Zero-emissions solutions are ready to roll, right when the economy needs them most
A major new report finds there is a pathway to zero emissions for every major economic sector in Australia. Over 18 months in the making, Decarbonisation Futures offers fresh ideas for how Australia can embrace the zero-emissions future that is visible on the other side of the pandemic, writes Amandine Denis-Ryan of ClimateWorks Australia.
The solar highway to Australia’s renewable hydrogen economy
Modelling from a new report backed by ARENA has found that on-site solar electrolysis is not only the most cost-effective way of reaching Australia’s ambitions of both a domestic and export hydrogen economy, but perhaps the only way.
Impact of Covid-19 on the global energy sector
Over the past few months, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented global economic and social crisis. The pandemic has significantly affected all aspects of life, including the energy sector.
Global supergrid vs. regional supergrids
Researchers from Finland’s Lappeenranta University of Technology have assessed the economic advantages of a fully interconnected global network. They found that an international grid could contribute to a global LCOE of €52.50/MWh. The higher complexity of such a system, however, would only be marginally compensated by additional economic benefits.
Code red! Agricultural solar hit by NSW Environmental Planning Policy Amendment
The New South Wales solar industry hailed last week’s amendment to the state planning laws, which allows installation of larger rooftop solar systems on households and businesses without council approvals. But omission of a previous enabling clause from the legislation will add cost and delays to ground-mounted solar developments of more than 30 kW.
Stepping on the gas
Australia’s leader, Scott Morrison, and several of his ministers, including the Minister for Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, try at every opportunity to push more homegrown gas into the country’s energy mix. With global gas at rock-bottom prices, they’re now touting a gas-led recovery. What’s right and wrong with this picture?
NSW amends laws to pave the way for rooftop solar and big batteries
The New South Wales government has amended legislation to allow for larger-scale solar systems to be installed on homes and commercial buildings without council approval and to facilitate the installation of utility-scale batteries.
Constraints lifted for five West Murray solar farms
In a major feat for the energy sector, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has provisionally lifted generation constraints imposed on five solar farms in the West Murray Zone, following the successful testing of new tuned inverter settings this week.
New white paper attests to Tasmania’s deep storage potential
New analysis highlights the need of, and Tasmania’s potential for, deep storage to back up Australia’s future energy market. Tasmania is determined to become the Battery of the Nation.
Solar Bay begins $350 million solar buyback initiative
Renewable Investment Fund Solar Bay is dishing out its $350 million mandate over the next three years by buying on-site solar systems to provide discounted PPA’s. The move is part of an ongoing trend in smaller-scale renewable investment.
