Columbia University Starts Dumping Coal Investments
Columbia University has joined the growing ranks of higher learning institutions to begin divesting from coal. The University’s Trustees announced last week it would be dumping investments in companies that derive more than 35% of their revenue from the production of thermal coal. Additionally, the University will begin participating in the Carbon Disclosure Project’s Climate […]
Solar Powered Lasers To Beam Energy Back To Earth
Harnessing the power of the sun from space and transmitting it back to Earth appears to be a step closer. Scientists at Russia’s Rostec Corporation say their research work is complete and they have developed a prototype solar powered oxygen-iodine laser. The plan is to install the technology on orbital satellites, which would beam the energy […]
Solar Powered CO2 Scrubbing Molecule Revealed
Chemical engineers from Indiana University in the U.S. have created a molecule that utilises solar energy to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into greenhouse-neutral fuels, which can then be stored or used for power generation. The molecule works by using light or electricity to trigger a reaction that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide, a […]
South Australia And Victoria’s Big Battery Storage Cash Splash
Both Victoria and South Australia yesterday announced plans for adding 100MW of energy storage to their respective states – and sooner rather than later. First, to South Australia, where the Weatherill government announced a $550 million plan it says will secure the state’s electricity supplies and put downwards pressure on prices. As we mentioned yesterday, […]
Apple Kicks Off Supplier Clean Energy Program In Japan
Apple has announced Ibiden, the tech giant’s Japanese component manufacturer, will become the first company in the country to power all its Apple-related operations with 100 percent renewable energy. Ibiden, which supplies circuits and chips for Apple devices, will invest in more than 20 clean power projects. Among these are a large floating solar PV […]
Competition In Australia Electricity Retailing – A Massive Fail?
Electricity prices in four Australian capital cities have almost doubled over the past ten years. Competition in electricity retailing simply hasn’t delivered what was promised: lower prices. A new report from the Grattan Institute says competition is also yet to deliver the promised innovation in customer service. While competition should have put downward pressure on […]
More Solar Panels For Sydney Markets
This morning will see the official unveiling by NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts of one of Australia’s largest car park solar canopies; installed at Flemington’s Sydney Markets. The 640kW solar array is part of a $14 million car park extension, providing an additional 350 parking spaces in the multi-level car park and a new 4.5 […]
Western Australia’s Election – What Now For Renewable Energy?
With WA Labor sweeping to power and Mark McGowan to be the state’s new Premier, what do the next few years hold for new solar power and other renewable energy initiatives in Western Australia? It doesn’t look like a great deal initially; although as part of its election commitments WA Labor has promised $30 million […]
Solar For Public Housing Trial In Queensland
A trial in Queensland will see a total of three to six megawatts of solar panels installed on 2,000 to 4,000 government-owned detached houses and buildings. Many public housing tenants across Australia could benefit from the electricity cost savings provided by solar, but are unable to take advantage of the technology. Even with the issue […]
South Australia’s Passion For Solar Energy Continues
Advocacy group Solar Citizens says small-scale solar installations in SA jumped 17.65 per cent from October – December compared to January – September last year. The period followed the aftermath of the statewide blackout in September. While correlation doesn’t necessarily mean causation, it’s obvious South Australians think solar energy is heaps good*. “With solar and […]