Record heat wave hits the Cape
Sarah Martin. It was a hot and frustrating week for Cape York residents and Ergon Energy crews, with record temperatures and multiple power outages impacting the region. At Weipa, the mercury hit 40 degrees on Saturday for the first time in recorded history, with gauges measuring 40.4 at both the airport and RAAF Scherger.
Australia’s first benefit sharing scheme for landowners hosting new transmission lines: Toole, Kean
NSW landowners who host electricity transmission lines are set to benefit from a new Strategic Benefit Payments Scheme designed by the NSW Government to support the rollout of a modern electricity grid. Under the scheme, private landowners in NSW will receive $200,000 per kilometre of new transmission infrastructure hosted on their land, paid out in annual instalments over 20 years, indexed to CPI.
Securing Tasmania’s renewable energy future through historic partnership: Rockliff, Barnett
The Tasmanian Government has signed a Partnership with the Australian Government under its Rewiring the Nation initiative to take the next steps in a Tasmanian energy package comprising of Marinus Link, the North West Transmission Development and Battery of the Nation.
The tractors are ready to roll: TFGA
“It is the fight of the fundamental industries – food and power. We should never plan for one to miss out over another. If the past few years have taught us anything - pandemics, geopolitical unrest and floods, it is we don’t know what is around the corner. Uncertain times call for brave infrastructure investment decisions": Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers CEO Hugh Christie.
Statement on Australia signing the Methane Pledge: NFF
Farmers have been given assurances there will be no new taxes or regulation on livestock methane, and no reduction to agricultural production nor livestock numbers. This commitment recognises agriculture’s existing achievement, future plans and dedication to ongoing partnership with government to develop technology-led solutions and associated innovation. We are confident Australian agriculture and farmers will retain a seat at the table as the conversation continues and this dialog with government is open and dynamic.
Opposition pressure achieves regional power: Rundle, Honey, Love
Regional West Australian’s pleas for equitable access to the energy supply may soon be answered after relentless pressure placed on the McGowan Labor Government by the Opposition. Member for Roe Peter Rundle used Question Time in Parliament to ask the Minister about his commitment to upgrading the network to increase supply allocation for regional communities.
National Ceramic Industries Australia uses data to beat manufacturing energy crisis: OFS
Largest Australian ceramic tile producer saves almost half a million dollars annually in energy costs using OFS sensors on production lines ... “Forecasting penalties and trying to manually count energy usage is incredibly expensive. OFS has automated that entire process and positioned us to mitigate the surges in energy prices and optimise how we buy our gas”: NCIA Factory Manager Craig Oliver.
NSW Farmers says ‘no’ to Methane Pledge: NSW Farmers
The state’s peak agricultural advocacy body says it is opposed to Australia signing up to a global ‘methane pledge’ that is killing small towns across the ditch ... NSW Farmers CEO Pete Arkle said while the federal government had been quick to promise no tax on farmers if it signed up to the Methane Pledge, the experience of New Zealand’s farmers proved talk was cheap.
NFF calls on Government to listen to farmers on Methane Pledge
The National Farmers’ Federation is urging the Federal Government to continue its constructive consultations with agriculture as part of any Global Methane Pledge. As more than 100 countries around the world, including the EU, the US, and Indonesia pledge a 30 per cent global cut in methane emissions by 2030, the spotlight has fallen on Australia to follow suit ... "For agriculture, the best way to reduce emissions further is to arm us with cost-effective technology solutions – not to pursue punitive taxes or regulate farmers out of existence": NFF's Tony Mahar.
Nuke study call
A former scientist with the State Electricity Commission, the Latrobe Valley’s Ray Burgess, has scathingly attacked AGL’s plan to close Loy Yang A station by 2035, calling it “fairyland thinking” ... Mr Burgess said if a low carbon society was mandated by the voting public, “then we need to seriously be considering a nuclear future, and quickly”.
Western Australia remains the national economic powerhouse: McGowan, Johnston
Western Australia's resources sector continues to drive the State and national economies, with record sales of $231 billion and the highest-ever employment figures in 2021-22. This is the fourth financial year in a row the sector has delivered record sales, following $151 billion in 2018-19, $172 billion in 2019-20 and $211 billion in 2020-21.
Coalition Senators move to remove the nuclear ban
Nine Coalition Senators have moved today to remove the ban on nuclear power in Australia by introducing a Private Senators Bill ... “Australia’s unusual legislative ban against nuclear power was moved and debated with less than 30 minutes of debate in the Senate. But the nuclear ban may cause decades of pain if we continue to deny our country reliable power alternatives": Senator Canavan.
Australia’s biggest renewable energy storage targets: Andrews, D’Ambrosio
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio have announced the nation-leading targets alongside a $157 million package supporting renewable energy generation and storage projects across the state.
Central Queensland battery charges ahead: Miles
Central Queensland is stepping up in Queensland’s renewable energy revolution with cheap, clean energy now being exported via a new grid connected battery at Tanby, south of Yeppoon ... “It means renewable energy made during Central Queensland’s many sunny days can be stored to use during peak demand periods in the evening": Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles .
Securing position in global electric vehicle battery sector: Fyles, Uibo
The Northern Territory Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwanese company, Aleees and Perth-based Avenira Ltd, to develop and operate the Territory’s first battery cathode manufacturing plant in Darwin. A significant economic and strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory, the plant will manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathode material.
Have you had your say? Ag landholder survey on transmission infrastructure open: The Energy Charter
As Australia moves towards a renewable energy future, a growing number of agricultural landholders are being approached to host electricity transmission infrastructure on their land. The Energy Charter is collaborating with the ag sector and transmission businesses to co-design practical guidelines for co-existence between transmission infrastructure and agriculture.
A burning issue for council
What is the council’s intention on waste and incinerators? Liz Stops asked this question in the public access time at last month’s Richmond Valley Council meeting ... The State Government has identified four sites suitable for Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities and the Richmond Valley Jobs Precinct (RJP) in Casino is one of them.
Could these hydropanels be a game changer in Cape?
A pilot program in Mapoon has implemented climate-resilient drinking water technology. The council has partnered with Source Global to deliver a resilient, sustainable, and off-grid drinking water solution for locals. Ten hydropanels were installed behind the new cultural centre to make clean, safe drinking water.
Statement on Adblue supply measures: NFF
Moves to secure AdBlue supplies past the end of this year will come as a relief to farmers ... While the AdBlue market in Australia is currently stable, we’ve seen fear sweep through Europe this week as the energy crisis cripples supply and raises concerns of a looming shortage.
Transformative renewable hydrogen plant to be built in Pilbara: MacTiernan
One of Australia's largest renewable hydrogen plants will be built in the Pilbara, with ENGIE and Yara Pilbara Fertiliser (Yara) announcing a positive final investment decision for the Yuri Project ... In collaboration with Yara, ENGIE will develop the new plant to supply renewable hydrogen and electricity to Yara's nearby liquid ammonia facility.
Tourist hot spot to become fully renewable
Phillip Island’s bold vision to become Victoria’s first fully sustainable tourist hot spot in Australia is one step closer, with plans approved for a revolutionary community energy storage system. The Phillip Island Community Energy Storage System (PICESS) will offer greater reliability in electricity supply for the Island, especially during peak holiday periods and could potentially slash power bills, with residents able to use the grid to store their power.
Warwick Hospital now powered by the sun
Warwick is just one of ten health care facilities across the Darling Downs to harness the power of the sun, to ensure a more sustainable future. Other regional health care facilities at Stanthorpe, Texas, Inglewood, Taroom, Jandowae, Baillie Henderson, Cherbourg, Miles and Tara are now also tapping into this renewable energy ... “In total, there are nearly 2500 panels across our facilities, which is around 1330 kW.”
