,000 additional properties later this year.

[melbournenewsvine]

Technology the key to customers getting behind net zero: AEMC

“But many of those enormous changes will be made in very small ways by non-experts in homes, small businesses, and on the road. “In the same way apps changed our attitude to mobile phones, the electrification of everything will change our household attitude to energy.“ Ms Collyer will say smart meters will empower customers to monitor and control their energy use and shop around for better retail offers. ”In the same way that my teenagers conduct their social lives through a myriad of apps and are connected to their school, work and friends in ways I couldn’t have imagined, we will see a generational shift in how people naturally engage with energy at home, in business, and on the road,” she will say. But the AEMC chairwoman concedes regulators needed to do a better job selling the merits of using smart meters, with recent research showing 30 per cent of people with smart meters didn’t even know they had them. Ms Collyer, who is also chairwoman of the Energy Security Board which is helping with the post-2025 design of the National Electricity Market – will say equity remains a major concern for energy regulators. Earlier this month the Australian Energy Regulator released a report warning that lower socio-economic groups could bear the brunt of the costs of the energy transition. “The cost of solar panels, let alone household batteries and EVs, is out of the question for many people,” Ms Collyer will say. “As a renter, your access to solar power is dictated by the will of your landlord. There can be technical or legal difficulties installing EV chargers in apartment buildings that don’t affect freestanding homes. “And it can still be a barrier to getting solar panels if you live somewhere with a lot of big trees. Three million rooftop generators is a lot – but it’s not everyone. We have to make plans that don’t build an even bigger energy division based on wealth and location.” Transgrid chief executive Brett Redman said Australia needed to get a move on rolling out its energy projects. Jeremy Piper It comes as Transgrid chief executive Brett Redman told the summit on Monday time was running out to build the transmission assets to support the 44 gigawatts of renewable energy which is expected to be connected to the grid by 2030. “To achieve that 2030 target, we need to make the grid fit for renewables as quickly as possible,” Mr Redman said. “That means we must put our foot on the accelerator and go faster than we’d ever thought possible. We must build grid scale wind and solar renewables from 16 gigawatts now to 44 gigawatts in 2030. Storage capacity in the form of batteries pumped hydro and virtual power plants need to increase from two gigawatts now to 15 gigawatts by 2030.” Mr Redman, the former chief executive of AGL Energy, said future transmission assets may need to be integrated to deliver efficiencies and save money in the roll-out. “We are at the point now where we must accelerate because two years too early is better than two years too late,” he said. “Current global supply chain pressures are not forecast to ease any time soon. Economies of scale at this scale are rarely afforded an infrastructure delivery of this critical and cannot and must not be delayed.” Mr Redman said he was encouraged by some state energy ministers, such as Victoria’s Lily D’Ambrosio, taking some ownership of social licence for new transmission projects, saying it can’t all be on the company. Compensation also helps win over landowners. “These big transmission projects benefit the many, but they really do impact the few so whatever we can do, to ease the way for the few. Don’t get me wrong, I know that money won’t solve it for everybody, but it can help.” Source link Originally published at Melbourne News Vine

[endeavoursolar]

Solar Energy Victoria - Incentives For Residents and Businesses to Convert to Solar Energy

Solar Energy Victoria has many incentives for residents and businesses to convert to solar energy. In addition to a generous $3,500 rebate, eligible businesses can apply for an interest-free loan of up to $5,000 to install solar panels. A new program called Solar Homes also brings a virtual power plant right to your doorstep. These incentives are designed to encourage the installation of solar panels and help reduce energy bills.

Feed-in Tariffs

Feed-in tariffs for solar energy in Victoria have recently been implemented. All electricity retailers with 5,000 or more customers must offer a minimum solar feed-in tariff. This rate can be a flat rate or a time-varying rate. The former is the most popular and the minimum rate is 6.7 cents per kilowatt hour. Some retailers offer higher rates and buy back options to solar customers.

The Essential Services Commission, an independent energy regulator, will determine the fair value of solar generation. They will consider avoided distribution losses, environmental value, and other factors to determine the minimum FiT rate for solar energy. They will also set a time-varying minimum FiT for excess solar electricity fed back into the grid.

Residential Rebates

Residential solar rebates in Victoria are a great way to reduce the cost of installing solar panels in your home. The Clean Energy Council has recently approved a new program that will provide rebates directly to homeowners. This program is designed to encourage people to make the switch to solar energy for their homes and businesses. To qualify, you must meet a certain criteria and have an approved solar PV system installed.

Eligibility for the rebate program is relatively easy. First, you must be an owner-occupier of the property where the solar installation will take place. In addition, you must have an income of less than $180,000 per year. The value of your existing home must not exceed $3 million. If you are eligible, you'll likely be able to receive a 50% rebate on your installation. You may also be able to get 50% off solar battery storage. The rebate amount will vary depending on the system you install.

Small Business Rebates

If you are planning to install solar panels in your business, you may qualify for a small business rebate from the Victorian Government. The program is called the Solar for Business program and it helps SMEs with solar installations by providing an interest-free loan of $1000 to $5000 for a solar system. This loan can be repaid over a period of twelve to twenty-four months, or in a lump sum.

The rebate program is aimed at small businesses, and will help them offset their energy costs and get off grid. This program offers small businesses in Victoria a way to reduce their energy costs and focus on growing their business. The rebate can help a business save up to $3,500 and is available for rooftop solar systems.

Impact on Energy Bills

If you're not yet using solar energy, you're missing out on a great opportunity to save money on your energy bills. By installing solar panels in your home, you'll be able to produce enough energy to cover most of your household's needs, and the costs are predictable and manageable. Many homeowners will save up to 90% of their energy costs. After installing a solar panel system, you'll likely see a significant reduction in your electric bill each month.

You can cut your energy costs in many ways, including turning off lights when not in use, taking shorter showers, and draught-proofing your home. You can even get solar panels cleaned regularly with cleaning kits or by hiring a cleaning service.

Cost of Solar Panels

In Victoria, there are many rebates available to homeowners who install a solar panel system. Through the government's Solar Homes Program, eligible households can receive up to $1,400 in rebates on their solar panels and solar hot water system. These rebates are released each month, and eligible homeowners can apply for an interest-free loan to pay back the rebate in full over a period of four years. The amount of the loan will depend on the type of system and whether the homeowner qualifies for a rebate. To qualify, Victorians must contact an authorised solar retail provider, who can provide an accurate quote. Eligible products include panels, batteries, and solar hot water systems.

In Victoria, the minimum feed-in tariff is 5.2c/kWh. However, time-varying rates are higher. In Victoria, the electricity market is highly competitive, so many retailers will offer more than minimum feed-in tariffs. It's therefore a good idea to shop around to find the best feed-in tariff for your circumstances. In addition to comparing feed-in tariffs, consumers should also consider electricity usage rates and contract terms.

Endeavour Solar is committed to provide quality solar system installations, every time. We aim to provide the pre-sale and after-sale support that gives you confidence in your decision to install a solar system.

[architectnews]

Finding Infinity develops $100 billion zero-carbon strategy for Melbourne "that would pay for itself in less than 10 years"

Eco research lab Finding Infinity has been working with architects, investors, developers and councils on a concept to transform Melbourne into a zero-carbon city by 2030, and has unveiled 15 prototypes that could make the plans a reality.

Melbourne-based Finding Infinity has spent the past two years developing A New Normal, a 10-point strategy for the Australian city to become completely self-sufficient in terms of energy, food and water, and to also be zero-waste.

A New Normal is a 10-point strategy for Melbourne to become zero-carbon by 2030

According to studio principal Ross Harding, the plans would not only improve the city's environmental credentials, but also make it more profitable. He claims a switch to clean energy, water reuse and a circular economy would provide over 80,000 jobs.

"It's a $100 billion transformation of the city that would pay for itself in less than 10 years," Harding told Dezeen.

"We're talking about integrating the physical infrastructure that makes the city work with the cultural infrastructure that enables us all to thrive."

Fifteen concepts to make the strategy reality have been unveiled during Melbourne Design Week

For Melbourne Design Week 2021, running from 26 March to 5 April, Finding Infinity has teamed up with some of Melbourne's leading architects to show how the city's physical environment could change as a result.

The designs – which include a sewage treatment plant that doubles as a nightclub, and community hubs in converted multi-storey car parks– explore how sustainable technologies could make the city a more healthy and enjoyable place to live.

Prototypes on show include Ha's proposal to create solar agriculture in Latrobe Valley

Prototypes and pilot versions of these proposals are on show in an exhibition within a former office building at 130 Collins Street. A series of talks have also been talking place in the space, which have been live-streamed to a digital audience.

"We wanted to try and find a way to unlock this strategy," explained Harding.

"A report is something that the world won't really connect with," he continued. "If you want to make radical change really happen, the theory is that you have to make it easy for people to connect with. You have to make it engaging, by connecting it with culture."

John Wardle Architects plans to use solar panels to transform unused rooftops

One of the proposals, developed by John Wardle Architects, looks at activating Melbourne's unused rooftops.

It suggests that, by installing canopies made out of solar-energy-harnessing photovoltaics, these spaces could be used for co-working, community gardening, learning or events. At the same time, they could help to power the city.

"Melbourne has only implemented one per cent of its total solar energy potential. We worked out that, if you put solar energy on every second rooftop, it would generate 40 per cent of the energy the city consumes," said Harding.

Grimshaw, Greenshoot and Greenaway Architects have designed an "electrified vehicle pit stop" where cars can be converted to electric

A team led by Grimshaw has designed "an electrified vehicle pit stop" where people can take their cars to be converted to electric, while Foolscap has looked at upgrading the rail network as a food and drink destination, to encourage people to use trains rather than air travel.

Wowowa suggests installing anaerobic digesters at sites including Fitzroy swimming pool, where it would convert food waste into biogas that would heat the pool and sauna. Similarly, 6 Degrees wants to use the waste generated by Queen Victoria Market to power a moonlight cinema.

Wowowa's proposal brings waste-to-energy technology to Fitzroy swimming pool

Hassell's proposal sees an existing multilevel car park in Little Collins Street become a battery bank, using vehicle-to-grid technology to optimise the use of battery power from electric vehicles. To demonstrate this, the entire exhibition has been powered using two second-hand Nissan Leaf batteries.

Other proposals include a museum that makes non-recyclable waste a spectacle of the past, existing buildings refurbished to meet Passivhaus standards, a social enterprise that teaches repair and reuse, and a hub of solar agriculture in Latrobe Valley.

They are all available to view in detail on the A New Normal website.

Hassell is showing how a car park can become a fuel bank, by powering the exhibition with two Nissan Leaf batteries

Both the strategy and the 15 design concepts were developed in response to consultation with councillors across the 31 municipalities of Greater Melbourne. The next step is to find investment to bring these projects to life.

"These 15 projects unlock $100 billion transformation," said Harding. "The main hook is that we're not just talking about these projects; we're trying to find $50 million by the end of the year to build them at full scale.

A nightclub double as a wastewater treatment facility in this design by Openwork

Harding believes that, following both the recent bushfires and the Covid-19 pandemic, people in Melbourne are more open than ever to the idea of systemic change.

He argues that the only barriers to making these concepts a reality are cultural and political, rather than financial or technological. So by proposing ideas that build on the existing culture of the city, he believes the ideas would be welcomed by citizens.

"Instead of around blaming the government for not doing enough, we can make it easy for them," he said. "We can transform the city to be completely self-sufficient and we can all profit from it."

A car park is transformed into a basketball court, co-working space and market in this design by Clare Cousins Architects

The exhibition title, A New Normal, is intended to reiterate this idea that a more eco-friendly city can be better for everyone.

"A New Normal is not about Covid," Harding added. "We need to create a new normal with a city that had no negative impact on the environment. That's normal."

A New Normal is on show from 26 March to 5 April 2021 as part of Melbourne Design Week. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

The post Finding Infinity develops $100 billion zero-carbon strategy for Melbourne "that would pay for itself in less than 10 years" appeared first on Dezeen.

[mrhenryharrell]

April 7 Green Energy News

Headline News:

“Green Building Would Add 30,000 Plants And Trees To Cityscape” • The Rainbow Tree Residential Tower is stunning green architecture designed to be built in the Philippine city of Cebu. Its architect claims that, once (if?) built, the 377-foot timber tower would bring more than 30,000 new plants, shrubs, and trees to the city skyline. [CleanTechnica]

Rainbow Tree Residential Tower (Vincent Callebaut Architectures)

“Coal Production Falls Again” • Coal production across Wyoming continued to tumble over the start of the new year, with first quarter output setting a two-decade low, data released by the US Energy Information Administration shows. Wyoming coal mines produced 54.6 million tons, a drop of 10.8 million tons from last year. [Laramie Boomerang]

“New Power Generation Quarterly: Annual Update For 2019” • Federal agencies track new power plant construction, but they have overlooked rooftop solar capacity. So, the ILSR publishes annual and quarterly reports that compile data from the Energy Information Administration and the Solar Energy Industries Association. [CleanTechnica]

“Australian Renewable Energy Jobs Surged To New Record Levels In 2018-19” • Renewable energy jobs figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics highlight the massive growth in Australian clean energy jobs in the last financial year. The sector set new records for the total number of full-time workers engaged in the industry. [RenewEconomy]

“Neoen, Mondo Plan Massive 600-MW Victoria Big Battery Near Geelong” • With its experience with the Hornsdale Power Reserve, French developer Neoen plans a bigger battery near Geelong, Victoria. Called the “Victoria big battery” will be up to four times the size of the original “Tesla big battery” in South Australia. [RenewEconomy]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

April 7 Green Energy News posted first on Green Energy Times

[islandtransformations]

Energy Sources

Rooftop solar: The key to achieving 175 GW potential by Sunil Rathi, WAAREE Energies, published by Energy World, 20h June, 2019.

"Solar energy has gained momentum and has proved to be one of the most sought after energy sources around the world. With the world adding more than 700 TWh of renewables every year coupled with the falling prices of solar module (specifically), the fact that solar energy/power shall witness an exponential growth cannot be ignored."

“Some of the direct advantages of installing a rooftop power plant in a region:

1.Reduction in transmission and distribution ... 2.Savings to distribution company (discom) ... 3.Increase in tail end voltage: .... 4.Long-term reliability of power supply: ...”

Source: 

Conclusion: "...with the market realising the potential of solar energy, it is time that the rooftop segment is scaled up."

ITO comment: Though a BC incentive exists, there is little evidence of residential or business rooftop solar installations in Victoria. 

[cooldavidkentposts]

The role of energy storage in decarbonising Australia’s energy mix

The switch to higher penetrations of renewable energy in Australia is well underway, with over 2 million solar rooftops and installation of large-scale renewables exceeding national targets.

At grid level, decarbonising our energy supply means moving away from centralised fossil fuel thermal generation. Integration of more large-scale renewable energy requires new market rules, building additional transmission infrastructure and providing incentives to encourage uptake of energy storage to support this change.

Historically, pumped hydro energy storage systems have provided storage to the main Australian energy markets. While no projects were developed in the past 30 years, there is a renewed interest in pumped hydro, including the innovative 250 MW Kidston pumped storage hydro project in Queensland, and the proposed projects in Tasmania, alongside development of an additional undersea interconnection. Projects at this level are constructed over long timespans and require significant investments and additional transmission infrastructure.

Australia also needs more nimble options, such as utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), able to be completed in time frames of months rather than years, and which can be sited alongside the growing number of solar or wind farms. BESS will play an important role in the energy transition as our ageing coal-fired power stations retire.

Over the past few years, Australia has become a global leader in the uptake of utility-scale BESS commencing with the build in South Australia’s 100 MW Tesla battery at the Hornsdale Power Reserve. This was followed in Victoria by Energy Australia/Ausnet’s 30 MW Fluence system in Ballarat and Edify’s 25 MW Tesla system in Gannawarra. While these battery systems received some financial support, the first non-subsidised utility-scale BESS system has now been developed, with more expected as the market starts to value the many services and capabilities of battery storage.

BESS is reducing use of gas peaker plants to support the grid, resulting in lower emissions and costs. BESS will play an increasingly important role in the energy transition as coal-fired power stations retire.

Distributed energy storage will help lower emissions while keeping energy costs down for businesses, farms and industry. Many sites already with installed solar will add battery storage over the next decade. Longer duration storage will be optimal for some applications, such as the VSUN vanadium redox flow battery soon to be installed on a Victorian apple farm alongside a solar array.

Australian home owners have already achieved cost savings from rooftop solar and the addition of battery storage not only increases self-consumption, but also leads to further decarbonising of the grid through participation in aggregated systems such as virtual power plants (VPPs). South Australia’s programs provide stored energy from large numbers of individual battery units when needed to support a grid with high percent of renewable energy.

Microgrids with energy storage are one of the most innovative ways of supplying energy; they can be grid-connected or standalone, enabling integration of renewable energy while providing local control and increased reliability. For remote microgrids, the main benefit of battery storage is to reduce the amount of diesel or gas generation, often with significant cost reductions.

Western Australia is among the global leaders in development of microgrids with battery storage for remote communities and mining operations, and is now looking to export Australian innovation in microgrid systems able to supply electricity for areas with limited or no grid services.

Urban grid-connected microgrids are also being implemented, such as the Monash University Clayton Campus installation, which includes one of Australia’s largest hybrid battery storage systems.

Energy storage, together with innovative energy management systems, is key to fast-tracking a lower emissions grid, enabling more distributed energy to be used and reducing consumption of gas and diesel in remote areas.

To find out more about the Australian Energy Storage Alliance (AESA), visit www.energystoragealliance.com.au.

*Mary Hendriks is the Industry Executive of the Australian Energy Storage Alliance (AESA), an industry-focused information hub and advocacy group for the energy storage sector.

Mary has over 10 years’ experience in various roles supporting the uptake of renewable energy, most recently in the energy storage sector. She also volunteers as committee member for the Sydney branch of the Australian Institute of Energy. Mary’s passion is for a well-managed transition to clean energy systems in Australia.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Olivier Le Moal

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/energy/article/the-role-of-energy-storage-in-decarbonising-australia-s-energy-mix-950939190

from WordPress https://davidkent.home.blog/2019/09/30/the-role-of-energy-storage-in-decarbonising-australias-energy-mix/

[inerginc]

It’s been hailed by many as the ‘Leatherman’ of the smart energy industry. Storage which can be used for peak demand management at utility level, or commercial and residential prosumers looking to operate more sustainably or go off-grid.

Australia has taken a leading role globally in the transition to smart, renewable energy, and given the abundance of sunshine, solar has seen near-record adoption, with over 1.8 million residential houses incorporating rooftop solar, representing approximately 36% of the country’s 8.2 million households.

This article was originally published in Smart Energy International 3-2019. Read the full digimag here or subscribe to receive a print copy here.

The utility and commercial-level adoption of solar and storage has also been impressive, with the latest September 2018 report from Australia’s Smart Energy Council (SEC) noting over 52,500 on-grid and off-grid energy storage systems installed in Australia at the end of 2016, and 20,000 energy storage systems planned for completion in 2017.

As at the end of 2018, 55 large-scale energy storage projects were identified, representing over 4GWh of storage. Of these, 19 had been completed, with another 36 at a financial close.

A high-growth forecast by the Australian Smart Energy Council (SEC) sees this number eclipsed – forecasting 450,000 energy storage systems in place by 2020, and this growth extending to employment. At present, according to the report, around 2,000 people are employed in the energy storage sector, with over 35,000 Australians predicted to work in the industry by 2020.

These are all positive numbers, but one finding by the SEC reveals the actual state-of-readiness in the region.

“The lack of accurate and complete data on the location, number, size and type of energy storage systems in Australia demonstrates the urgent need for an industry-led national energy storage systems database.”

The SEC wasn’t alone in that assessment. The country’s ‘peak national body’ representing transmission and distribution organisations,

Energy Networks Australia (ENA), called for clearer guidelines and a more consistent approach to grid connections of solar PV and  battery storage in the country. This led to ENA’s issuance of the ‘Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Grid Connection Guidelines Framework and Principles’, in an effort to standardise renewables installation on the grid.

ENA CEO Andrew Dillon said that as Australia adopts a more decentralised energy mix, consistency would be a key factor, noting that energy networks have, given the increased uptake of solar and other renewables, developed their own technical requirements and connection processes.

Dillon said: “This has led to inconsistencies between networks, which has been identified as a major concern by stakeholders in numerous industry reports including the CSIRO/Energy Network Australia Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap. These guidelines are being developed to establish uniformity around voltage, legal frameworks and technical standards to enable fair, easy and efficient grid connection.”

The CSIRO roadmap forecasts that savings from battery-based storage could save the country as much as AU$101 billion by 2050 and completely eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.

The framework is expected to be published in late-2019.

State-driven adoption is key to growth

Australia’s renewable energy target aspires to reach 33,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy in use by 2020. According to the SEC, state government policies and programmes are critically important to driving investment in energy storage. To date, the Australian Central Territories (ACT) of Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have been the leaders in the journey to storage.

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has been the most aggressive adopter to date, targeting a 100% transition to renewables by 2020. ACT has also taken the most aggressive stance in terms of energy storage funding, with a $25 million Next Generation Battery Storage scheme aiming to provide subsidised battery storage for 5,000 Canberra homes and businesses by 2020.

• New South Wales is making steps in the right direction, but at present no state policy exists to ensure that the region reaches its goal of aligning to Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) to ensure that at least 33,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.

• Victoria was the first region in the country to adopt smart metering, and is looking to stay ahead of the curve thanks to the construction of two large-scale battery storage plants: namely the Tesla 25 MW/50 MWh battery integrated with Edify Energy’s Gannawarra Solar Farm; and Fluence’s 30 MW/30 MWh system at Ballarat. The projects have received support from Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through a $25m grant from ARENA and a further $25m grant from the Victorian Government, and the state has set a goal of 20% renewables by 2020, and 40% by 2025.

• Queensland has offered no-interest loans and rebates to drive uptake of batterystorage technology and have commenced a 100MW reverse auction for energy storage as part of a 400MW renewables auction. Residential customers are also offered an AU$50 incentive for registering with the state’s database of distributed energy resources.

• South Australia has brought a 100MW/129MWh lithium-ion battery online and has proposed an AU$100 million programme to facilitate battery-storage in 40,000 homes. The state also has an AU$150 million Renewable Technology Fund, which has targeted renewable energy projects in the region.

• Tasmania is currently undertaking a feasibility study into pumped hydro storage, called the “Battery of the Nation, as well as a proposed AU$200,000 microgrid pilot project. States such as Western Australia, the Northern Territory and even New South Wales’ lack of formal policy for solar and storage are likely to leave them behind in terms of progress to renewables.

Challenges to meet

Australia currently has no formal policy or national standards in place to regulate storage adoption in the country. A draft standard was released by Standards Australia – ASNZS 5139 – but a significant number of industry and public submissions have gummed up any further progress.

There are encouraging signs however. Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel stated in a June 2018 report to national government, that the “financial equation is straightforward” for adding batteries to home solar systems and has said that it already makes financial sense for home PV system owners to combine them with energy storage systems.

As at 2017, noted Finkel, solar feed-in to the grid earned the average homeowner approximately AU$0.08 per kWh, while retail prices are around AU$0.30 per kWh. Storing the electricity generated and consuming it onsite instead therefore represents potentially major savings.

The Finkel Review (Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market, June 2017) made a significant contribution to the development of energy policy in Australia, and all the recommendations made, with the exception of a Clean Energy Target, have been accepted by the Australian Government.

Some argue that the 2017 report underestimated the role small-scale storage will play by 2020, but it states: “Battery storage is poised to be the next major consumer-driven deployment of energy technology. Upfront costs for solar photovoltaic systems with storage are currently high, with long payback periods for most consumers. Bloomberg expects the average payback period for residential consumers to fall below 10 years in the early 2020s, with around 100,000 battery storage systems to support rooftop solar photovoltaic generation predicted to be  installed by 2020.”

In relation to large-scale energy storage, the Finkel Review’s recommendation to require some new generators to have energy storage could significantly increase the number of large-scale energy storage projects up to and beyond 2020, although it may also drive up the cost of large-scale renewable energy projects, making them less viable.

Finkel has recommended better market designs to incentivise peak shifting of solar and other forms of generation, which could be easily achieved with battery energy storage.

The Australian Minister for Energy and the Environment, Josh Frydenberg, has hailed the success of the storage market claiming that Australia is a world leader for installed capacity of batteries, when grid-scale projects such as Tesla-Neoen’s 129MWh Hornsdale battery project in South Australia and other federally-funded projects are taken into account.

“We are now not only the world leader in the use of rooftop solar, but also the world leader in the installation of residential battery storage by power capacity. As more renewable energy – mainly in the form of solar and wind power – enters our electricity grid, the need for energy storage solutions grows,” Frydenberg said.

Standardisation aims at installers and inspiring consumer confidence

Germany is still considered by many to be the leader in annual sales of storage systems,as confirmed by a report from Delta-ee and the European Association of Storage of Energy (EASE), which found that as many as 37,000 home systems were installed in the country in 2017.

Both Australia and Germany are clearly the fastest movers in the market, one driven by wind, the other by abundant sunshine, but consumer confidence will be key to driving growth according to both SEPA and Finkel.

The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), which has worked with Finkel on his more recent reports, said back in November 2017 that “consumer confidence” is needed to capture the country’s big opportunity to use energy storage effectively and develop a sustainable industry.

Expert advisory and certification body DNV GL said it has been contracted to lead the creation of a new standard, the Australian Battery Performance Standard, intended to make residential and commercial consumers more comfortable with battery storage technology and help consumers make informed, empowered decision.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

[architectnews]

HK University of Science and Technology Student Residence

HK University of Science and Technology Student Residence Development, Modern Campus Building Images

University of Science and Technology Student Residence in Hong Kong

5 Jan 2021

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Student Residence

Design: Zaha Hadid Architects

Location: Hong Kong, China

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Leigh & Orange Limited (L&O) unveil the new design for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Student Residence (HKUST).

Established in 1991, HKUST has become a leading research institution consistently ranked amongst the best in Asia and around the globe. HKUST is also one of the world’s fastest growing universities. Over half of the university’s 16,000 students enrolled in the 2019-2020 academic year are from overseas, creating an urgent demand for new residential facilities within its Clear Water Bay campus.

Planned for completion in 2023, the university’s new halls of residence designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with Leigh & Orange will house over 1,500 students. Marrying advanced digital design technologies with sustainable construction practices and operational strategies for its 50-year life cycle, the design is guided by the university’s mission to harness technology and innovation to solve today’s critical global issues.

Located at the southeast of the HKUST campus, the new halls of residence are embedded within a steeply sloping site of approximately 25m of level difference. The building’s roof line has been designed as its primary circulation and incorporates shaded outdoor areas for students and staff to rest and gather together, helping to build a stronger cross-campus culture. This rooftop walkway creates a new connection between the academic blocks of the north campus and the primarily residential blocks of the south, eliminating the need for students and staff to circumnavigate the hilly terrain.

Digital design tools allowing simultaneous considerations of numerous site parameters including terrain levels, solar radiation, sightlines and soil conditions have defined the design’s optimal configuration and orientation; while the digital encoding of its internal spaces enabled layout tests to optimize functionality and adaptability, as well as accurate calculation of natural light levels.

The halls of residence are organized in a hexagonal configuration creating four courtyards terraced into the steeply sloping site. With all rooms facing open spaces, the approximately 35,500 sq.m of accommodation includes communal areas for living, learning, recreation and leisure. The courtyards are designed to be quieter spaces for rest and relaxation, while the surrounding hillside will be replanted to prevent soil erosion with zones for exercise and social activities.

The residences are arranged in three differing ‘clusters’ that combine communal living spaces with a varying number of single or double occupancy bedrooms, enabling between 18 to 36 students to share one apartment as a single self-contained ‘household’ that encourages a sense of ownership and cohesion.

The ‘Y’ cluster apartments accommodate 27 students with study areas, relaxation lounge and kitchen, while the ‘V’ clusters house 36 students in a split level apartment with a double-height living space and stairs connecting the quieter study lounge on upper floor with the dining-kitchen area on lower level. The ‘Linear’ cluster of apartments house 18 students and include an open plan living area with kitchen that can be subdivided by partitions when required.

Privacy and spatial equality are the primary drivers for the bedroom designs, with storage and furniture configurations achieving maximum spatial efficacy. The bedrooms within all apartments are grouped together and separated from the communal spaces by an additional doorway to manage noise.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D simulations have optimized the design coordination and material selection, while construction strategies developed in parallel with the design development ensure the most efficient procurement and construction. Following Hong Kong Government’s initiatives to increase build quality while also reducing construction time and waste, the building’s modular systems include pre-assembled façade units and washroom pods that are quickly installed on-site.

Designed as a series of prefabricated modules, the façade units incorporate 70mm of thermal insulating layers and double glazed windows with a low shading co-efficient. Digital mapping evaluations of solar paths and heat gain have determined the geometries of the external solar shading fins positioned above the windows within the façade units. To ensure thermal comfort, the geometries of these shading fins vary in depth and length in response to solar exposure on each façade unit and the programmatic planning of the interior spaces.

Also determined by these digital mapping evaluations, different colours of ceramic tiles are applied to flat areas of each precast façade module that vary in shade dependent on the solar heat gain calculated for each unit, creating a continuous mural that visualizes the building’s micro-climate and thermal considerations.

The halls’ environmental systems are integrated within the university’s centralised network. Incorporating a central chiller plant using seawater-cooled central chilling in a district cooling system providing significant reductions in energy consumption, this centralized smart system can predict and offset daytime energy demand in the academic buildings with evening demand in the residential accommodation.

As an important circulation route for the campus, the halls’ roof includes substantial thermal and sound insulation while photovoltaic arrays installed on the roof’s inaccessible sections will harvest renewable energy in accordance with the university’s commitment to transforming its Clear Water Bay campus to carbon-neutral operations.

HK University of Science and Technology Student Residence, China – Building Information

Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)

Brief: On-campus accommodation for over 1500 students Client: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Area: Approx. 35,500 sq.m / 5-8 floors Location: Hong Kong, China Status: Under Construction

Project Team Lead Architect: Leigh & Orange (L&O) Design Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) AP: L&O Building Services Engineering: WSP [Asia] Structural & Geotechnical Engineering: WSP [Asia] Facade Engineering: WSP [Asia], Inhabit Landscaping: Earthasia Quantity Surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall Sustainability: L&O, WSP [Asia] Traffic consultant: MVA Asia Acoustic consultant: WSP [Asia]

Render by Visual Brick

Copyright © Zaha Hadid Architects.

Zaha Hadid Architects

HK University of Science and Technology Student Residence images / information from Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)

Location: Hong Kong, Eastern Asia

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[bargainsolar-blog]

Bargain solar have practical and diversified experience in rooftop solar panel installation in Victoria. Get to know about out 100kw solar system installed in Melbourne.

[iksathrob]

Melbourne’s suburban answer to an iconic ancient Incan site has passed in after failing to generate a live bid during its online auction. Dubbed the owners’ own “Machu Picchu”, the award-winning home at 8 Olivette Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully, generated four vendor bids, passing in at $2.25m. The property remains on the market with an asking price of $2.3-$2.5m. RELATED: Melbourne Machu Picchu house: Upper Ferntree Gully pad iconic Templestowe tempter a private resort among the gum trees Biggest drop in Melbourne rental prices on record: ABS The Upper Ferntree Gully home was designed with sustainability in mind. The property has an asking price of $2.3-$2.5m. The mostly native rooftop garden provides natural insulation and glorious views. Best practice in sustainability is evident throughout the home, which won the most sustainable house gong at the 2013 Master Builder’s Excellence in Housing Awards. A rooftop garden of indigenous plants and grasses provides thermal insulation. The property passed in on a vendor bid. A vertical garden inside the home. Space for 1000 wine bottles. The house also features passive-solar-design best practices, including an internal thermal mass wall that regulates temperature. Vendor Anton Englemeyer said the rock work on display in the home was upcycled from ground works carried out on the site by the previous owner. Not a bad spot for a morning coffee, or a New Year’s celebration. The house won a sustainability gong in 2013. The open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, alongside the granite thermal mass wall. Also going under the hammer on Thursday night was 29 McClelland Drive, Mill Park. The updated three-bedroom house sold for $710,000, stretching $45,000 past the reserve price. Philip Webb chief executive Anthony Webb said the home was in the “sweet spot” of appealing to first-home buyers, downsizers and people upsizing from apartment living. No. 29 McClelland Drive, Mill Park sold for $710,000. “It’s those sorts of properties that seem to be at a really strong point in the market,” Mr Webb said. His agency also sold 1/3 McGhee Avenue, Mitcham under the hammer for $685,500. A $12 bidding increment helped get the ball rolling again after the property almost sold for $683,888 at the lengthy auction, eventually netting a $55,500 premium for the vendors. The auction of 1/3 McGhee Avenue, Mitcham featured a $12 bidding increment. Mr Webb said his agency was happy to hold weeknight auctions in “a little bit of clear air”. “It’s great for our vendors because we have our auctions in isolation,” he said. “Most people are working from home at the moment, they can really get it set up.” A marathon auction at 21 Canara St, Doncaster East had 51 bids placed before the property ultimately sold for $1.125m. The three-bedroom house had a quoted asking price of $1-$1.1m. Ray White Victoria chief auctioneer Matt Condon said the result came down to $100 increments at the end of the auction. READ MORE: Brunswick Victorian house becomes modern masterpiece Footscray cottage blends industrial style with Victorian charm Cambridge Street, Armadale: Heritage house up for grabs jack.boronovskis@news.com.au @jackboronovskis The post Melbourne’s ‘Machu Picchu’ yet to sell as other reserves smashed appeared first on realestate.com.au. from news – realestate.com.au https://ift.tt/2PanZwn

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