In Australian Capital Territory panasonic home battery trial launched
First panasonic home battery trial launched in the ACT December 11, 2015 David Ellery Reporter for The Canberra Times ActewAGL has partnered with Panasonic to promote the installation of solar panel and storage battery packages across the territory. Continue reading
New wind farms to go ahead as Turnbull removes barrier to Clean Energy investment
End of Tony Abbott’s war on wind farms gives green light to Capital Region projects, Canberra Times, December 13, 2015 Clare Sibthorpe Canberra Times reporter Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s decision to lift Tony Abbott’s controversial ban on government investment in wind power has been embraced by the Australian Capital Region farming community.
On Sunday, Fairfax Media revealed Environment Minister Greg Hunt has issued the Clean Energy Finance Corporation with new orders that negate the Abbott government’s June decree, which prohibited the $10 billion green bank from investing in new wind power projects.
The move gives the Clean Energy Finance Corporation the green light to fund many wind farms in the Southern Tablelands – one of Australia’s fastest growing wind investment regions – enabling them to progress from planning to construction.
Crookwell farmer and NSW regional organiser for the Australian Wind Alliance, Charlie Prell, said wind farms now able to access funding include Collector, Rye Park, Yass Valley, Bango, Rugby, Crookwell two and three, Capital two, and Boco two.
“All of these wind farms will contribute massively to the local economy, not only during construction, but over the life of the wind farms,” Mr Prell said.
“It’s giving farmers in these regions a passive income stream with making our operations more sustainable, financially and environmentally, and giving local businesses the opportunity to participate in construction activities.”
Under the new mandate, the corporation will be allowed to invest in any wind projects provided they involve “emerging and innovative” technology, although it does encourage it to “focus on offshore wind technologies”.
Mr Prell said the wind farms already operating in this area have contributed significantly to small business, particularly in Goulburn, Bungendore, Taralga and Crookwel……..http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/end-of-tony-abbotts-war-on-wind-farms-gives-green-light-to-capital-region-projects-20151213-glmer9.html
Has Malcolm Turnbull got any hope of real action on climate change?
Paris UN Climate Conference 2015: Paris delivers, but can Malcolm Turnbull? SMH December 13, 2015 Tom Arup Environment editor, The Age With the Paris summit wrapping up having delivered an historic global climate agreement, questions will inevitably turn to whether Malcolm Turnbull will use the international momentum to advance the climate debate back home.
For half a decade, Australia has been stuck in a fact-free debate on climate policy – one that has seen one of the biggest challenges the world faces turned into a domestic political chew toy.
But where the failure at Copenhagen helped derailed Kevin Rudd’s climate ambition back in 2009, success in Paris presents the opposite opportunity for Turnbull, who many believe has a deep desire to move to a more robust climate policy.
We will soon find out whether two weeks on, and one historic agreement later, Turnbull feels the world has moved enough to take a few brave steps forward.
Deeper cuts will also require a bigger re-think of domestic policies – Australia will not be able to rely on the current combination of paying some farmers and businesses to cut emissions, carbon accounting fiddles and falling demand for electricity.
It will have to find a way to finally address pollution from the country’s fleet of large, ageing coal-fired power plants. Emissions from coal have been rising since the Coalition abolished the national carbon price scheme.
The government’s direct action scheme is not fit for this job – at least not as currently designed. It will need a radical overhaul, perhaps one that would make it look more like a type of emissions trading scheme……..forward. http://www.smh.com.au/environment/un-climate-conference/paris-un-climate-conference-2015-paris-delivers-but-can-malcolm-turnbull-20151212-glm6op.html#ixzz3uFQmfQc5
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) funding new solar technology to reduce solar costs
ARENA supports new, cheaper solar technology to reduce cost of renewable energy in Australia, IBT By Darwin Malicdem on December 07 2015 The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is aiming to reduce the cost of renewable energy in the country by providing a funding boost to an innovative solar cell technology. The new perovskite solar cells could significantly be cheaper than and as efficient as existing solar cells.
ARENA will be providing about $892,000 to CSIRO for the development and application of guidelines for assessing the performance of the perovskite solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. The materials of perovskite can be used in solar cells with a less cost and labour intensive process compared to silicon.
ARENA aims to accelerate the development of perovskite solar PV cells in the country. “If perovskite solar cell technology matures to commercialisation, it has the potential to provide cheaper power from the sun,” said ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht.
CSIRO is planning for new methods and guidelines applicable to perovskite solar cells, as international standards to measure solar PV cell performance are only applicable for silicon wafer cells…….http://www.ibtimes.com.au/arena-supports-new-cheaper-solar-technology-reduce-cost-renewable-energy-australia-1490089
Queensland Premier says “focused on solar and wind’ but also ‘committed to coal’
Queensland to boost renewable energy target in wake of Paris climate agreement, Palaszczuk says, ABC News 13 Dec 15 By Jessica van Vonderen Queensland will look to lift its renewable energy target in the wake of the Paris agreement to tackle climate change.
Envoys from 195 nations agreed on the weekend to transform the world’s fossil fuel-driven economy within decades and slow the pace of global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government was focused on wind and solar farms, while maintaining a commitment to coal……
University of Queensland’s Matt McDonald, a reader in international relations who attended the negotiations in Paris, told 612 ABC Brisbane there were lots of discussions about mining, in particular the proposed $16 billion Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland.
“It does raise a series of questions about whether Australia and businesses really want to commit to that scale of investment into fossil fuel, given all the signals that are pushing in the other direction,” Mr McDonald said.
“So there’s a lot of concern about a future of that type of mining program.” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-13/firm-focus-on-renewables-palaszczuk-says/7024762
Australia’s nuclear weapons plan, and the connection with NSW nuclear reactor
On Nov. 2, 1956, Australia’s Defense Committee formally recommended the acquisition of kiloton-range tactical nuclear weapons.
In 1969, the government announced plans to construct a 500-megawatt nuclear reactor at Jervis Bay in New South Wales.
The intention was clear — this reactor was to support a nuclear weapons program. The reactor project pushed ahead and preliminary site work commenced.
Revealed: Australia’s Failed Bid for Nuclear Weapons, Chris Walsh, The 
National Interest 16 Sept 15, At 9:00 in the morning on Oct. 3, 1952, a 25-kiloton nuclear explosion vaporized the retired British frigate HMS Plym off Australia’s remote western coast. The Operation Hurricane detonation in the Monte Bello Islands was a seminal moment for Britain and marked its return to the club of great powers.
But for Australia, these tests and others served a murkier purpose – as important and deliberate steps toward Australia’s own acquisition of nuclear weapons. It was in the tense Cold War environment of the late 1950s and early 1960s that these aspirations moved beyond talk and into concrete action.
By the time the Hurricane detonation took place, Australia was already experienced in weapons of mass destruction. From 1943 and in the shadow of a possible Japanese invasion, Australia built extensive stocks of chemical weapons and delivery systems…….
Australia — with its vast coastlines and deserts — emerged as a key player in Britain’s nuclear strategy.
When Britain approached Australia to host nuclear tests, a sympathetic government led by Prime Minister Robert Menzies readily agreed. While Menzies — an Anglophile — focused on his relationship with the United Kingdom, others saw this as an opportunity for Australia to buy membership into the nuclear club. Continue reading
Hill End community not satisfied with MP John Cobb’s attitude to nuclear waste dump proposal
MP’s apology fails to pacify residents, Western Advocate By LOUISE EDDY Dec. 11, 2015 When members of the Hill End community gathered in the Royal Hall on Wednesday morning they wanted only one thing – for Member for Calare John Cobb to ask what he could do to help.
This was the third meeting the community has held to discuss Sallys Flat being short-listed for a national nuclear waste dump, and the first the federal member has been able to attend.
Community spokesperson Robyn Rayner said around 100 people attended the meeting, many of them new faces. Mr Cobb had earlier drawn the community’s anger when he dismissed their concerns about the safety of the proposed facility.
Ms Rayner said Mr Cobb apologised to the meeting for the way the matter had been handled, and for not being in contact with the community prior to Wednesday’s meeting.
“We appreciate the fact that he did turn up, but he treated us with utter contempt,” she said. “At no time did he say ‘What can I do to help you’,” she said…….
Yesterday Mr Cobb said he would help by conveying to the minister the fact that the community don’t want the waste dump.
However, despite assurances Sallys Flat won’t be further shortlisted if the community opposes the nuclear waste dump, Mr Cobb said the matter cannot end here and now. “They do want to finish this now, but the minister has set that consultation period because those who do want to consult privately with the minister should have that right,” Mr Cobb said. He said it was a good meeting.
“But I think people had made their minds up they didn’t want it,” he said.
“There are some communities in Australia who will think – here’s an opportunity. You are not often offered the chance to get $10 million. But it’s their choice. I don’t live there,” he said. Mr Cobb said he would be visiting the Lucas Heights reactor shortly to take a look.“It’s 14 years since I’ve been there. I’m sure there is no danger but I want to go back and reassure myself,” he said.
Ms Rayner said there were concerns Mr Cobb was not taking the matter seriously enough. http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/3552229/mps-apology-fails-to-pacify-residents/?cs=115#disqus_thread
Wangan and Jagalingou traditional owners continue to fight $16.5 billion Carmichael coal mine
Vow to fight mine ‘Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) traditional owners were blindsided last week..’
http://www.cpa.org.au/guardian/2015/1714/05-vow-to-fight.html 9 Dec 15:
“Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) traditional owners were blindsided last week by revelations that Queensland Coordinator-General Barry Broe was proposing to extinguish native title on parts of their traditional lands in the Galilee Basin in order to enable Indian company Adani to develop infrastructure for its $16.5 billion Carmichael coal mine. …
“It is beyond comprehension that the government would consider such a shameful and absurd proposal in an era when our rights are sanctioned under international law and when we are already in the Federal Court contesting the state government and Adani’s attempts to override our rights,”
[Adrian] Burragubba said. “I assure the Premier she will be bringing on one of the biggest human rights battles we’ve seen in Queensland in a long time. … ” … “
Julie Bishop signs Paris Declaration for clear rules for carbon trading
What a tortuous track Julie Bishop, Greg Hunt and co. have to navigate, as they weave about within the Turnbull government’s climate policies – which are exactly the same as Tony Abbott’s !
How long before the Turnbull government trips itself up in its own convoluted
rhetoric?
How long before Australia’s voters wake up to them?
Australia signs up for clear carbon trading rules, hinting at policy change, Guardian, Lenore Taylor in Paris, 10 Dec 15
Signing declaration at the Paris climate talks ‘recognises the role a carbon market might play after 2020’, foreign minister Julie Bishop says. Australia has signed a Paris declaration calling for new clear rules for international carbon trading in a signal the Coalition’s six-year carbon pricing policy veto could be softening as it prepares to review its climate policy in 2017.
Foreign minister Julie Bishop, who signed the declaration in Paris, said it was in Australia’s interests to recognise the role an international carbon market might play in reducing emissions after 2020.
“It’s just a declaration, it’s not legally binding,” she said after a speech to an event organised by Australia’s Carbon Market Institute. Continue reading
Australia not welcomed into “high ambition coalition” climate action group
Aust missing from climate change group, Herald Sun, 12 Dec 15 Australia has not yet been welcomed into a new “high ambition coalition” of 100 nations at major climate talks in Paris, despite claiming it had joined through the European Union.
Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Tony de Brum revealed the alliance of around 100 countries, including the United States, this week at the United Nations summit.
Australia was not among them and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop seemed unaware of the group when it was revealed on Wednesday.
Mr de Brum, who spearheaded the alliance, issued an open invitation to countries in Paris.
A spokeswoman for Ms Bishop on Friday confirmed Australia had been formally invited by the European Union and had accepted the invitation. However, it appears Australia hasn’t yet been welcomed into the group, the Marshall Islands hinting the country would have to prove its worth.
“We are delighted to learn of Australia’s interest and look forward to hearing what more they may be able to do to join our coalition of high ambition here in Paris,” a spokesman for Mr de Brum said.
Earlier on Friday Mr de Brum read out a list of countries that had accepted his open invitation, with Australia notably absent.
WHAT THEY WANT *Reference to limiting global warming to 1.5C (is in the text)
*Clear path towards a low-carbon future (emissions neutrality by second half of century in text)
*Five yearly updates (is in the text)
*Strong package of financial support for developing nations ($100 billion per year plus scale up after 2020 is an option in the text – could be removed) http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/aust-not-yet-welcome-in-climate-alliance/news-story/f7812eb6755851c7cc8ecd71ae9ca55f
How much is the #NuclearCommissionSAust farce costing the taxpayer?
How much has the South Australian tax-payer already spent on the Nuclear Fuel Chain Royal Commission? The public should be informed – how much are they paying Kevin Scarce and his overwhelmingly pro nuclear merry men for all their ‘hearings’ and ‘information sessions’ and junkets to rural Australa, and to Japan, France, Canada, South Korea etc?
Blind Freddy could tell that the purpose is now, and always has been , to set up an international nuclear waste importing business – aimed at enriching a very few South Australians – and bugger the costs to the State’s children their children their chilred and beyond.
A whole heap of blah has gone on about nuclear power stations – which, everybody knows, is not an option, due to their astronomic expense. Then Kevin Scarce presumably will look good when he rules that one out, and just goes for the waste dump.
Anyway, it’s about time we all knew how much this whole sorry farce is costing.
ABC News reported thuis week that an extra $3 million will be pumped into the Nuclear Fuel Chain Royal Commission
Film “Containment” timely, as #NuclearCommissionSAust blocks environmental and Aboriginal voices
It would certainly be beyond their comprehension that any community, any government, would actually volunteer to take other countries’ nuclear waste, which remains radioactive for thousands of years. Yet in Australia, this is what nuclear proponents, the SA premier, and now the prime minister are backing.
South Australia’s Royal Commission has refused Australian environmental movement experts ACF and Friends of the Earth permission to appear. On 8 December Rose Lester, a second-generation Yankunyjatjara nuclear survivor, found her own plea blocked by Commissioner Scarce.
Fears and fictions in SA’s nuclear waste tussle, Eureka Street, Michele Madigan | 10 December 2015 The long anticipated arrival of reprocessed nuclear fuel rods in the first week of December has thrown the spotlight again on Australia’s nuclear industry. Greenpeace’s highlighting of the deficiencies of transport gives little hope that government plans will fit with the usual assurances of ‘world’s best practice’ in this, the world’s most dangerous industry…….
At a screening last month of his film Containment, Harvard Professor Robb Moss agreed with me regarding the ‘providence’ of its timely showing to Australian audiences. Five years in the making, Containment shows, among other sequences, how the US is attempting to tackle the massive problem of dealing with their own high level radioactive waste.
It includes interviews with government officials and regulator personnel amid their attempts to contain the radioactivity for the expected 10,000 years — a time frame that will embrace ‘people who will not share our language, our nation and even our civilisation’. It’s unsurprising that the oft repeated phrase from those from the nuclear industry was that ‘the hardest thing is to get the community onside’. Continue reading
#NuclearCommissionSA moves on to phase about overturning Australia’s federal law on waste dumping
Scarce to meet pro-nuke chief scientist as conclusions emerge. IN 
Daily, Tom Richardson 10 Dec 15 “…….Nuclear royal commissioner Kevin Scarce has indicated that some of his inquiry’s terms of reference may not be viable, as the commission prepares to wrap up its major phase of evidence-gathering.
Scarce will next week meet Australia’s new chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel, a nuclear power advocate.
“He’s got considerable experience in the industry, (so) we’re going across to talk with him about nuclear issues from a national perspective,” Scarce said.
“I think it’s important that we’re starting to see a national debate of the issue … because there’s federal legislation that needs to be changed as well as state legislation, were we to proceed.”
South Australia Nuclear Fuel Chain Royal Commission quietly spinning to rural SA
It’s hard to keep up with developments in the South Australian Nuclear Fuel Chain Royal Commission.
On the one hand, as Kevin Scarce has recently revealed, the first move for the nuclear lobby is to get rid of Australia’s national legislation against setting up a nuclear waste dump. (There is special legislation allowing only the Lucas Height reprocessed nuclear wastes to be deposited)
On the other hand, the Royal Commission is keeping a very low profile, nationally.
Do they think that rural South Australia is stupid? Quietly quietly, the Royal Commission is doing its propaganda bit in rural centres – at Port Pirie Yacht club (3/12), at Port Lincoln and Whyalla this week.
Former Santos CEO warns on the diseconomics of nuclear operations in Australia
x-Santos CEO says megaprojects tough in Aust and nuclear needs upfront revenue December 10, 2015, SMH, Simon Evans An Australian nuclear industry would have to overcome very high construction costs and would only be built if there is certainty beforehand that it can generate secure revenue over a long period, former Santos chief executive David Knox said.
Mr Knox said that assuming the construction costs of overseas megaprojects can be directly translated to be similar in Australia is fraught with danger. That’s because the logistics, large distances, higher labour costs and finding the right skilled workers makes it more challenging.
“This can be a trap, of course,” Mr Knox told South Australia’s royal commission into the nuclear industry on Thursday.
“The whole logistics exercise of doing a megaproject in Australia does make it more challenging.”
He said the large geographic distances from specialist manufacturers of equipment offshore, the need to import certain levels of specialist expertise and skills, and the higher costs of labour are influencing factors. He gave the example of an Australian worker costing an overall $100 an hour, compared with $50 an hour for a Gulf of Mexico project in the northern hemisphere.
He emphasised that Santos had no wish to enter the nuclear industry, but he was giving evidence on the broad issue of building large infrastructure projects and the potential pitfalls……
A nuclear project would need to demonstrate at the start that it could generate revenue for a long time, similar to the LNG contracts that Santos had signed, which lasted for 20 years……..
The head of the nuclear royal commission, Kevin Scarce, is due to hand down preliminary findings in February, ahead of a final report in May 2016, on whether South Australia should expand into nuclear waste storage, enrichment and power generation……. http://www.smh.com.au/business/exsantos-ceo-says-megaprojects-tough-in-aust-and-nuclear-needs-upfront-revenue-20151209-gljwl0.html#ixzz3twyrGFxv
1 This month.
Australians deserve the truth
about
AUKUS – https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/
Australians deserve the truth
about AUKUS
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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