Clean Energy Council blasts Coalition plans to underwrite coal-fired power generation
The Morrison Government’s plans to underwrite coal-fired power generation will undermine Australia’s clean energy boom and increase harmful emissions. That’s the verdict of Australia’s Clean Energy Council (CEC). The professional body for the renewables industry has attacked the new federal program for appearing to favour “high cost and high emissions” power like coal over clean […]
Deakin University breaks ground on Geelong solar-powered microgrid project
Deakin University has broken ground on a $30 million solar-powered microgrid at its Waurn Ponds Campus in Geelong, Victoria. Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander last week joined officials from project partner AusNet Services to turn the ceremonial first sod on the project. As we reported in 2017, the 7.25 MW microgrid will include a solar farm, […]
Pro-coal MP Craig Kelly blames renewables for Victorian power outages
Coalition MP Craig Kelly is blaming wind and solar energy for Victorian power outages last month – despite the fact it was coal-fired plants which failed. Kelly told 2GB radio presenter Alan Jones that renewables are responsible for Australia’s rising power prices and grid problems, including power outages. He said it was therefore “dangerous stupidity” to […]
Households could save hundreds of dollars a year with a regulated electricity price
The Federal Government’s regulated electricity price plan could cut annual power bills by up to $440. A joint report by the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and the Brotherhood of St Laurence shows a default power price could cut electricity bills in New South Wales and Victoria by around a third. In addition, the […]
Federal program to build new electricity sources: 66 applications, but no wind or solar
The Federal Government has received 66 applications for its new energy underwriting program. However, none of the applications were for wind or solar power. Flagged in December last year, the Underwriting New Generation Investments program aims to encourage more competition in the energy market and bring electricity prices down. It will do this by underwriting […]
Senate Committee calls for national electric vehicle strategy
A Senate Committee report has called for a national electric vehicle strategy to boost the number of EVs on Australian roads. In a sweeping report, the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles makes 17 recommendations to increase EV uptake in Australia. The committee’s report says Australia risks falling behind other nations because of a failure by […]
Australia will need to do more to meet emissions targets: OECD report
While PM Scott Morrison believes Australia will meet its emissions targets “at a canter”, the latest international assessment begs to differ. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) just published its third Environmental Performance Report of Australia. The OECD found Australia has one of the highest rates of non-renewable energy use among its 36 […]
Queenslanders cut back essentials to pay costly summer power bills: iSelect
Many Queensland households are cutting back on essentials like groceries to help them cover their upcoming summer power bills. That’s the finding of YouGov Galaxy research commissioned by price comparison site iSelect. It reveals 1.1 million Queenslanders struggling to pay energy bills. This means 63 per cent of Queenslanders are making cutbacks ahead of the […]
AGL chief says Federal Government ‘big stick’ approach to energy market is ‘draconian’
Energy giant AGL says the Morrison Government’s proposed big stick energy regulations will damage Australia’s energy market. In a submission to government, AGL says the ‘Treasury Laws Amendment (Prohibiting Energy Market Misconduct) Bill 2018’, currently before the House of Representatives, will make the electricity grid less reliable. It referred to the proposed penalties as “extreme and […]
Bill Shorten renewable energy plan: Labor pledges community power hub for Tathra NSW
The Bill Shorten renewable energy plan includes a pledge to establish a community power hub in the NSW seaside town of Tathra if he becomes Australia’s next Prime Minister, the Bega District News reports. If it goes ahead, the program will be Australia’s first community-owned power hub. The exact location of the Tathra hub is yet […]
