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. [ + ]

Telstra Business has taken the step of sending warnings out to its business customers following an increase in cases where hackers have gained unauthorised access to business phone systems. [ + ]

Endeavour Energy plans to outsource electricity connection and disconnection field officer positions, according to the United Services Union (USU). The Union group claims this will put scores of jobs at risk and affect supply reliability for NSW residents. [ + ]

Portable measuring instruments manufacturer Testo has launched an online shop, testoAUS, to make searching for measuring equipment easier. [ + ]

Independent energy management company, Energy Action, said that energy retailers are likely to process a carbon adjustment to clients’ bills by either increasing contract energy rates or introducing a new line item to bills. Most existing retail electricity contracts do not charge for carbon, but do contain clauses allowing for adjusted prices in response to the carbon tax. [ + ]