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A smart grid and seven clean energy sources
The Grattan Institute’s study into Australia’s energy future canvasses seven technologies that could help deliver an 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 – wind, solar PV, solar thermal, geothermal, CCS, nuclear and bio-energy. And then there is the grid, and it’s need to be smart and play fair, and not just favour the incumbent coal and gas plants.6 -
No easy choices, but a strong case for energy action
A new report from the Grattan Institute highlights the need for increased government support for clean energy in Australia. It says a carbon price alone will not suffice, regulatory changes are needed and fossil fuel subsidies should be removed. But it hedges its bets on which technologies will provide the solution, and at what cost. -
The Growth Monster is slaying itself
In the first of a three-part series, author Paul Gilding examines the end of economic growth. Once dismissed as the fantasy of fringe economic thinkers, the combination of climate change and associated economic risks, peak oil, and rising food prices has caused the penny to drop – growth may not go on forever. Will politicians, economists, and business leaders be able to cope? -
Merit order: How solar FiTs could cut energy bills for all
The merit order effect of wind and solar is not just eating into the earnings of established generators. A new study shows that the cost of feed in tariffs could be more than offset by reductions in wholesale energy costs. Far from being a burden on consumers, it could deliver savings for all. -
Clean energy finance – the battle lines are drawn
There’s a lot at stake for both new and existing energy technologies in the structure of the Clean Energy Finance Corp, and even if it is actually deployed. Little wonder that the submissions range from the case for fast-track emerging technologies to the case for keeping them in the lab. The debate promises to be loud, and not very clear. -
The electric chopper – all grunt and no growl
Hark, the electric motorbike! But are bikers really likely to go green, with only the sound of a rotating chain to mark their passage? Not likely. But the technology is proving useful to show how bigger vessels – like subs and warships – can adopt hybrid technologies and push the boundaries of clean energy.
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