Michelle Grattan speaks to the Grattan Institute's Tony Wood about the factors that have lead to the crisis, previous governments' failure to plan for transition to renewable sources and the way out.
The assassination of the Iranian general could have lasting effects on energy markets. Which countries could benefit from it and which could be negatively affected?
If Australia is the biggest gas exporter in the world, why are we shipping it back in? Because the gas market is dysfunctional - and it means consumers are suffering.
At the end of 2017, Australia is starting to (slowly) address our energy problems. But it’s also clear the federal government has abdicated leadership and responsibility.
By signing an agreement with the big three producers, the government has effectively made the east coast gas shortage evaporate. But there’s no guarantee the price pain will go away too.
Two reports have highlighted the risk of severe gas shortages in the eastern Australian market, prompting calls for the federal government to restrict exports.
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.
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.
Earlier this year Australia’s energy market operator warned of a gas shortage, sparking fears of an energy crisis. But new research shows the projected shortfall is so small, it may already be closed.
The federal budget will pump A$90 million into boosting domestic gas production, as well as investing in pumped hydro and measures to monitor energy prices.
Michael Hopkin, The Conversation and Emil Jeyaratnam, The Conversation
A survey of leading economists gave a mixed, and overall negative, view on Malcolm Turnbull’s plan to force gas producers to divert exports back into the Australian domestic market.
As the government seeks to rein in the excessive expectations of what it can do to make housing more affordable, Malcolm Turnbull is throwing everything at his energy security policy.
The current domestic gas crisis will pass. But if the industry wants to surpass coal and fulfil its role as a ‘transition fuel’, it should lobby for a carbon price to help it on its way.