Presented by Energy Matters team member Virginia, we take a look at some of the stories from Australia and around the world recently added to our renewable energy news section.
In this episode, Virginia covers changes to Victoria’s solar feed in tariff expected soon, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet seeking to axe more solar incentives, Western Australia’s struggle to reach its renewable energy target and wind power is threatening to propel the Earth out of its orbit.
In this episode:
– According to a bulletin from the Clean Energy Council, an announcement about Victoria’s feed in tariff and a transitional package is imminent. The feed in tariff program had a total capacity of 100 megawatts of solar power across the state. It’s assumed the cap has been reached and the program is expected to be phased out for new applications soon. Households currently signed up to the feed in tariff will continue to receive the 60cent rate until 2024. Read more.
– According to The Australian, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet will be seeking to axe some solar power incentive programs. Minister Combet will be looking at climate change schemes, possibly including feed in tariffs, to scrap once Australia’s carbon tax is implemented. With the prospect of solar power achieving grid parity with fossil fuel electricity on the horizon, its generally agreed the sector only needs a few more years of support before it can start on its own two feet. Read more.
– Less than a month after ending its feed in tariff, the Western Australian government has reportedly admitted the state may not hit its renewable energy target of 20% by 2020. The end of the scheme triggered a reduction in interest in solar power in the state, with many households unlikely aware of substantial savings on electricity bills to be had, even without a feed in tariff. Read more.
– In a tongue in cheek report by America’s Finest News Source, the Onion, Coal industry scientists say wind turbines could blow the Earth off its orbit.
Wind turbines could also accelerate the rotation of the earth, causing all life to be flung off. The scientists also revealed that solar panels are sucking all the energy from our Sun, threatening the planet with an ice age of catastrophic proportions. Read more.
