A recent report claims that Australia’s energy can reliably come from 50% renewable sources by 2030. But arguing over renewable levels distracts from a paucity of policy.
The government is set to unveil its long-awaited energy plan that would scrap subsidies for renewables and impose obligations on power companies to source a certain proportion of ‘reliable’ supply.
Speaking in a light and bright FM radio interview on Tuesday, Malcolm Turnbull said that in politics “just being chilled, calm is very important. A little bit of zen goes a long way.” He was answering…
We have learned a lot in the year since South Australia’s lights went out, and have made some useful early reforms. But the energy sector and politicians need to chart a much steadier course in future.
The price of renewable energy will fall significantly relative to new-build coal in coming decades, making an all-renewable electricity system more desirable, both economically and environmentally.
As coal has muscled its way to the centre of the stage, we’ve seen the showdown between the government and AGL over the future of its Liddell coal-fired power station.
We need to remember that baseload coal power stations won’t help cope with peak demand – the issue that will determine whether people in elevators are trapped by a sudden blackout, per Barnaby Joyce.
AGL has delivered an initial sharp rebuff to Malcolm Turnbull’s plea to extend the life of the Liddell coal-fired power station by at least five years.
Energy certainty is unattainable, because of disruptive change and multiple agendas. But we can deliver affordable, reliable, clean energy services. Governments will have to adapt.
A panel of leading economists has given its majority verdict on Alan Finkel’s proposed Clean Energy Target: it may not be the best possible emissions policy, but we should get on with it anyway.