Environment
Energy rollercoaster: Australian bills to fall and rise
15 July
Solar panels, wind farms and cheaper batteries will help to cut Australian electricity bills in the coming years, even as the artificial intelligence boom pushes up the price of gas technology. But energy prices will rise after 2030, a study has...[Read More]
Location set for Australia’s first gas-free steel mill
8 July
Australia’s first new steel mill in three decades will be unlike any before it. Run entirely on electricity, the Greensteel Australia factory to be built in the NSW Hunter region will make steel that’s low emissions and unencumbered by fossil...[Read More]
Australian green hydrogen project gets the green light
1 July
One of the largest renewable hydrogen projects in Australia will be built in regional NSW after it secured a $432 million government investment. Mining company Orica announced its Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub had reached a final investment decision on...[Read More]
‘Missed opportunity’ to act on power plan loyalty tax
24 June
A proposal to clamp down on the loyalty tax paid by disengaged power customers does not go far enough in the view of consumer and small business groups. Australia’s electricity rule-maker initiated a review to tackle the problem of customers...[Read More]
AI’s thirst trap: tech giant taps into recycled water
24 June
More Australian data centres could cool down using recycled water after a US tech giant revealed plans to build its first local artificial intelligence hub using the resource. Amazon announced a partnership with Greater Western Water on Thursday to...[Read More]
Outback powerhouse: regions could solve Aussie AI issue
24 June
Building data centres near existing solar and wind projects in regional Australia would not only support local jobs and industry, but could reduce the amount of energy going to waste. The Electrical Trades Union released the findings on Wednesday...[Read More]
Residents to get no-interest loans for energy upgrades
17 June
Residents in NSW can now access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to fund lower energy upgrades to their homes, aimed at slashing bills and taking pressure off the grid. Ahead of next week’s state budget, the NSW government announced on...[Read More]
Businesses MIA on rooftop solar and battery revolution
10 June
Australian households are generating nearly four times as much solar energy as retailers, manufacturers and other non-residential buildings, with most commercial rooftops panel-free. Harvesting the vast, untapped generating and storage potential in...[Read More]
Preparing for lift-off: green fuel projects get a boost
10 June
Seven green fuel projects designed to accelerate Australia’s move to low-emission transport will themselves be given a boost in a $1.7 million pilot program. Advisory firm Cyan Ventures announced Australia’s Green Fuels Accelerator on Wednesday,...[Read More]
Shifting gears: electric cars surge during fuel crisis
3 June
A record number of Australian drivers are choosing electric and hybrid vehicles, with the low-emission cars closing in on half of all new vehicles sales for the first time. Motorists are slamming the brakes on petrol and diesel cars, with their...[Read More]
Small business switched off from electrification boom
3 June
Thousands of Australian small businesses are falling behind on electrification, weighing on national climate goals and leaving manufacturers exposed to gas market volatility. Many small and medium-sized businesses that rely on gas-powered heat to...[Read More]
Australia’s remaining solarless roofs harder to crack
27 May
On a mission to investigate solar, battery and electrification retrofits for the block of flats she lives in, Coco Venaglia has faced hurdle after hurdle. The building’s strata committee is open to upgrades but pressed for time, and was pleased...[Read More]
Rent hikes, more homelessness as climate change bites
20 May
Climbing insurance premiums and other economic symptoms of climate change are expected to push rents higher and drive homelessness without well-targeted intervention. Under a high-emissions future, characterised by the ongoing dominance of fossil...[Read More]
Aussie tech to tell heavy electric trucks where to go
20 May
Swapping heavy duty diesel trucks for electric prime movers can be a complicated journey but a local start-up is offering to navigate the twists and turns for the freight industry. Australian based Eco Route Advisory appeared at TruckShowX in the...[Read More]
Budget lacks energy for big renewable project reforms
13 May
Australia’s growing throng of solar panels, batteries and electric cars will be managed by a new regulator in a multimillion-dollar budget commitment welcomed by investment and climate groups. The change will come in addition to support for...[Read More]