The iCat application from Clipsal by Schneider Electric has won the Business and eCommerce category of the South Australian Interactive Media Excellence Awards (SAimX). [ + ]

A collaboration between Chinese and US chemists has found a simple and cheap way to increase solar cell efficiency by modifying the molecular structure of a polymer commonly used in solar cells. [ + ]

The Committee Draft for Vote (CDV) of IEC 60969 Ed 2, Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps for general lighting services - Performance requirements (34/1701/CDV) was published on 1 November 2013 and is scheduled to close on 7 February 2014, according to a statement issued by lites.asia. [ + ]

Private security company Prosegur has acquired Chubb Security Services in Australia, a company specialising in the cash logistics and ATMs' operation and servicing sector. [ + ]

The move to streamline environmental project approvals has been welcomed by the energy industry. MOUs that give state governments the power to decide on projects assessed under Australia's main national environmental laws were signed at the COAG meeting. [ + ]

Energy Efficiency Council members are shocked by the surprise funding cuts to the Energy Efficiency Opportunities program. [ + ]

A stand-alone power systems (SPS) accreditation course is being held in Moruya in late January 2014. Run by SolarQuip's Glen Morris, the course consists of five days' classroom-based theory then three days of off-grid practical training. [ + ]

COAG has announced that the National Occupational Licensing Scheme (NOLS) will be disbanded. The National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA) will be disestablished early in 2014. [ + ]

Significant effort is required to bring the National Broadband Network (NBN) project back onto a successful trajectory, the Communications Alliance says. [ + ]

The announcement of the Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program has been welcomed by Master Electricians Australia. The industry body says the Royal Commission is an opportunity to prevent similar deaths in the future. [ + ]

Kevin Stevens has won the NECA Trade Teacher of the Year Award 2013. Stevens, a training coordinator at NECA Skills Centre Victoria, was presented with the award at a ceremony in Sydney last week. [ + ]

Urban Group Energy (UGE) and Solar Juice have announced a strategic partnership that the companies say will benefit retail solar businesses throughout the country. [ + ]

Koch Industries has acquired global electronic components company Molex Incorporated for US$7.2 billion. [ + ]

Schneider Electric has partnered with Danish energy company Dong Energy to help electric network operators on isolated islands increase their share of renewable energy while maintaining grid reliability and stability. [ + ]

Researchers have found a way to create large sheets of nanotextured silicon micro-cell arrays that hold the promise of making solar cells lightweight, more efficient, bendable and easy to mass produce. [ + ]