Alan Pears, Author at Renew Economy

Alan Pears

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Communities

Why some of Australia’s energy market conventions should go the way of the dinosaurs
We face some big challenges. To what extent should we protect businesses designed to operate in a failing energy market design?
Alan Pears

Mar 20, 2026

3
Commentary

When will the energy sector understand the National Energy Objective? When will governments enforce its intent?
Fifty years of cheap gas and electricity and intensive marketing have distorted perceptions. Every element of our electricity market is now being challenged by reality.
Alan Pears

Mar 13, 2026

6
Commentary

The future for gas generation: Do we really need it, and in what form?
Energy efficiency, energy storage, demand flexing and even reciprocating engines offer alternatives to gas turbines.
Alan Pears

Jan 27, 2026

4
Commentary

The disaster that is Australia’s spot electricity market
Australia’s spot electricity markets are dominated by technologies and players with the same self interest, and AI is making it worse. It must be fixed.
Alan Pears

Oct 23, 2025

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Commentary

Efficiency is not “embroidery” for renewables and electrification – it’s fundamental
How can energy efficiency compete with batteries and solar? Answer: It shouldn’t have to compete. And it’s more than just “embroidery”.
Alan Pears

Sep 20, 2025

10
Electrification

It’s not as sexy as solar, but energy productivity could be a superhero of the transition
Australia’s energy policy obsession with renewables means we are overlooking energy productivity as the first fuel to cut emissions and save money.
Alan Pears

Aug 1, 2025

4
Commentary

Electrification is not just about getting off gas – efficiency matters, too
Electrification can increase or decrease carbon emissions. It depends how and when you do it.
Alan Pears

Jul 27, 2025

8
Commentary

What really matters – energy costs, electrification, efficiency or climate change?
Energy efficiency is seen as the “first fuel” and is the main priority in the EU’s energy policies. But in Australia it remains the “forgotten fuel”, even as we electrify.
Alan Pears

Jun 29, 2025

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Commentary

Australia’s gas supply problem has a demand-side solution that would be a win for industry and consumers
Every year, high winter gas demand leads to industry concerns about limited supply and consumer concerns over thousand-dollar energy bills. But there’s an obvious policy fix.
Alan Pears

Jun 11, 2025

12
Commentary

How electricity meters distort the role of rooftop solar generation
On-site consumption of PV output is invisible to the meter, and shows up as a reduction in electricity consumption. Does this matter? Yes, it does.
Alan Pears

May 22, 2025

32
Commentary

Why the latest draft feed-in solar tariffs are wrong, and not fair
Allowing energy retailers to sell PV output for 26 to 35 cents/kWh to a buyer a few streets away from a generator that has been paid virtually nothing is yet another serious energy market design failure.
Alan Pears

Jan 28, 2025

55
Commentary

Solar bonus tariff triggers big debate about madness of energy markets. But it’s energy efficiency that counts
It’s not surprising that consumers would like to install PV, batteries, efficient appliances and smart management, as well as upgrading their homes’ thermal efficiency, to defend against the madness of energy markets.
Alan Pears

Oct 17, 2024

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