The sparc-FMA International Lighting & Facilities Event (sparc-FMA) will be held over three days, from 30 May–1 June 2017, at the new International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour — in the very heart of Vivid Sydney. [ + ]

Genex Power has achieved financial close for phase one of the Kidston solar project in Queensland, Australia. The news means that First Solar will supply 63 MW DC of advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules to the project, which will produce approximately 145,000 MWh of electricity in its first year of operation. [ + ]

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) says operational failings of the energy system in parts of Australia will only be overcome by dismantling the National Electricity Market. National Secretary Allen Hicks said the national market is a complete failure, which has been highlighted by recent extreme weather across many regions. [ + ]

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is teaming up with software developer Drone Complier to deliver an app it hopes will reduce the risk of mid-air collision between drones and aircraft. [ + ]

CSIRO offshoot and energy storage company Ecoult has been awarded $4.1 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support further development and innovation necessary to transition to a renewables-based economy. [ + ]

More than 20 large renewable energy projects are either already under construction or will start this year, delivering an unprecedented program of works which will create almost 3000 direct jobs and generate more than $5 billion of investment, according to new analysis from the Clean Energy Council (CEC). [ + ]

Australian energy technology company Wattwatchers has achieved formal US and Canadian approval of its flagship Auditor 6M device. The company, which specialises in enabling over-the-internet meter and control solutions, worked with US test lab CETECOM to meet requirements for North American cellular operators. [ + ]

Master Builders Australia (MBA) is confident that 2017 is off to a good start in terms of business confidence. MBA National Manager – Housing Matthew Pollock said improved conditions in the December 2016 quarter combined with positive sentiment across both residential and commercial sectors have created sales and profitability increases and the highest employment intentions since 2014. [ + ]

Application-oriented research organisation Fraunhofer says it will revolutionise energy management with the development of a new, high-tech electric meter. [ + ]

The National Capital Authority (NCA) will upgrade lighting along Canberra's ANZAC Parade, a move it says will bring lights into the 21st century and reduce running costs. [ + ]

Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor has travelled to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to support delivery of the government's cities and digital agenda. [ + ]

Two mission-critical support initiatives will help Australia build smarter, more sustainable cities, says the body representing the smart cities movement in Australia. [ + ]

The renewable energy industry has welcomed comments from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull restating the federal government's commitment to the national Renewable Energy Target (RET), following calls by some backbenchers to scrap the policy. [ + ]

The BICSI South Pacific Conference dates have been announced for 2017, with the event moving to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from 26–27 September. The AFL fanatics among our readers will recognise that as Grand Final Week, so get ready to book tickets and kill two birds with one stone. [ + ]

The 5th annual Arc Flash Conference is being held in Melbourne from 8–9 March 2017. The event will focus on the latest developments and best practice for dealing with arc flash hazards and attendees will be given the opportunity to discuss issues directly with industry experts and to gain practical application knowledge. [ + ]