Media

Australia is fossil fuel dependent – supplying half the globes’ iron ore, and nearly as much coking coal. In a world that’s looking to get away from fossil fuels, this is a problem. What can Australia do to maintain its mineral wealth and meet emissions targets? Rear Vision drills down into our coal and iron-ore industries. And asks, can Green Iron save us? Read more

The Prime Minister has spent much of the day trying to guarantee the future of Australia’s critically important exports to China’s steel industry, wrapping up a high-level roundtable on green steel in Shanghai. Australian coal and iron ore exports have fuelled China’s construction boom and underwritten Australian prosperity for years, pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into the budget. But as China’s steel industry moves to decarbonise — as well as diversifying its imports and winding down production — Australia’s long resources boom faces an uncertain future. Read more

The key problem is that Snowy Hydro has built 7 new fossil fuel generation projects since the turn of this century, but has not built a single wind, solar or BESS project. The Snowy board is failing to align with and drive the Federal Government’s ambitious electricity decarbonisation agenda, nor build the replacement generation capacity we need to lower power prices for all. Read more

Electricity prices in South East Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales are set to rise from 1 July, with NSW seeing an 8–10% increase under the Default Market Offer (DMO). Some providers, such as Momentum Energy, are raising rates by up to 25%. Energy Minister Chris Bowen will today announce a review of the DMO, aiming to prioritise public interest over energy company profits. Tim Buckley, Director of Climate Energy Finance, criticised the current system, urging consumers to shop around annually to avoid a “loyalty tax”. While reforms are expected next year, households will face higher prices in the meantime. Read more

Tim Buckley, Climate Energy Finance Director, says energy costs are rising across the board—network, wholesale, retail—driven in part by long-term […] Read more

There’s a big debate in Australia about nuclear power. The Liberal-National Coalition says it’s key to cutting carbon and electricity costs, and estimates it will cost $331 billion. The Labor Party disagrees, saying it would cost closer to $600 billion. An independent group, Climate Energy Finance, thinks it could cost as much as $4.3 trillion. Read more

Nuclear power would lead to higher energy costs and more carbon pollution. Tim Buckley mentioned the true cost is much higher than claimed, as 90% of construction expenses occur after 2050 and are left out of the $331 billion estimate used in the LNP’s plan. Read more

Independent think tank Climate Energy Finance says nuclear power leads to permanently higher energy costs and significant carbon pollution. Read more

n the lead-up to Australia’s election, the cost of living crisis remains a key issue. Labor has proposed a 30% subsidy on household batteries linked to solar energy, which could save individuals over $1,000 annually on electricity bills. However, some homes, especially apartments, may not benefit due to limitations in installing solar systems. Read more

If Labor wins the next election, it promises a 30% subsidy on home batteries, capped at one battery per household, with the subsidy renewed yearly. Tim Buckley, director of Climate Energy Finance, supports the plan, noting that it could reduce battery costs, which can exceed $10,000, by around $3,000, benefiting households with significant savings. Read more

China has emerged as the global leader in clean technology, making significant strides in renewable energy technology, manufacturing, domestic deployments […] Read more

Tim explains that power prices are rising because Queensland hasn’t built enough new energy capacity to replace old coal-fired plants. In Queensland, prices are going up by 3-5%, while Victoria’s increase is lower at 1-3%. Read more