Solar shines as star employer in surging renewable jobs market
Renewable jobs are growing across Australia with jobs in the solar sector growing fastest. Yesterday’s figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show the highest level of estimated full-time equivalent (FTE) employment in renewable energy since 2011-12. The Employment in Renewable Energy Activities, Australia, 2017-18 report shows the staggering advance of solar energy. Construction […]
Solar panel silver: Global popularity of solar power raises price of silver
Researchers in the UK predict the global popularity of solar power is contributing to an increase in the price of silver. Silver is the most conductive element for both electrical and thermal energy. As a result, it is used widely in the production of solar panels. As solar panel demand increases, so does the demand […]
Electric vehicle poll: two-thirds of respondents plan to buy an electric car
A poll commissioned by the Climate Council shows one in six people plan on buying an electric vehicle as their next car. Two-thirds of all respondents believe that electric cars are the future of Australian transport. The YouGov Galaxy poll surveyed 861 eligible voters online between April 10 and 11 2019. Climate Councillor and former head […]
Major energy stakeholders urge AEMO to consider low-carbon future
Energy stakeholders have called for more detail in the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) 2019 Planning and Forecasting Consultation Paper. The 24 written responses will inform AEMO’s Integrated System Plan for Australia’s energy low-carbon future. A top concern from industry stakeholder was that the projections for generator retirements – specifically coal-fired plants – needs to […]
Electricity disconnections soar in WA as solar energy makes up ground
Electricity disconnections in Western Australia have reached a six-year high due to rising energy bills and unemployment rates. Close to 20,000 West Australians had their power switched off for non-payment of bills in 2017-18, a report by the WA Economic Regulation Authority shows. The rate of residential electricity disconnections in the state has more than doubled […]
2020 vision: Rooftop solar panels to exceed output of Liddell power station says Green Energy Markets
Rooftop solar panel systems could generate more energy than the retiring Liddell coal-fired power station by the end of 2020, according to Green Energy Markets (GEM). The GEM March Renewable Energy Index shows rooftop solar on track to add 2,000 MW of capacity to the grid in 2019. These rooftop solar panel system installations would […]
Tracking the sun: World-first trial of forecast technology boosts solar efficiency
A $1.2 million trial of world-leading forecast technology will increase solar efficiency with more accurate predictions of weather change. University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers are testing an innovative short-term statistical forecasting model in an attempt to predict weather conditions from five minutes up to 1-2 hours ahead. This is important, because the Australian Energy […]
Federal Election is go: So where do the parties stand on energy policy?
Well, it’s finally on. Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited the Governor-General this morning and announced an election for May 18. One thing is certain: Federal Election energy policies will figure highly over the next 37 days of campaigning. That he was only in his position due to a failure of the Coalition’s energy policy couldn’t possibly […]
Elon Musk: Australia can reach 50% electric car sales well before 2030 – ‘No question’
Tesla billionaire Elon Musk has weighed into the electric car debate saying Australia can reach 50 per cent electric car sales well before Labor’s 2030 deadline. The founder of Tesla EV company responded to a tweet by Australian Atlassian CEO Michael Cannnon-Brookes. He asked Musk if Labor’s EV plan could succeed. “No question,” Musk tweeted […]
20 Questions for ACE-EV Group – Australia’s new electric vehicle company
Greg McGarvie is managing director of the ACE-EV Group and he’s travelling with his new EV Cargo around the nation. The company plans to sell four electric vehicles: the Cargo, the Yewt, the Urban and the Sportz. Recently, Greg answered 20 questions for Energy Matters on ACE EVs and the future of Australian electric vehicles. […]