Articles Tagged with: Renewables

You don’t need a PhD in energy policy to see the crunch coming. Australia’s plugging in everything — EVs, heat pumps, home batteries; full electrification is coming — while coal plants cough their last and politicians chase emissions targets like it’s a race for Olympic gold. On paper, we’re on track for 82% renewables by 2030. Out in the paddocks, where those turbines and panels actually land, it’s another story.

We’ve all heard it: the clean-energy transition is crawling along while coal, oil and gas keep the lights on. It’s a neat line—and a misleading one. Compared with past energy upheavals (muscle to wood, wood to coal, coal to oil), this shift is moving at record speed because the technology is now cheap, reliable and fast to roll out. Build solar, wind and batteries, and they immediately start squeezing fossil generation out of the system. Economics is doing the heavy lifting, not wishful thinking.

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.

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.

Australia has made significant strides in renewable energy, with nearly 40% of its electricity now coming from sources like wind and solar—four times more than 15 years ago. But instead of falling, power prices are set to rise yet again. Given that renewables are the cheapest form of newly built energy, many Australians are left wondering why their electricity bills aren’t dropping. Let’s break down the reasons behind this.

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.

The world is grappling with a dual environmental crisis: the need for a swift transition to low-carbon energy sources and the alarming rate of biodiversity loss. While efforts to mitigate climate change through renewable energy projects are commendable, they often overlook the critical impact on ecosystems and species. This oversight is particularly evident in Australia, where renewable energy developments are increasingly clashing with environmental and cultural preservation.

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.

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.

Australia is stepping onto the global stage with bold initiatives aimed at reviving its domestic manufacturing and energy sectors through sustainable technologies. Inspired by international movements and the urgent need for environmental and economic reform, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration is preparing to roll out the Future Made in Australia Act. This new legislation seeks to harness Australia's abundant natural resources and innovative capabilities to rejuvenate its heartland and transition to a green economy.

The global march towards green energy is more than a technological revolution; it's a societal shift that hinges on community engagement and acceptance. The transition to renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power, necessitates significant infrastructure developments, including the construction of thousands of kilometers of new transmission lines. These lines are crucial for unlocking clean energy potential, yet their implementation faces hurdles, not from the technology itself, but from the communities meant to host them.

Australia is poised for a monumental shift in its energy landscape, with the burgeoning adoption of rooftop solar set to outshine traditional coal, gas, and hydroelectric power generation combined. A report by Green Energy Markets forecasts an astronomical growth in rooftop solar capacity, anticipated to surge beyond 66 gigawatts over the next three decades. This leap is not just significant—it's transformative, positioning rooftop solar as a cornerstone in Australia's quest to decarbonize its economy.