Opinion & Analysis

The main cost of an electric vehicle is its battery. The high cost of energy-dense batteries has meant EVs have long been more expensive than their fossil fuel equivalents. But this could change faster than we thought.

Billions of dollars are being spent worldwide to modernise electricity grids with smart meters. These meters promise to save households money by making it easier for us to understand and manage our energy use. However, our new research suggests these promises might not be fully delivered due to a lack of access to high-resolution, real-time energy data.

Australian Renewable Energy Agency Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller sheds light on the agency’s role in helping to deliver the renewable energy superpower vision – emphasising the critical role of green hydrogen and ultra-low cost solar.

2023 was the year of the big battery in the National Electricity Market. The year started with 10 batteries registered in the market and ended with a doubling to 20, with no signs of a slowdown.

Rooftop solar is Australia’s cheapest source of electricity. The consumer can get electricity from rooftop solar at less than a fifth of the average cost per kWh of buying it from a retailer.

In recent weeks, the call from Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen to expedite planning decisions and approvals for new energy projects resonates as a crucial step towards Australia’s clean energy future. However, as we navigate through the challenges of meeting renewable energy targets, it is evident that more needs to be done.

With solar panel prices tumbling, project developers will need to be vigilant about quality. Comprehensive product testing could be a vital safeguard as PV manufacturers struggle to retain their margins, according to Everoze’s Martin Laing and Gauthier Dambrine.

Thursday, Feb. 22 marked another day in Australia’s energy records, along the Eastern seaboard. The hot and sunny conditions led to notable maximums in energy demand and supply.

With solar production capacity expansion plans paused, bigger cell makers will weather the storm through a revised approach to new panel technologies. InfoLink’s Alan Tu says that low profits could also drive innovation and cost savings, pushing the industry to new heights.

Australian nickel producers have an advantage over low-cost rivals in that production in the country is considerably more environmentally friendly than in neighbouring Indonesia. Nickel miners in Australia are currently facing low prices and fierce competition. Rob Nathan from Australian Tenders argues that sustainable nickel will be vital for the energy transition and is worthy of governmental support.