Industry News
Cuts to SAAA payments hurting small business, says MEA
Changes to the Federal Government’s Support for Adult Australian Apprentices (SAAA) payments are hurting small businesses, Master Electricians Australia has said. [ + ]
International Standard for solar LED lanterns released
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has released a new technical specification for solar-powered, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting devices, such as solar lanterns. [ + ]
Visionstream secures NZ$500 million contract for Ultra Fast Broadband
Visionstream, part of Leighton Contractors, has announced a contract extension with Chorus worth over NZ$500 million to continue construction of New Zealand’s Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) network in the greater Auckland region. [ + ]
Energy audits standard open for public comment
The AS/NZS 3598:2000 Energy Audits Standard is open for public comment. Energy audits and surveys are investigations of energy use for a defined audit object, such as a manufacturing site. [ + ]
Prysmian wins €85m HVAC order
The Prysmian Group, a supplier of energy and telecom cable systems, has been awarded a new contract worth approximately €85 million by REE (Red Eléctrica de España, S.A.U.). The project involves the design, supply and installation of a turnkey high voltage alternating current (HVAC) cable system. [ + ]
Device to mitigate blackouts, prevent equipment damage
Engineering researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a device that regulates or limits the amount of excess current that moves through the power grid when a surge occurs. [ + ]
Solar PV module revenues expected to drop to $20.5bn
Solar photovoltaic (PV) industry module revenues are forecast to decline 20% in 2013 to $20.5 billion from $25.5 billion in 2012. [ + ]
ABB to buy solar inverter company Power-One
ABB, the global power and automation technology group, and Power-One, a provider of renewable energy and of energy-efficient power conversion and power management solutions, have agreed to a transaction in which ABB will acquire Power-One for $6.35 per share in cash or $1028 million equity value. [ + ]
MEA calls for qualified energy auditors in Queensland
Stephen King, MEA Queensland state manager, called on the government to endorse energy efficiency and assessment qualification as a prerequisite for performing in-home energy audits in the state. [ + ]
Cooling structure could reduce global air-conditioning dependence
Stanford researchers have developed a new form of cooling structure which works even when the sun is shining. The structure could reduce our reliance on air conditioners in homes and cars, the researchers say. [ + ]
AIRAH announces roadmap for low-emissions HVAC/R
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration Airconditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Industry Summit 2013 held recently in Melbourne brought together more than 30 key stakeholders to discuss the way forward to a low-emissions HVAC/R industry. [ + ]
Cable worker’s death sparks safety alert
The death of a Cairns worker who was electrocuted while installing cabling has prompted a warning from the Queensland Electrical Safety Office about working in confined ceiling spaces. [ + ]
Queensland seeks input on electrical safety laws
The Queensland Government is seeking business and community views on proposed changes to electrical safety laws that it says would reduce costs to business. [ + ]
Standards Australia releases new electricity network safety standard
Standards Australia has announced the publication of a new Australian Standard for electricity network safety management systems. [ + ]
Melbourne to host lighting summit
The Australian Smart Lighting Summit will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 5 and 6 August 2013. [ + ]
