Renewable energy future for Australia coming sooner than you think
Power providers energised for coming of a green age, The Age, October 29, 2011 Electricity companies are preparing to shift to a green future by investing in the industry of energy solutions, writes Paddy Manning. A SMARTER, greener future for energy use may be coming too slow for some, but it is coming nonetheless. Eventually our dirty old electricity grid may provide little more than back-up power, giving us plenty of scope to retire ageing coal-fired power stations.
Phil Craig, general manager of retail at Origin Energy, tells a pretty compelling story. ”We have a vision of the household of the future which has got our energy management in there, so [customers have] got complete visibility, it’s got solar panels on the roof, it’s got solar hot water, it’s got a fuel cell in the backyard – not that they’re viable yet, but in 10 years’ time they will be – and we’ve got an electric vehicle in the garage. You might become 80 per cent independent of the grid.
Brisbane to get electric buses
Electric buses bound for Brisbane streets, Brisbane Times, Tony Moore, October 28, 2011, Brisbane is set to have its first fully electric bus, which can be fully charged in 10 minutes, within two years. brisbanetimes.com.au understands an official announcement will be made late next month and a prototype being built for Brisbane City Council is expected to be on the road within two years.
Brisbane-based firm Varley Electric Vehicles, based at Virginia, is in the design phase for the Brisbane electric bus project. Varley’s divisional manager for electric vehicles, John Bettini, and said both the council and the state government were involved in the project…. Mr Bettini said Varley was working with several multinational and Australian firms and believed a prototype would be ready early in 2012.
“We are developing a fast-charge electric bus which is capable of being charged within 10 minutes,” he said.
“We are in the design stage and the prototype will be built early next year.” Varley Electric Vehicles won a $250,000 state government grant in June to convert carbon-fuelled buses to electric…
A breakthrough wind turbine design in Victoria, Australia
VIDEO
http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=15749 Australian Company Launches World’s Quietest Wind Turbine, AZO CleanTech October 26, 2011 Australian renewable energy
innovation continues to lead the way with the launch of the worlds’ quietest wind turbine, released to market this week. The cutting edge turbine stands 21 metres high and features a unique, intuitive blade design that is virtually silent.
The Eco Whisper Turbine is set to revolutionise delivery of renewable electricity supply for urban and rural applications, and is now in operation at a leading Australian manufacturer for viewing by industry, and energy sectors.
Renewable Energy Solutions Australia Holdings Ltd (RESA) an Australian Renewable Energy company and member of the Clean Energy Council of Australia, has unveiled the Eco Whisper Turbine the world’s quietest 20kW wind turbine in Geelong, Victoria.
The new Eco Whisper Turbine is an innovative 20 kW electricity-producing wind turbine that is virtually silent due to a unique cowl/ring that prevents air from spilling off the blades.
The Eco Whisper’s silent operation, and its ability to operate in a range of wind conditions, makes it ideal for urban developments, commercial sites and agricultural applications.
Currently on showcase at AUSTENG Engineering in Geelong, the Australian designed and manufactured wind turbine, has a number of advantages compared to comparable 3 blade designs, including: Continue reading
Silex solar project loss, and laser uranium enrichment problems
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been happy about Silex Systems getting government backing for its solar project. I know that these nuclear-related companies like to have a bet each way – in case the nuclear industry goes pear-shaped.
But it seems to me that there’s not much incentive for them to develop renewable energy, when their real stuff is in the nuclear industry. As with Silex’s dangerous laser enrichment technology – now being used by GE Hitachi in America. And there are questions there – with the American facility having 45 security violations! -Christina Macpherson
Silex downplays $30 million loss, A,BC News, 25 Oct 11 A company developing a major solar project in north-west Victoria says it is in a strong financial position, despite posting a $30 million loss in the past year.
Silex is developing power stations near Mildura using photovoltaic technology. The company has posted its annual report, including a net loss of $31.5 million….. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-24/silex-posts-30m-loss/3597688
Australia’s New England area has bright future for farmers and wind energy
The huge commercial wind farm planned for Sapphire, between Glen Innes and Inverell, has negotiated with more than 20 landholders to take between 150 and 170 turbines.
“Those turbines are all on large properties,” Mr Cruickshank said. “They can run their sheep and cattle without any difference, they get a good return, and there aren’t any neighbours who are affected.”
Wind power puts region in renewable energy box seat, The Armidale Express JANENE CAREY 17 Oct, 2011 NATURAL advantages are making New England a significant part of the push to source 20 per cent of Australia’s energy from renewables by 2020.
Paul Cruickshank, one of the speakers at a low-carbon economy seminar held in Armidale said that although this region has the potential for large scale solar, our real advantage lies in wind power. Continue reading
Clean Energy Finance Corp could guide Australia to be a renewable energy super power
Clean Energy Finance Corp vital to untainted future –Cowra Community News, 18 Oct 11, ACF THE Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has welcomed the appointment of Jillian Broadbent AO as chair of an expert review panel that will advise on the design of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The foundation has also urged the federal Government to enshrine the new body in law by April 2012 “so it can start investing in the next wave of renewable, clean energy by July 2013”.
“The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) will harness Aussie innovation in cutting edge technologies like solar thermal, geothermal and wave power,” says the ACF’s economic adviser, Simon O’Connor, in a statement.
“Australia has massive untapped, abundant renewable energy resources, yet we have failed to capitalise on this natural competitive advantage. “Funding for renewable energy has struggled to match commercial needs, with the result that Australian-made technology has gone to China, California and Spain.
“Now, the CEFC will help fill the renewable energy ‘valley of death’, keeping Australian technology here and creating Aussie jobs. “Returns on public investment through a CEFC are far better than the returns delivered through grant programs.
“Combined with a carbon price, this is the most economically efficient way to turbo-charge the renewable energy sector, which is why we are seeing many countries setting up finance corporations, like the UK’s Green Investment Bank.
“The renewable energy industry is ready, investors are ready, Australians are ready – it’s time to get on with the job and help Australia become a clean energy superpower.” Further detail about the CEFC in the ACF’s report, Helping Australia Compete in the Renewable Energy Race, at www.acfonline.org.au /CEFC.http://cowracommunitynews.com/viewnews.php?newsid=8415&id=137
Xstrata mining company, like its close friend Glencore, out to wreck renewable energy in Australia
The mining giant Xstrata is now behaving just like the company that is the world’s most ruthless, secretive and lacking in integrity – Glencore.
This is hardly surprising, as the two companies are as thick as thieves, and tipped to merger very soon. or might have already merged. Glencore’s CEO, South African -born Ivan Glasenberg, took the trouble to become an Australian citizen. Glencore very recently listed as a public company. Both actions designed to further Glencore’s interest in Australia, as Glencore bought into Xstrata Australia.
It’s a dead shame that Australian governments can lie down and let these rapacious corporations, known. especially in Glencore’s case, for illegal activities and environmental degradation – walk all over efforts to get renewable energy happening in this country.
Given the government’s description of CopperString [ involving renewable energyplan]as a “once in a generation opportunity,” it now seems extraordinary that it should agree with the proposal by Sims, a noted economic rationalist, to allow “the market” – effectively Xstrata – to decide the fate of the project….
Xstrata gas deal sinks renewables hub, Climate Spectator Giles Parkinson, 7 oct 11, Hopes of building one of Australia’s largest renewable energy hubs in north Queensland appear to have been dashed after the Swiss-based global mining giant Xstrata signed a deal instead with AGL Energy to build a gas-fired power station in Mt Isa. Continue reading
Australia’s Greenhouse Mafia lobbying hard to undermine Clean Energy Finance Corporation
The hardest thing is that the big polluters are working to stop the CEF being passed and at the same time, actively lobbying to turn it into more compensation, undermining the carbon price……. to divert funding from genuine energy efficiency merit to be used as “compensation” for big polluters who do not want to actually pay a price on carbon. For some people, too much pork is barely enough!
I am keen to see the whole $1.2 billion of the CTP invested in good programs and believe it will be. It is certainly possible for ambitious investments to be made through an unambitious funding scheme….
Australia’s $1.2 Billion Clean Technology Program, Renewable Energy World, By Dan Cass , October 6, 2011 When the Labor Government, Greens and independents pass the Clean Energy Future (CEF) package later this year, there will be more than $13.2 billion on the table for renewables and low-carbon investment. Continue reading
Vixctoria’s State Library saves $60,000 a year through energy efficiency
VICTORIA’S STATE LIBRARY REAPS THE BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY
PACE, By Hartley Henderson 6 October 2011, Over the last ten years the push for energy efficiency has been rapidly gathering momentum, particularly in relation to productivity improvement and reduction of carbon emissions.
During a recent visit to Australia from Low Voltage Drives headquarters in Finland, ABB group vice president, Pekka Tiitinen, pointed out that 65 percent of all energy consumption at industrial sites goes through motors, and that the biggest challenge is ignorance of the scope for savings…. “Some 50 percent of carbon reduction comes from energy efficiency improvement from renewable energy and other non-fossil, plus carbon capture storage,” he said.
“Australia is a front runner in legislating for energy efficiency and recognising the benefits of energy appraisals for industry and large buildings.
In industry, cost/benefit analysis demonstrates that big savings of up to 50 percent can be achieved, with payback typically in one to two years and sometimes even five to eight months. “The easiest way to add more electricity capacity, is to improve the energy efficiency that would release existing capture in new consumption. Nowadays, more and more systems are playing a key vital role in that.”…
The State Library of Victoria was founded in 1854 and is a reference and research library for over one million visitors a year.
It holds more than two million books and occupies an entire city block of two hectares, comprising reading rooms, galleries, exhibition spaces, conference centre and cafe. Jussi says that an energy appraisal carried out at the library concluded that significant energy savings could be made by replacing the existing HVAC flow control, which used throttling valves, with variable speed drives..
Jussi advises that by using 15 ABB standard drives for HVAC, from 5.5 kW to 55 kW, energy savings of between 30 to 60 percent were achieved across the various applications. “With combined motor ratings of 400 kW and 24/7 plant operation, the total energy consumption was reduced by 1,800 MWh annually, saving the library nearly $60,000 per year. Payback, including maintenance savings, was achieved in just 14 months,” he said…. http://www.pacetoday.com.au/news/victoria-s-state-library-reaps-the-benefits-of-ene
Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation a chance to turbocharge renewable energy
Next generation of clean energy technology is within Australia’s grasp, SMH, Kane Thornton October 5, 2011 “…….The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) pledged under the federal government’s carbon price package will use $10 billion of carbon price revenue from big polluters as loans for new, clean energy technologies. It will be overseen by an independent board of finance professionals.
Last year, renewable energy provided about 8.6 per cent of Australia’s electricity. We are headed for 20 per cent by 2020 under the bipartisan Renewable Energy Target. A recent review by the Productivity Commission found that most of Australia’s trading partners have introduced some kind of target for renewable energy. The debate on a carbon price continues, but the energy target is currently Australia’s largest climate change policy, set to lead to the reduction of about 380 million tonnes of carbon emissions by the end of the decade. Like the IT industry in the late 1990s, some incredibly bright minds across the world have turned their attention to developing new technologies that can produce clean, renewable electricity…..lobally there are plenty of examples where the investment is indeed paying off. Figures from Bloomberg New Energy Finance show that $US243 billion ($A252 billion) was invested in clean energy last year, as the sector continues to outstrip traditional energy. Some of the world’s biggest players are seeing the value in clean energy investments, including Google, GE, the US military, Samsung and engineering giant Siemens. GE’s Ecomagination program made more than $80 billion for the company over the past five years by combining good business and sustainability.
Clean energy is a massive opportunity for Australia. There will be the occasional setback, but this is an opportunity we should be seizing with both hands rather than looking for reasons to sit on them. http://www.smh.com.au/business/next-generation-of-clean-energy-technology-is-within-australias-grasp-20111004-1l77n.html#ixzz1a25GMjO9
Australian rooftop solar system providing power at all times
under the current government’s lack of incentives, rooftop solar is not economically attractive … until now.”
urban consumers wanted access to the grid to ensure they had power at all times.
“This achieves that for people – it’s a system which guarantees power supply from a predominantly solar source,”
What solar crisis?, Daily Examiner, 3 Oct 2011 A CLARENCE Valley solar power innovation promises to dramatically reduce household power costs and is offering hope to an industry sector which has had the rug pulled from under it.
In a first for Australia, Northern Rivers Renewable Energy (NRRE) has developed a system that automatically manages a home’s solar and grid power to the advantage of the home owner.
In a nutshell, the household’s entire electricity needs are stored in batteries which are, for the most part, recharged by solar power.
Now – and here’s the innovation – if enough solar energy is not produced, due to persistent rain for example, the system then recharges the batteries from grid power using a combination of off-peak and peak electricity. Continue reading
IAE predicts solar energy boom – will Australia miss out?
….. the IEA will produce a study that predicts more than half the world’s energy needs, and most of its electricity needs, will come from solar energy sources by 2060. The question that Australia needs to ask itself, as it signs yet another multibillion-dollar contract to develop LNG resources, is how it is placed to benefit from a solar future that will dominate future energy sources in the same way as coal and oil has in the past….
Ferguson, like the IEA, has mostly been interested in protecting the supply of fossil fuels for export or use at home, …
Will Australia miss the global solar boom? Crikey.com, 29 Sept 11, by Giles Parkinson of Climate Spectator “……In the past couple of years, however, the IEA has focused more on different scenarios for the world’s future energy needs — both in terms of energy security and in reducing emissions. In doing so, it has emerged as one of the world’s most bullish proponents of renewable energy, in particular solar.Federal
Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson next month will have the honour of chairing the biennial meeting of 36 energy ministers hosted by the International Energy Agency. The topic will be the world’s energy future, and the contents are likely to be surprising — so much so that Ferguson may have cause to consider if Australia is well prepared for the energy revolution ahead.Since its establishment in the 1970s, after the oil price shock, the IEA’s principal mandate has been around the protection of oil supplies, and its forecasts for the world’s long-term energy mix were viewed — particularly by those pushing renewables — with some suspicion. Continue reading
Victorian country town – 90% of households want action for renewable energy
Residents plan for renewable energy, Stawell Times News 23 Sep, 2011 STAWELL REGION – Stawell Climate Action Group has handed over the results of a survey about renewable energy to Federal Member for Mallee, John Forrest.
Group spokesperson, Julie Andrew said of the 105 Stawell households that were surveyed, 91 percent wanted strong policies to support new jobs and investment in renewable energy. She said a remarkable 90 percent of those surveyed wanted Australia to develop a plan to move to 100 percent renewable energy.
“We found when we talked with people and shared information, people in our region overwhelmingly want to talk about solutions,” Ms Andrew said. “They want to get behind a positive vision. They are tired of the negativity and bickering by politicians and just want our elected representatives to get on and do something.”
Ms Andrew said Stawell Climate Action Group asked Mr Forrest to tell the group his plan for how it could get serious renewable energy investment flowing into the Stawell area and making renewable energy more affordable for all Australians……. It’s time we got on with it and unlocked the potential of renewable energy like solar and wind in our area and we will keep working to see that happen.” http://www.stawelltimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-plan-for-renewable-energy/2301627.aspx
Victoria’s Baillieu Liberal government kills off community wind farm plans
As of last month, the project is on hold, possibly dead, after the Baillieu government introduced Australia’s most restrictive wind farm regulations.
Libs sweep wind from turbine sails, The Age, Adam Morton. September 24, 2011 — Nearly four years ago, a small group of Woodend residents hatched a plan to power the historic town entirely on renewable energy. Three wind turbines would be built in a pine forest six kilometres south of the town to generate enough energy to run not only Woodend, but also nearby Macedon, Mount Macedon and Newham.
Wind speeds were modelled to determine the best location, community forums held, more than 500 signatures collected in support, and initial steps taken to start raising the $14 million needed. A smaller number of people expressed objections. Continue reading
Clean Energy Council once again to be run by fossil fuel interests?
Some years ago, the Clean Energy Council was heavily influenced by the fossil fuel industries – and so, not at all to be trusted on matters of renewable energy.
The Clean Energy Council cleaned up its act. But now – is it once again to be dominated by fossil fuel interests? – C.M
[AGL – one of] the big three energy “gentailers” – along with Origin and TruEnergy – which already wield extraordinary power over the clean energy industry and effectively hold the power of veto over which projects and which technologies get funding….the concentration of power in the hands of the gentailers is not good, and it is their influence, rather than bad policy, that is often blamed for blocking the rollout of renewables.
Australia’s clean power struggle, 20 Sep 2011, Climate Spectator, Giles Parkinson The naming of AGL Energy CEO Michael Fraser as the new chairman of the Clean Energy Council caused barely a ripple of interest in the mainstream media last week, but it has created some anxiety in the local renewables industry……. Continue reading
1 This month
Help Aunty Sue Protect Her Land and Sacred Sites From Destructive Rocket Testing.
.
Australians deserve the truth
about
AUKUS – https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
