Renewables: “If not us who? If not now, when?”
This was the challenge put forward by keynote speaker, Cathy McGowan at a sell-out event at last week’s National Renewables in Ag Conference and now the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) is calling on the State Government to put communities first when it comes to the energy transition ... "Don’t be the victim, be the beneficiary," she said. "We need to ask for big things, not just little things, and TSBE is the group that can do that.
Your mysterious power bill changes
Many of the 5.7 million Australian electric power users without solar panels on their roofs are likely to face very different power costs when they receive their next quarterly bill. Although we have continually been told in recent times that the already high price of power will be reduced, certain power retailing companies are simply currently advising their customers that “new electricity rates” will apply from the beginning of this month. They do not, however, warn that the new rates will generally sharply increase...
Findings shared from Australia’s first hydrogen microgrid: Cook, Buti
The Cook Government has ... released a Public Knowledge Sharing Report on the Denham Renewable Hydrogen Microgrid - the first of its kind in Australia. The project, which is now fully operational, includes a 704-kilowatt solar farm, 348kW hydrogen electrolyser and a 100kW fuel cell located in Denham, providing an innovative alternative to diesel generators.
Power for the asking, in more ways than one
The NT Government is charging you five times as much for electricity compared to what Fred next door is paying for solar. Got an envelope? Turn it over. Here we go ... Just 13 per cent of the town’s electricity consumption is from solar. A mere 3 or 4 per cent comes from the Uterne Solar Farm ...
Why don’t more farms go off grid?
Last month, I attended the AgZero - WAFarmers PowerShift Forum, where we got the good oil on the exciting future that awaits us as we turn off coal and gas and turn on renewables ... it got me thinking about the cost-benefit of taking our farms across to the green side of the electricity equation and cashing in on all this free sunlight we have.
Eat or heat
The vulnerable in the district are choosing between heating and eating this winter. If they turn on heating to keep themselves warm during the chilly nights, many say they will be faced with eye-watering power bills. So, what does the public do? The [Naracoorte Community] News asked our decision makers to explain why we have one of the highest electricity prices in the world and what is being done to give regional South Australians some relief.
Disfigured trees distress residents
Occupants of heritage houses on Templeton Street, between Adair and Parker Streets, were distressed to discover that electricity supplier Powercor had pruned trees outside their homes last week. They were upset at the severity of the works and the resulting shape of the trees.
Opposition explores benefits of nuclear energy in Port Augusta: Speirs, Patterson
Leader of the Opposition, David Speirs ... travel to Port Augusta for the first time since the Federal Coalition announced the Spencer Gulf city as one of seven locations it proposes to build zero-emissions nuclear power plants. The State Liberal Opposition is keen to explore the viability of a civil nuclear industry in South Australia – and its potential to lower energy prices...
Power pole transition plan sparks concerns
A decision by an electricity network which covers more than 90 per cent of the state to phase out hardwood power poles in favour of composite poles made from resin and fibreglass has sparked community concerns amidst allegations the transition will increase power bills, further exacerbating financial pressures during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, as well as compromise the timber industry.
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..."
Concern at Climate Change Authority announcement: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers is urging the new head of the Climate Change Authority not to forget the critical importance of agriculture in feeding the future. This week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that Matt Kean, former NSW treasurer and energy minister, would now head the Climate Change Authority. NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the announcement was concerning to those in rural communities who were still dealing with the consequences of Mr Kean’s decisions as minister.
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley calls for nuclear power stations
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has backed the call for nuclear power in Australia ... “So they're trying to do everything with renewables, which is why it's not working. We're saying, take the time to keep gas in the system while we need it. It's not nearly as detrimental as coal. Then build nuclear, because, while expensive to build, it's very cheap to operate, and nuclear is zero emissions."
Agreement to boost WA’s participation in wind energy supply chain: Dawson
The Cook Government has signed a collaborative agreement with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). Through the agreement, an industry support program will deliver financial and non-financial support for local businesses, to enhance their participation in wind energy supply chains.
Renewables move a significant long-term challenge for Australian ag: GrainGrowers
A move from fossil fuels to renewables is a significant long-term challenge for Australian agriculture, balancing economic viability and practicality of emerging technologies in the push for a greener more secure energy future. A GrainGrowers report, Fuels, Inputs of the Future, examines possible fuels for farm machinery and equipment in the future...
New wind farm in North Queensland to power 240,000 homes: Plibersek
The Albanese Government has approved another new wind farm in Queensland which will generate enough energy to power 240,000 Queensland homes. The 400 megawatt Gawara Baya Wind Farm is located 65km southwest of Ingham, Queensland and includes the installation of 69 wind turbines ... The project is expected to increase wind generation in the National Electricity Market by 5.2 per cent, and overall renewable generation by 1.8 per cent.
Letter of Demands from C.F.A. brigades to State Emergency Services Minister and C.F.A. C.O.
Affected CFA Brigades have united in a call for industrial action to achieve demands with respect to the future of their role as firefighters, in view of the Victorian State Government proposed reckless renewables expansion. We consider untenable the risks to lives and property, and irreparable damage imposed by proposed installations of High Voltage Transmission Lines and Renewable Energy Infrastructure.
Statement on Australia’s national energy plan: NFF
Australian farmers and regional communities are warning policymakers the debate around Australia’s energy mix must come back to the people and land it impacts. The NFF’s position remains that Australia’s national energy policies must deliver affordable, reliable and increasingly lower emissions energy for all Australians. These policies should be technology-neutral and driven by markets.
Understanding the lengthy process for renewable energy approval
With far more interest and opportunity in the SW-REZ for renewable energy projects than current transmission capacity allows, many of the proposed wind and solar farms on the Hay Plains are unlikely to be built unless the Government announces further transmission projects to increase capacity ... Tim Mead, the Development Director at Australian-owned renewable energy developer Someva Renewables, sat down with The [Riverine] Grazier to discuss the SW REZ Access Rights tender process.
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.
Know the risks
Many portable devices today are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries pose a higher risk of fire than others. Lithium-ion batteries are popular because they are lightweight and long lasting compared to other rechargeable batteries.
Farmers rally against Labor’s secretive Borumba Pumped Hydro project: Littleproud, O’Brien
Farmers and families have rallied against Labor’s secretive plans for the Borumba Pumped Hydro project, with fears it will destroy prime agricultural land, pristine rainforest and animal habitat in the Kilkivan area. The concerned locals met with Federal Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud and Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien, warning Labor’s hydro project could have devastating consequences.
Fracking corporation’s cultural heritage and water breaches show the Albanese Government must take immediate action
GetUP is calling on Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to urgently use her powers to protect water and ancient artefacts following the exposure of significant environmental breaches by Empire Energy during their fracking operations in the Beetaloo Basin, Northern Territory. These violations highlight a disregard for environmental regulations and Traditional Owners’ cultural heritage.
