Private investment in India’s clean energy sector increased by 54% to US$10.2 billion in 2011, a recent Pew Report showed. [ + ]

The Clean Energy Council has a new Chief Executive Officer. David Green comes to the position after more than two decades of working on clean energy policy in the UK. [ + ]

Sydney Water has announced an intention to look to the market to provide mechanical and electrical services. Around 135 positions within the mechanical and electrical group would be affected by the proposed changes, with staff offered a range of options in line with negotiated agreements. [ + ]

In a solar-powered State of Origin, New South Wales has beaten Queensland for the title of Australia’s solar state, according to the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator. Queensland finished close behind NSW, with 158,000 households having solar power systems installed by the end of 2011, compared with 163,000 in NSW. [ + ]

A new energy storage system could enable businesses and consumers to store energy generated through their solar systems. South Australian company ZEN Energy Systems announced its ZEN Freedom Power Bank at the International Cleantech Forum in San Francisco, claiming that it has the potential to change the way electricity is utilised. [ + ]

The decision to cut funding subsidies for electrical apprentices has been criticised by the National Electrical Skills Council, EE-Oz Training Standards. [ + ]

The government has announced measures to allow workers from the US in licensed occupations, such as electricians and plumbers, to be granted immediate access to provisional Australian licences on arrival. More broadly, the skills assessment process will assure Australian employers how the skills of US workers align with their needs. [ + ]

The Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) and the China Renewable Energy Society have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a solar alliance between Australia and China. The alliance will encourage cooperation between the two countries in the development and deployment of solar energy. [ + ]

TR has sold its TR Minecom underground communications division to US electronics manufacturer Pyott-Boone Electronics for an undisclosed sum. [ + ]

The City of Sydney council has commenced a $7 million project to install energy-efficient LED street and park lights in the city centre. GE and UGL Limited were selected by tender to install the lights, beginning in front of Sydney Town Hall. [ + ]

Avnet Electronics Marketing has appointed a new regional president for Taiwan. Prince Yun is currently the vice president of Avnet for Taiwan and will step up into the position of president on 1 April. [ + ]

More than 3.5 million homes, schools, hospitals and businesses will have access to National Broadband Network fibre services in the next three years, NBN Co has announced. [ + ]

After 25 years in Blackburn, Rockwell Automation has relocated to Bayswater. The company's new South Pacific headquarters are located on Mountain Highway in Bayswater. [ + ]

Tasmania’s politicians have welcomed news that up to 800 new jobs will be created during the final construction stage of the National Broadband Network in Tasmania. The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) has forecast that a workforce of up to 800 will be required at the peak of construction in 2015. [ + ]

Our engineering skills shortage needs urgent attention, Engineers Australia told the Senate Inquiry into the Shortage of Engineering and Related Employment Skills. [ + ]