Clean energy ad campaign points to past as the way forward
A national advertising campaign will shine a light on the investment and job opportunities provided by Australia’s renewable energy industry as the Clean Energy Council seeks to counteract “misleading” information spread by “a minority of loud voices”.
Energy retailer fined $2.5 million after ‘phoney accent’ switch
The Australian retail arm of French renewables giant Engie has been fined $2.5 million after two “rogue” sales contractors allegedly used phoney accents and fake names to switch hundreds of customers to new energy contracts without their consent.
Wind and solar PV penetration rises to record levels in NEM
The evolution of Australia’s electricity grid continues at pace with the nation’s newest large-scale wind and solar projects helping produce a string of renewable energy production records in the National Electricity Market.
Tesla deal tipped to help drive BHP’s net zero ambitions
Australian-headquartered mining giant BHP has signed a nickel supply agreement with United States-based electric vehicles manufacturer Tesla amid reports it is considering exiting oil and gas in a move that would accelerate its retreat from fossil fuels.
Japan revises 2030 targets, plans to double renewables and cut fossil fuels
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has released a draft energy plan with ambitious revisions to the nation’s previous energy and emissions targets. The proposed plan will sees a doubling of renewables compared to the previous target, and significant cuts to coal and gas, much of which it buys from Australia. Meanwhile, Australian Resources Minister Keith Pitt reiterated the Coalition Government’s “Gas-Fired Recovery is the right policy for Australia.”
The sunlight that powers solar panels also damages them. ‘Gallium doping’ is providing a solution
Solar power is already the cheapest form of electricity generation, and its cost will continue to fall as more improvements emerge in the technology and its global production. Now, new research is exploring what could be another major turning point in solar cell manufacturing.
Australian Vanadium to fast-track manufacture of flow batteries
Western Australian company Australian Vanadium Limited has been awarded $3.69 million in federal government funding to fast-track manufacturing of large-scale vanadium redox flow battery systems that can be used to support rooftop solar PV or in off-grid settings such as mining, agriculture and remote communities.
Fossil fuel subsidies labelled ‘reckless’ as renewables hit new highs
The Morrison Government’s continuing support of fossil fuels has been labelled “reckless” as new figures provided by the Climate Council show that renewable energy generation in the National Electricity Market rose to record highs in the first half of 2021.
Wollongong Uni to host renewable energy focused training centre
The University of Wollongong has secured $5 million in federal government funding to establish a renewable energy focused training centre which will address the “complex and challenging issues” currently limiting the growth of renewables, including solar PV and wind energy in Australia.
Think tank puts end date on sale of petrol and diesel cars in Australia
The Grattan Institute has recommended the sale of new petrol and diesel cars be phased out in Australia by 2035 in a bid to “supercharge the switch to electric vehicles” to help cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
