Just 14 of Auckland’s largest building rooftops add up to the same area as the biggest solar farm – but they could generate electricity where it’s most used to keep the lights on during disasters.
The European Union gave South Africa grants of €32 million to set up a green hydrogen industry. But the real cost to do this will be €20 billion. More funds are needed.
Mining operations can damage both communities and the natural world. Yet, the demand for critical minerals to supply the renewable energy industry is rising.
We’re well on the road to net zero by 2050. Now a new report from Australia’s independent Climate Change Authority provides pathways for each sector of the economy. Let’s get on with it.
The hydropower dam is part of a huge effort to boost India’s homegrown energy. But it will radically disrupt the lives and livelihoods of indigenous communities in the flood plains downstream.
Increased investment in electricity generation, transmission and storage has led to a more positive outlook for the reliability of the system – if these projects are delivered on time.
Alan Brent, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The good news is that New Zealand is on track to meet electricity demand with renewable generation by 2030. The less good news is that winter price spikes are still likely.
Llewelyn Hughes, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Governments around the world are intervening in the market to boost green industries. Picking winners like this comes with a chance of failure – but it’s not a reason to stop
Stephen Poletti, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Bruce Mountain, Victoria University, and Geoff Bertram, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Energy Minister Simeon Brown wants to explore importing gas to prop up electricity generation – but subsidising the expansion of rooftop solar would be quicker, cheaper and more popular.
The scale of the challenge of hitting Australia’s renewable energy target points to the need for a more standardised and inclusive approach to sharing the benefits than we have seen so far.