For any other Aussies that, like me, vaguely remember the plans for building this near Mildura but can't be bothered watching the video to find out why it didn't happen, the reason cited is a "complete lack of incentives".
Sad that something like this couldn't get a dime from the Australian government while the US "welcomed them with open arms" (and, presumably, truckloads of cash).
Not sure why I can't edit my post. Anyway - downvoted for asking for clarification on an unsupported assertion. HN at its most scientifically rigorous!
The trouble is no one's ever built anything like this yet, so it's still risky. That's part of why we need government incentives. Once we know it works the incentives won't be necessary, the market will be happy to finance more of them.
Sad that something like this couldn't get a dime from the Australian government while the US "welcomed them with open arms" (and, presumably, truckloads of cash).