Why doesn’t this otherwise excellent article mention green energy supplied by Powershop? I’m poor and I use renewable energy, (on scheme that supports community projects, too) from Powershop.
Poor households are locked out of green energy, unless governments help, REneweconomy, By Alan Pears on 7 August 2017, The Conversation
A report released this week by the Australian Council of Social Service has pointed out that many vulnerable households cannot access rooftop solar and efficient appliances, describing the issue as a serious problem.
It has provoked controversy. Some have interpreted the report as an attack on emerging energy solutions such as rooftop solar. Others see it as exposing a serious structural crisis for vulnerable households.
The underlying issue is the fundamental change in energy solutions. As I pointed out in my previous column, we are moving away from investment by governments and large businesses in big power stations and centralised supply, and towards a distributed, diversified and more complex energy system. As a result, there is a growing focus on “behind the meter” technologies that save, store or produce energy.
What this means is that anyone who does not have access to capital, or is uninformed, disempowered or passive risks being disadvantaged – unless governments act.
The reality is that energy-efficient appliances and buildings, rooftop solar, and increasingly energy storage, are cost-effective. They
save households money through energy savings, improved health, and improved performance in comparison with buying grid electricity or gas. But if you can’t buy them, you can’t benefit.
In the past, financial institutions loaned money to governments or big businesses to build power stations and gas supply systems. Now we need mechanisms to give all households and businesses access to loans to fund the new energy system.
Households that cannot meet commercial borrowing criteria, or are disempowered – such as tenants, those under financial stress, or those who are disengaged for other reasons – need help.
Governments have plenty of options…….http://reneweconomy.com.au/poor-households-are-locked-out-of-green-energy-unless-governments-help-32097/
August 7, 2017
Posted by Christina Macpherson |
AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, solar |
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GE, Engie to build 119MW wind farm in South Australia
Engie and GE commit to 119MW wind farm in South Australia, taking confirmed new wind and solar projects in that state to more than 600MW.
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Coal lobby hits peak denial on battery storage, renewables
Australia’s biggest coal miner and leading research organisation come up with ridiculous claims on battery storage in attempts to justify new coal plants and CCS.
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Book Review: Energy Unlimited – 4 steps to 100% renewables
This well-timed Australian book offers a step-by-step how-to for businesses transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.
August 5, 2017
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AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy |
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EVs: Go hard, save big, say AGL and researchers
ClimateWorks urges Australia to go further and quicker on vehicle emissions standards, because the cost savings and health benefits to consumers will be even greater, while AGL says EVs can help transition to a decarbonised grid.
Conergy to focus on Australian solar after buyout led by Goldman Sachs
Conergy says acquisition by US-based funds including Goldman Sachs will strengthen its big solar and battery storage development in Australia and Asia-Pacific.
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No small beer: Foster’s, VB to go 100% renewable by 2025
Some of Australia’s most iconic beers are set to be brewed using solar and wind after Foster’s Group and CUB parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev pledged to shift its 6 terrawatt-hours of annual energy consumption to 100 per cent renewables by 2025.
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S.A. could dump gas plans if batteries, demand response deliver
South Australia has given itself the option to cancel installation of permanent government-owned gas generators. The huge response to ARENA’s demand response EOI, and new storage projects, make it hard to see why new plant is needed once next two summers negotiated.
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Superannuation trustee duties and climate risk
A new legal opinion on climate change and trustee directors’ duties has wide-reaching ramifications for Australia’s $2.3 trillion superannuation industry, Environmental Justice Australia said today.
August 4, 2017
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AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy |
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Soaring power prices caused by “decade of policy instability”
Report says fundamental failure to deliver national, coordinated, stable energy and climate policy a major factor in pushing up electricity prices.
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Innovation: Wind, solar grid integration technologies win state, federal govt grants
Two Australian-made renewables grid integration and stabilisation technologies have won government grants: Clean Technology Partners’ e-cube; and NOJA Power’s smart “switchgear.”
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Wind output curtailed again in South Australia
Wind output in South Australia was heavily constrained again over the weekend because not enough gas generators were online.
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Tesla has its “iPhone moment”, but Australia left in slow lane for EVs
Australia is in danger of missing the iPhone moment in electric vehicles. The country known as land of burning climate and energy policies has left a market hungry for EVs without any affordable products.
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Know your NEM: Showdown looms on CET
A lot of wind and solar projects are getting approved, but no so many with PPAs and finance. Meanwhile, as the company reporting season starts, a showdown looms over energy policy and the CET.
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Politically charged: do you know where your batteries come from?
People are excited about batteries are forgetting one important issue: the raw materials needed to build this technology – where they come from and their environmental cost.
August 2, 2017
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AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy |
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Welfare lobby’s misguided and self-defeating attack on solar
Welfare lobby is right to rail against Australia’s ridiculous electricity prices, but echoing fossil fuel talking points against solar and other new technologies is self defeating.
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Australia solar market heads for 12GW by 2020
Australia’s installed solar PV capacity set to double in three years, according to latest APVI data, as the big solar market gears back up.
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GE wins South Australia tender for back-up generators
GE wins tender for back-up generator, and will install mobile units using diesel this summer, before turning them into longer-term gas-fired units.
How much will a Tesla Model 3 cost in Australia?
The best way to estimate the prices is to use Tesla’s own configuration prices for the USA/Aus Model S and then scale them for the lower numbers.
August 2, 2017
Posted by Christina Macpherson |
AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy |
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Dennis Matthews, 29 July 17 According to the Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), of the six major factors that have forced up energy prices five are directly related to privatisation (The Advertiser 27/7/17).
These are
• inadequate regulation of electricity distribution monopolies
• over-expenditure on electricity distribution infrastructure
• inadequate competition (“concentration”) in electricity generation
• inadequate competition (“concentration”) in electricity retailing, and
• very high gas prices
to which I would add a sixth
• inadequate competition through integration of electricity generation and retailing.
Given that a main function of the ACCC is to make privatisation work, it is not surprising that no mention was made of the political decision to privatise essential energy services.
In order to control skyrocketing energy prices, addressing the overriding factor, privatisation, may have to be the first priority. But don’t expect the ACCC to lead the way.
July 29, 2017
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Mills Oakley advises on largest solar project in Australia
Mills Oakley has advised Elecnor on the $450m 275MWdc Bungala Solar Farm in Port Augusta, South Australia.
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Electric vehicles for Australia: Not if, but how and when
Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) says that with a concerted effort, the Australian car fleet could consist solely of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025.
July 29, 2017
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NSW govt approves 275MW of new solar farms for state
Four more large-scale solar projects totalling 275MW approved for development in central and northern NSW.
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Just how quickly can Tesla kill the petrol car?
Elon Musk to had over first 30 Tesla Model 3s and reveal what’s inside first mass market EV. Along with new government mandates, the event flags another stage in demise of the petrol car. Except perhaps in Australia, whose government is developing an Amish-style suspicion of new technology.
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Environment Ministers to consider national battery recycling scheme
Australia’s Environment Ministers resolved today to consider new laws to require battery manufacturers to collect and recycle used batteries.
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Graph of the Day: Tesla battery popular on both sides of politics
Scott Morrison compares Tesla’s big battery to the Big Banana and the Big Prawn, but polls shows even Coalition voters think it’s a good idea.
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Canavan comes out as “minister for mining sector,” internet gets really mad
Recently removed Coalition minister for resources and Northern Australia admits to representing the mining sector. Facebook responds.
July 29, 2017
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AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy |
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Australia’s largest solar farm – 220MW – under construction
Reach Solar to proceed with second stage of Bungala solar farm near Port Augusta, snatching title of largest solar farm under construction.
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Consumers vs the empire: The economics favour partial grid defection
The economics are now increasingly in favour of partial grid defection. You’re a fool if you don’t have rooftop solar PV and you could.
Weatherill lets fly at right wing attack against renewables
Jay Weatherill in pugnacious mood at launch of Mark Butler’s Climate Wars book, promising to repeat his Frydenberg shirtfront with PM Turnbull if given the opportunity.
Innovation, disruption and the utility business model
The power sector’s rapid transformation has barely started, but implications for incumbents are beginning to be felt and speculated.
NT indigenous communities begin shift to hybrid solar and storage
ARENA backed NT project commissions first 10 solar, battery storage systems, cutting diesel fuel use by more than a million litres a year.
Fossil fuels and Australian tools: It’s time to go fully electric
Sally Perini has four electric cars, a fully electric ride on mower and a suite of electric tools. And for good reason: One two-stroke leaf blower used for one hour can produce as much hydrocarbons as 150 cars over the same time.
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July 28, 2017
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AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy |
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- EnergyAustralia: “The truth about coal is that it is not cheap”
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EnergyAustralia says coal is not cheap and idea that new coal plants could reduce electricity costs is a “myth”. This comes as the ACCC vows to focus on bidding practices in wholesale markets, an issue completely ignored by AEMC, the market rule maker.
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ACT launches second phase of battery test centre, early results in
Early results suggest that lithium-ion out-performs both the advanced and traditional lead-acid battery packs in terms of round-trip efficiency.
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Electricity sector “gold plating” behind sky-high prices – not renewables
TAI report says electricity sector gold-plating costing households $400-$500 a year. Cost of carbon price: “barely noticeable.”
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AGL expands smart technology portfolio with $13m in US start-up
AGL invests $13 million in smart lock and smart home controls start-up in US, expanding its push into new technologies.
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Queensland launches “world’s largest” EV fast-charging network
Queensland govt launches Electric Super Highway, names first 18 locations for “green-powered” EV fast charging stations.
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Digging for carbon cuts: How the mining industry can win with renewables
An unprecedented drop in renewable energy prices, the high energy intensity of mining, and the volatility of fossil fuel pricing have combined to create a groundbreaking opportunity for decarbonizing the mining industry.
July 28, 2017
Posted by Christina Macpherson |
AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy |
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SA’s energy revolution – what it means for Australia http://www.examiner.com.au/story/4803957/sas-energy-revolution-what-it-means-for-australia/?cs=97 23 Jul 2017 The energy storage revolution has arrived with a bang. The recent announcement by the South Australian government that it will partner with Elon Musk’s Tesla to build the world’s biggest lithium-ion battery was a lightning bolt moment with profound implications for regional communities. The 100MW battery will provide stability for a wind farm, and emergency backup power. It will also provide badly needed jobs for regional towns in construction, operation and maintenance, as well as tourism from those flocking to see this technological wonder.
This project marks just the beginning. Both Victoria and Queensland are planning similar large-scale battery projects, and storage is also being rolled out in homes, businesses and regional communities across the country.
Australia has the highest rate of household solar use in the world, so it makes sense that families would look to batteries to store excess electricity (created during the day) to be used when they need it most (when returning home from work or school).
Around 20,000 families have solar batteries now, but as prices keep plummeting it’s not unreasonable to expect 500,000 Australians will have them by 2020.
Many companies offer mouth-watering financial packages that combine solar and storage. German battery storage company Sonnen is offering Aussies free electricity – paying customers’ power bills in return for accessing the battery storage capacity to provide grid balancing services for network operators.
Storage has arrived and it will give you control of your energy use, and slash your power bills. With power prices set to rise by up to 20 per cent, now is the time to shop around and see how solar and storage can work for you.
John Grimes is the Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council and Australian Energy Storage Council.
July 24, 2017
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South Australia, storage |
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North Queensland to be Australia’s first major exporter of solar power
As Conservatives push for new coal generator in north Queensland, the region is about to become Australia’s first significant solar power exporter.
Australia’s Greatcell signs MOU with JinkoSolar for perovskite cells
Under a non-exclusive MOU with JinkoSolar, Greatcell will make developmental perovskite cells available for further evaluation.
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July 21, 2017
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‘Almost exponential’: Green bank eyes rapid renewables growth as doubts linger, SMH Peter Hannam, 20 July 17 Investments by the government’s $10 billion clean energy fund are growing at an “almost exponential” rate but growth could shudder to a halt if the industry’s post-2020 policy is not settled, according to the agency’s new head, Ian Learmonth.
Mr Learmonth, who took on the role of chief executive of the Clean Energy Finance Corp, said the fund had about 50 transactions in the pipeline worth about $4 billion of its own funds. Based on previous years’ results, partners joining the CEFC would lift the total investment value to $10 billion.
In the year to June 30, the CEFC committed to 35 projects in wind, solar, storage and energy efficiency projects worth almost $2.1 billion, more than double the previous year’s tally and close to five times the size of its first-year investments in 2014-15.
“We feel like we’ve gone mainstream these days,” Mr Learmonth told Fairfax Media on the sidelines of the Clean Energy Summit in Sydney, adding that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg had trumpeted the fund’s activities. “I don’t have any concerns about the political issues around the organisation.”……
Mr Frydenberg said “appointments to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation will be announced before the next scheduled board meeting in August”. He did not say if any of the four, including chair Jillian Broadbent, would have their terms extended. http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/almost-exponential-green-bank-eyes-rapid-renewables-growth-as-doubts-linger-20170717-gxd7pj.html
July 21, 2017
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Smaller businesses are installing rooftop solar at unprecedented rates (which explains why solar is by far the most popular technology choice)
Business slowly wakes up to reality that renewables are cheap http://reneweconomy.com.au/business-slowly-wakes-reality-renewables-cheap-32040/, By Giles Parkinson on 19 July 2017 One Step Off The Grid Consider these two propositions: The top reason cited by Australian business for using more renewables it that it costs less. The top reason cited by Australian business for not using renewables it that it costs more.
As Ivor Frischknecht, the head of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency observes, both propositions cannot be right. It is pretty obvious now that the right answer is that renewables cost less, but ignorance is hurting business, as well as Australia’s policy debate.
Less than half of Australian businesses – according to a new ARENA report – actually source any renewable energy at all, and when they do it assumes only a minor role (less than 10 per cent of the needs of the user).
The lack of knowledge is perhaps understandable – the arrival of cheap renewables is not something that gathers much mainstream media attention, despite the soaring cost of grid power to its current ridiculously high levels.
Two of the biggest corporate investments in renewable energy have received little or no mainstream media coverage.
These include the Sun Metals investment in a 116MW solar farm to underpin the expansion of its zinc refinery in north Queensland; and the commitment by Nectar Farms to power the country’s largest glasshouse for vegetable crops with just wind and battery storage, preventing a project from heading overseas due to high energy costs in Australia.
Telstra got a lot of publicity for its recent commitment to a 70MW solar farm in Queensland, but as Nada Kalam, an electrical engineer for Telstra Energy says, it was no easy job.
“The economics for a solar PPA speaks for itself,” Kalam said. “Financially it totally makes sense.” But, Kalam added, it was hard work to get it through the system.
“It took a while but it set a precedent,” she said at the Clean Energy Summit on Tuesday. “We showed it is very doable and we built trust about the process. This is something we can do more of and at a faster pace.” Continue reading →
July 21, 2017
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AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, business, energy |
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Queensland energy minister stands down amid email investigation
A blow to the state-based renewable energy and climate effort as Queensland energy minister Mark Bailey is sidelined by allegations of corruption.
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Hazelwood gone today – Liddell gone tomorrow. Are we ready?
Early action on transmission should be at the top of the new Energy Security Board’s agenda if we are to connect enough wind and solar and hydro to replace retiring coal generators.
EnergyAustralia signs PPA for 150MW Neoen solar farm in NSW
EnergyAustralia has agreed to buy 100MW of output from planned Neoen solar farm in NSW – its 5th renewables PPA in seven months.
Rooftop solar shock for consumers, installers as rebate price falls by one-third
Price of rooftop solar to jump 10%, and catch many installers unawares, due to sudden fall in price of rebate certificates after record amounts of new solar in past 6 months.
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Former Wallaby player and European energy veteran joins Wirsol Energy Pty Ltd
WIRSOL Energy, part of the WIRCON Group, has appointed Bill Calcraft as non-executive director of its Australian operations, to focus on expanding WIRSOL Energy’s relationships in Australia, bringing a wealth of experience in the European energy sector to WIRSOL Energy’s thriving business.
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GreenSync awarded CEC innovation award
GreenSync has won the 2017 Clean Energy Council Innovation Award in conjunction with AusNet Services and Power Tech for their work on the Mini Grid project in Mooroolbark, Victoria.
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Photon Energy mandates Pottinger as financial advisors for Australian project pipeline
Global solar power solutions provider Photon Energy NV has mandated financial and strategic advisory firm Pottinger Co Pty Limited, to advise on a capital raising for a solar PV project pipeline with a total generation capacity of over 1 GW in Australia.
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Transgrid: 100% renewables is feasible and affordable
Network operator Transgrid says 100 per cent renewable energy is both feasible and affordable, and says only incremental increases in renewable energy will not achieve potential falls in the cost of electricity.
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July 21, 2017
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AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy |
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Antinuclear 