Philip Hopkins
64 POSTS
Battery like a charger on a huge scale
The 150 megawatt battery installed by Engie at the old Hazelwood power station site has just had its first birthday – and the company is very happy with its ability to produce electricity when needed and its financial performance.
Energy transition: at what cost?
An independent report by a leading consultant shows that the Labor’s Party’s ‘renewables only’ energy plan will cost Australians at least $642 billion, according to the federal Opposition. “This is five times more than they have told the Australian people,” Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Ted O’Brien said.
Too expensive and too slow
Environmentalists in Gippsland maintain that nuclear energy is not a viable option for the region because it’s too expensive, its lengthy design and construction time make it too slow to replace coal, and it uses too much water. “Australia boasts abundant renewable energy resources, being the sunniest continent in the world and among the windiest, making renewable energy abundant and affordable,” Gippsland Climate Change Network said in its submission to the House of Representatives inquiry into nuclear power.
Nuclear power essential: Camier
Nuclear power generation in the Latrobe Valley is now essential because of the need for base load power in a balanced system as over-investment in renewables is destabilising electricity supply and increasing costs, according to a retired Morwell scientist. Dr Ron Camier, in a submission to the House of Representatives inquiry into nuclear power, said these increasing costs due to renewables were a primary driver for increasing unemployment and the cost-of-living.
Loy Yang seeks water for mine lake
Water is a key part of the operation of the Loy Yang mine – and will still be a key part of the brown coal mine’s future. The scheduled closure of the Loy Yang A power station in 2035 is looming larger on the horizon, and the water issue needs to be sorted out.
No bushfire expert on panel
The Howitt Society has condemned the state government for not including bushfire expertise on the panel that is investigating the future of Gippsland's native forest ... The Howitt Society's bushfire fears come as a cross-section of bush users, miners and prospectors are rebelling against the possibility that several hundred thousand extra hectares of forest could be included in a Great Forest National Park.
Loy Yang identified for power play
A nuclear power station at Loy Yang would create cheaper zero emissions electricity and generate regional economic development, according to the federal Opposition's nuclear energy policy ... Loy Yang is one of seven identified locations at a power station that has closed or is scheduled to close, around Australia ... "Each of these locations offer important technical attributes needed for a zero-emissions nuclear plant..."
Century of power generated right here in Latrobe
At midday on Sunday, June 15 1924, electricity from the new Yallourn Power Station first reached Melbourne when the State Electricity Commission switched on the high voltage transmission line linking Morwell and the Yarraville distribution terminal. It was then the greatest single public infrastructure project Australia had seen, but it passed without fanfare or public ceremony.
Mighty magnesium
In a major boost to Latrobe Valley industry and jobs, Latrobe Magnesium has paved the way for its plant in Morwell to use the company’s own patented technology to eventually produce magnesium for the international market from the Valley’s brown coal fly ash. The company, in a release to the ASX on Monday, announced the completion of commissioning for the first phase of its 1000 tonnes per annum, Stage 1 demonstration plant.
Council reaffirms support for HESC
Latrobe City Council has reaffirmed its strong support for the Japanese hydrogen HESC project, stressing the vital role it can play in the Latrobe Valley’s economic future, after a visit to the proponent’s industry hub in Japan. “The visit was successful in reinforcing the support from Latrobe City to be a hub for hydrogen manufacturing and the HESC project... "