Major coal generators say the proposal will help shore up energy supplies. But opponents say it will pay coal plants for simply existing and delay the clean energy transition.
New research found power stations in the Latrobe Valley emit around 10 times more mercury than power stations in the Hunter Valley. The stark difference has a lot to do with regulations.
Electricity emissions can be cut to net-zero while keeping the lights on and prices down. But achieving that quickly means keeping gas around, for now.
Yallourn power station, Australia’s oldest and dirtiest coal plant, will close four years ahead of schedule. Without a national policy, coal workers are left dangerously exposed.
Daniel D'Hotman, University of Oxford and Steven Hamilton, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
The end of coal-fired generation in Australia is inevitable. But the federal government can do more to ensure an orderly transition to renewables – avoiding price spikes and supporting workers.
Llewelyn Hughes, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
The Japanese government will retire its fleet of old, inefficient coal-fired generation by 2030. If Japan’s commitment to coal weakens, our exports can expect a big hit.
Better energy efficiency lowers electricity bills, manages energy demand and helps the climate. Unfortunately, Australia is going nowhere on this cheap, simple measure.
The rules governing Australia’s electricity market are more than 20 years old and no longer serve consumers, or climate action. But big energy companies are using COVID-19 to delay reform.
Paul Burke, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University; Frank Jotzo, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, and Rohan Best, Macquarie University
We have quantified the effects of twelve power station closures in five states. Local unemployment shoots up and comes down only slowly.