New modelling suggests that Australia could use renewable energy to hit its 2030 emissions reduction targets, without it costing any more overall than maintaining the status quo.
A new report claims that combing renewable energy sources like solar with battery storage could safely take Australia to 50% renewables by 2030.
AAP Image/Lucy Hughes Jones
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 new energy policy could potentially function to preserve black coal’s place in the energy mix.
AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
The National Energy Guarantee proposal seems geared towards locking in the status quo rather than driving the much-needed energy transition.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (right) and Australian Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg today announced the government’s new energy policy.
AAP Image/Lukas Coch
Michael Hopkin, The Conversation; Madeleine De Gabriele, The Conversation e Wes Mountain, The Conversation
The National Energy Guarantee promises to make electricity supply more reliable, cheaper and less polluting.
Minister for Energy Josh Frydenberg, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during a press conference.
AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
The new policy will put the onus on electricity retailers to cut emissions while guaranteeing reliability. And while the scheme isn’t perfect, it offers a rare opportunity for bipartisanship.
Yes, but who’s directing energy policy?
AAP Image/David Mariuz
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.
Has the political sun started shining on Jay Weatherill?
AAP Image/David Mariuz
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.
Information about discounts will be simpler, but you’ll still have to do the legwork to shop around.
AAP Image/Julian Smith
The government’s deal with electricity retailers to provide simple information to customers about their discounts and bills is a welcome step, but doesn’t cut to the heart of the power price issue.
A single, national market that supplies all of Australia’s electricty is looking dangerously outdated – and politically impossible.
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Proposals for the government to commission more “baseload” electricity generation will raise private sector concerns over Canberra’s growing willingness to intervene in a previously free market.
The Finkel review’s recommendations would put pressure on coal while encouraging gas and renewable energy
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A Clean Energy Target and a swathe of measures to improve the security and reliability of the electricity grid are among the recommendations of the keenly awaited Finkel Review.
Depending on the policy settings, a low-emissions target could conceivably award carbon credits to coal plants.
AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
The Finkel Review looks likely to recommend a “low emissions target”, which would award credits to cleaner energy sources, much like the current Renewable Energy Target.
The forecast for future blackouts in Australia doesn’t look good if there’s no change in our energy demand and supply.
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Better energy management could reduce peak demand by the equivalent of two Hazelwood power stations. It’s time to get serious about demand response solutions to our energy crisis.
Current political intervention in the energy market is haphazard and disconnected.
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The energy security crisis has politicians leaping to unveil various schemes. But we don’t need piecemeal action – the Finkel review, due in June, aims to create a coherent new energy blueprint.
Western Australia’s largest private solar array covers the roof of this food distribution centre in Perth’s south.
AAP Image/Bidvest
Despite its name, the National Electricity Market doesn’t reach WA. But those charged with guiding the eastern states’ energy transition should look west once in a while.
Residential electricity prices in Canada and the United States are typically less a half those in Australia.
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