Labor pledges to lift Victorian renewable energy target to 50% by 2030

Victorian government ushers in big battery era with Gannawarra solar battery farm.

Labor has pledged to raise the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) to 50 per cent by 2030 if the Andrews Government wins the state election this month. The announcement will bolster the government’s green credentials ahead of the November 24 poll. Labor has already mandated a 25 per cent RET by 2020 and 40 per […]

7:30 Report on ABC investigates growing concern over high grid voltage

7:30 report logo

The ABC’s 7:30 Report last night investigated a growing concern that Australian homes are being fed electricity with unnecessarily high grid voltage. This can mean increasing power bills as appliances use the extra energy. The report pointed out that by regulation, Australian households should get electricity with a grid voltage between 216 and 253 volts. However, […]

EdgeIQ creator reveals how his voltage device cuts electricity bills by up to 10%

Edge Electrons EdgeIQ helps electricity grid stability

In this special Energy Matters article, we talk to Neal Stewart – co-founder of Edge Electrons, creator of the EdgeIQ voltage regulator – about a little-known fact about our electricity grid: that we are paying for more electricity than we actually need… While debate about the high cost of electricity is now a national obsession, […]

Australia on brink of $1.7 trillion battery storage boom: Bloomberg

Solar panels can meet growing electricity demand for air conditioners in emerging economies.

Australia could emerge as a battery world leader with battery storage prices set to fall more quickly than anticipated, prompting international demand. A global finance company says prices will fall by more than 50 per cent through to 2030. This would see our battery storage market grow into an $1.7 trillion industry. Storage systems costs […]

Clean energy financing body invests in technology to cut emissions

Clean Energy Finance Corp.

In a record investment year for green energy, the federal clean energy financing body says its investment is now more focused on technological innovation to cut energy costs and lower emissions. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has in total issued around $19 billion in clean energy investment funds since 2013. The CEFC Annual Report […]

Community solar power group MASH wins Environment Victoria award

Solar rebate sees demand for solar installations soaring in Victoria.

MASH (the campaign for More Australian Solar Homes) was one of six community groups and individuals from around the state recognised by Environment Victoria on Wednesday night for their outstanding contribution to protecting the environment. “The 2018 Community Environment Recognition Award recipients are all leaders in their communities,” said Mark Wakeham, CEO of Environment Victoria. […]

Snowy Hydro scheme turns to wind and solar power as the cheapest option

Snowy 2.0 approved by Coalition.

Snowy Hydro has signed eight wind and solar contracts in a bid to reduce its energy prices. The government-backed energy provider says the new types of renewable generation will firm up its existing power production. Hydro power of course is the most traditional renewable source of electricity. It will also help deliver cheaper power to […]

Brisbane classroom goes completely off-grid with solar power and battery

A classroom at a Brisbane state school is successfully running off-grid after a solar panel and battery installation. The Bracken Ridge State High classroom powers itself with a rooftop solar installation backed by a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery. The solar panels generate electricity required by the classroom during the day. Then the battery stores surplus power […]