Markets & Policy

Identity politics and an almost religious zeal have come to characterise Australian parliamentary climate debate, but smart industry groups, lobbyists, scientists and Liberal-minded change agents are working to influence the centre-right agenda towards a more economically rational and conservationist approach to energy transition.

With the help of solar PV and zinc-bromine batteries, a cattle station located in the dry Murchison region northeast of Geraldton will save as much as $10,000 a year in diesel costs.

“It’s a pivotal time to be working in the industry,” said Women in Focus award recipient Bridget Ryan. The GreenSync Policy and Government Lead has seen great change in her two decades in the industry, but recognises there is still a way to go.

Canadian Solar and Lightsource BP have signed a multi-year 1.2 GW module supply agreement that will see both monofacial and bifacial modules installed in Lightsource BP’s Australian and U.S. solar projects.

From July 1, if it is run by the City of Adelaide, it is being powered by wind and solar electricity under a landmark power purchase agreement inked electricity retailer Flow Power.

The coronavirus outbreak in China could raise solar module prices in the near term as manufacturers have already begun experiencing wafer and solar glass shortages. Production rates are also being affected by an extended new year holiday introduced by the authorities as a measure to deal with the virus, and the requirement workers from infected areas quarantine themselves for two weeks.

Neoen’s 400 MW Culcairn Solar Farm and energy storage facility in NSW has now entered the open exhibition stage and released its EIS. The French company, Australia’s top independent renewable energy producer, hopes to commence construction mid-2020.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has called for more renewable investment and Federal government backing to help create and support more jobs in more industries, but gas is not out of the picture.

Even a casual observer of the political debate over climate change in Australia would almost have whiplash from the abrupt turn from low-key climate denialism to focus on resilience and adaptation in the face of climate catastrophes.

As Australia continues to battle horrific bushfires, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a renewed focus on gas-fired electricity to reduce emissions and lower energy prices. This is a dangerous and completely unnecessary route.