Australian health experts slam government’s ‘contemptuous’ response to climate report

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Leading Australian health experts have lambasted the Morrison Government’s “contemptuous dismissal” of the latest IPCC climate report. In a letter published in The Lancet, over 20 health professionals and scientists accuse the government of ignoring the findings of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degrees. The report calls for an end to global fossil […]

Victoria’s first large-scale grid-connected battery close to completion

One of two large-scale grid-connected batteries in regional Victoria is close to completion. Ballarat’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is now undergoing a final testing phase. It will then be ready to help Victoria meet peak summer demand. The 30 MW/30 MWh storage facility can power more than 20,000 homes for one hour during critical […]

Morrison Government lays out plans to reduce electricity prices

Electricity costs - Australia

The Morrison Government yesterday announced its blueprint to reduce electricity prices for consumers. The plan, titled “A Fair Deal on Energy”, outlines how the Federal government’s new measures could save families and businesses hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills. The plan is based on reports that found the energy market was not […]

NSW trial provides gas made by solar power for household network

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A new trial could see NSW homes powered by gas produced from renewable energy. Gas distribution company Jemena has announced a $15 million partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to convert wind and solar energy into hydrogen gas. The fuel will feed in to Jemena’s NSW gas network. ARENA has provided $7.5 million […]

CEFC commits $100 million to South Australia’s home battery roll out

CEFC invests in solar-powered community housing in NSW.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is committing $100 million in loan finance to assist South Australia’s home battery rollout. The loan will cover upfront costs of home battery installation not met by existing state subsidies. The South Australian Home Battery Scheme (HBS) offers subsidies of up to $6,000 for residents. This covers installation of […]

Solar power steals show at inaugural Cities Power Partner Summit Awards

Cities Power Partnership awards recognise local government solar initiatives.

A floating solar farm and a ‘Solar My School’ program run by local government carried off major awards at a summit hosted by the Cities Power Partnership (CPP). The inaugural Cities Power Partner Summit Awards celebrates work by local government across renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and community advocacy. The range of climate change […]

Network of ultra-rapid charging stations to boost electric vehicle uptake

Charging stations will soon allow drivers to charge EV in 15 minutes.

A $15 million network of 21 ultra-rapid charging stations will be built along major Australian driving routes to boost uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). Australian start-up Chargefox will build the new charging staion network, which will see stations placed between Brisbane and Adelaide, around Sydney and Melbourne, and separately in Western Australia. Once in place, […]

Electricity bills will spiral unless Australia prepares for electric vehicle revolution

Government unprepared for EV revolution.

Australians will be blindsided by soaring power bills if we do not prepare for the forthcoming electric vehicle, or EV revolution, according to a key government advisor. As head of policy and research at Infrastructure Australia, Peter Colacino says we Australians are not ready for the transition from internal combustion to electric motor vehicles. Colacino likens […]

EdgeIQ protects against hazardous voltage surges and helps grid stability

Edge Electrons EdgeIQ helps electricity grid stability

An Australian company has developed a device, the EdgeIQ, to help maintain electricity grid stability. Grid instability can lead to solar inverter failure among other problems. Melbourne-based Edge Electrons has found a solution to the problem of too much solar power affecting the main grid voltage. Its EdgeIQ voltage regulator not only keeps voltage steady, […]