Articles Tagged with: Renewable Energy

By September, the federal government will finally let us in on its big climate number – the 2035 emissions reduction target. This isn’t just another political announcement to politely clap through; it’s the line in the sand that tells the world whether Australia’s fair dinkum about pulling its weight on climate action.

Profile of iStore: Learn about this Aussie business, its 25+ years in renewable energy, heat pumps, solar and batteries for sustainable homes.

A ground-breaking energy project is taking shape in the heart of regional New South Wales, and it could help reshape how we think about powering our homes, offices and public buildings. In a forward-thinking collaboration, UNSW Sydney has teamed up with the Trailblazer for Clean Energy and Recycling (TRaCE) and Dubbo Regional Council to trial a next-generation hybrid energy management system (EMS) in one of Dubbo’s council buildings.

As the Latrobe Valley gradually steps away from its coal-powered past, the question on everyone’s mind is: what comes next for local jobs? One surprising answer could lie in a model that’s been around for over a century—worker cooperatives.

The latest election didn’t just secure another term for the Labor government—it delivered a thumping vote of confidence in Australia’s renewable energy future. In the words of Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, Australians have said loud and clear: “Keep going.”

The dust has settled on the 2025 federal election, and one thing is clear: Australians have delivered a resounding "yes" to renewable energy—and a firm "no" to nuclear.

A new survey is making waves in the energy debate, revealing a strong sentiment among Aussies: gas fracking is on the nose, and renewables are the way forward.

In an era of climate challenges and volatile economies, a surprising fusion of tradition and technology is turning heads: solar shepherding. This innovative approach, which merges sheep grazing with solar energy production, isn’t just boosting sustainability—it’s proving highly lucrative, with some solar shepherds earning incomes comparable to doctors or senior engineers.

As Opposition Leader Peter Dutton champions the prospect of nuclear power for Australia, the proposal has sparked intense debate. While his Coalition’s modelling is ambitious, critics have pointed out glaring discrepancies in its assumptions, such as optimistic costings and a significantly lower forecasted demand for electricity compared to official projections. Beneath the political rhetoric, however, lies a critical question: Will Australia embrace a clean energy future or cling to coal and gas under the guise of nuclear ambition?

A significant announcement has just shaken the renewable energy community: Finn Peacock has informed the world that SolarQuotes has been acquired by Origin Energy. This news comes as a big surprise to many of us who have followed the company's journey. But as they say, all good things evolve, and perhaps this is less an end and more a transformative new beginning.

Victoria is ramping up its efforts towards a more energy-efficient, electrified future with a new public consultation focused on the state's flagship energy savings initiative, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. This consultation is a key part of the VEU Strategic Review, which invites input from the public, business, and consumer organisations. The goal is to ensure that the program continues to support households and businesses in reducing emissions and saving energy while contributing to Victoria’s long-term commitment to renewable energy and electrification.

Let’s face it—Aussies are all-in on renewables. We’ve got the highest per capita uptake of solar in the world, with a whopping 30% of households rocking rooftop solar panels, according to the Clean Energy Council. That’s over 3 million solar installations doing their bit to reduce our carbon footprint. Poll after poll shows that Australians are keen as mustard to ditch fossil fuels, and this enthusiasm is driving massive investment in renewable energy projects across the country.

Australia is at a critical juncture in shaping its energy future, and the push for nuclear power is proving to be an ill-suited solution. The rise of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, coupled with advancements in energy storage technologies, presents a more viable and cost-effective path forward.

The transition to renewable energy in Australia is met with significant resistance from both the public and political spheres. This resistance is fueled by a variety of factors, including fear, misinformation, and a reluctance to embrace change.

Australia's electricity sector has made significant strides in reducing emissions, achieving a 26% drop over the past 15 years. The share of renewable energy has surged from 7.5% to over 30%. However, the momentum has slowed, and the sector faces critical challenges in meeting the federal government’s ambitious targets for 2030 and beyond. This article examines the obstacles hindering progress and outlines the necessary steps to ensure a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy future.

Australia's latest federal budget, presented last night, has left environmentalists and conservationists disheartened. While the budget introduces substantial subsidies for green industries, it falls short of addressing the immediate environmental crises that Australia faces. This budget represents another missed opportunity to make significant strides toward environmental protection and conservation.

The Victorian Government is amplifying its efforts to reduce household energy costs through significant investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. The 2024/25 budget allocates $37.7 million for 35,000 rebates on energy-efficient electric hot water systems and $6 million for interest-free loans on solar battery systems. These measures build upon the substantial $624 million invested since 2018, resulting in over 257,000 rooftop solar installations generating 1.7 gigawatts of power.

Australia's potential in leading a renewable energy future is significant, particularly when considering the possibilities presented by solar and wind power. With an expansive land mass and abundant natural resources, the nation is well-poised to harness these energies efficiently, with minimal disruption to its agricultural base.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has launched an ambitious $3.6 million initiative, "Solar for Apartments," that targets one of the more challenging sectors of the housing market in terms of renewable energy adoption—apartment complexes. This initiative represents a strategic collaboration between the Australian and ACT governments, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban living.

Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power before coal, despite its seemingly counterproductive impact on climate goals, is rooted in a deep-seated historical and cultural aversion to nuclear energy. This decision, puzzling to many outsiders, reflects a complex intertwining of post-war socio-political sentiments and a strong push towards renewable energy sources.