MPower Solar Systems has won the $50,000 first prize for developing a low-cost energy generation management unit which can be fitted to most renewable energy inverters. [ + ]

OzRoll Industries has officially launched its 100 kW commercial solar system and demonstration site, which was developed in partnership with Schneider Electric. [ + ]

The Global Lighting Association (GLA) has announced a partnership with the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA) in order to coordinate knowledge and action in the field of global lighting. [ + ]

The University of Queensland has officially opened the Global Change Institute, a $32 million building which will operate as a zero-energy and zero-carbon workplace. [ + ]

Lighting control company Organic Response is among the eight finalists for the Australian Cleantech Competition 2013. Organic Response's revolutionary lighting control system uses ‘distributed intelligence’ to deliver maximum energy savings with optimal occupancy comfort. [ + ]

KNX Association is accepting applications for the KNX Award 2014. The awards will be granted during the light+building fair on 1 April 2014 in Frankfurt. [ + ]

CiSRA, the Australian research and development centre for Canon, has appointed Keiji Ishizuka as the new managing director. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a new LED driver that powers LED light bulbs with an innovative approach called multilevel PWM (pulse-width modulation). [ + ]

A Brisbane electrical apprentice has taken out the National Apprentice of the Year Award. Dalton Pike from Tradesmen on Time, an Accredited Master Electrician, was presented the award at a presentation hosted by Master Electricians Australia. [ + ]

Schneider Electric has licensed Australian-owned and operated Mayfield Industries to locally manufacture Schneider's Okken low-voltage switchboards, for distribution to mining, water, and oil and gas sites across Australia. [ + ]

Wes McKnight, president of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), has announced that James Tinslay, NECA's national CEO, will be stepping down at the end of the year. [ + ]

Fluke Industrial President Wes Pringle has been named as President of Fluke Corporation and will now be responsible for all Fluke global businesses. The company has also expanded the responsibilities of Jimmy Hwong, President, Asia Pacific. [ + ]

While training organisations have welcomed the Coalition's proposed apprentice loan scheme, others have been less pleased with the proposal, saying it is not the answer to low apprenticeship completion rates. [ + ]

North Queensland’s top electricians were acknowledged at MEA’s North Queensland Excellence Awards. Fourteen awards were presented to businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding industry achievements. [ + ]

Toyota Motorsport GmbH, the engineering services supplier pioneering motorsport-related electrical vehicle (EV) technology, has received a customised electric vehicle EVlink DC quick-charging station from Schneider Electric. [ + ]