Industry News
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
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. [ + ]
Thiess wins $125m electrical contract
Thiess, part of the Leighton Holdings group, has been awarded a new contract by Western Power to work with the energy provider to upgrade and maintain its electrical distribution network throughout metropolitan Perth, as well as the south-west and mid north-west regions of Western Australia. [ + ]
Safety alert for installers of PV systems
The Queensland Electrical Safety Office has issued a safety alert to highlight the risks associated with direct current (DC) isolators used in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. When terminating electrical conductors into isolators and circuit breakers, it is paramount that connections are secure under the terminal clamp especially where DC is involved. [ + ]
Solar 2013 Conference
The Australian Solar Council, together with international partner Australian PV Solar Energy Exhibition (AUPVSEE), will present the annual Solar Conference & Exhibition at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 23 to 24 May 2013. [ + ]
Declining Victorian home approvals hurt small contractors
Master Electricians Australia has urged the state government to reinstate first home owner bonus grants as falling new home approval rates hurt smaller contractors within the construction and electrical industry in Victoria. [ + ]
Meyertech and Comnet forge partnership
Meyertech and Comnet have joined forces to deliver a complete CCTV control room network infrastructure and video management solution. [ + ]