Giles Parkinson, Author at Renew Economy

Giles Parkinson

Editor

Giles Parkinson is founder and editor-in-chief of Renew Economy, and founder and editor of its EV-focused sister site The Driven. He is the co-host of the weekly Energy Insiders Podcast. Giles has been a journalist for more than 40 years and is a former deputy editor of the Australian Financial Review. You can find him on LinkedIn and on Twitter.

Chart of the day

Renewables hit 80 pct share in Australia’s most coal dependent grid for first time
The share of renewables in Australia’s most coal dependent grid hit 80 per cent for first time, driven largely by solar, as big batteries hit new gigawatt milestones.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 14, 2026

2
Wind

Fortescue says ditching fossil fuels is a “no-brainer” and can be done quickly. Will others follow?
Fortescue is emphatic that its goal of eliminated fossil fuels at its giant Pilbara mines can be delivered early and profitably. Will other big miners jump on board?
Giles Parkinson

Apr 13, 2026

7
Storage

“Not economically viable:” Global funds giant drops plans for solar farm, to build bigger battery instead
Renewables developer backed by global funds giant says solar “not economically viable” and it will build a bigger battery at the site instead.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 13, 2026

9
Renewables

Fortescue fast-tracks “world’s first” large scale green grid to eliminate diesel and other fossil fuels
Fortescue fast tracks its plans to eliminate diesel and other fossil fuels, saying it will be achieving emissions free processing by the end of next year.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 10, 2026

19
Renewables

Giant gold mine operating with 90 pct renewables says it has virtually eliminated diesel costs
Giant gold mine that sources 90 pct of its power needs from wind and solar says it has been shielded from spike in diesel costs and fuel supply concerns.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 9, 2026

3
Renewables

Fortescue adds another electric excavator, says it is saving a million litres of diesel per unit
Fortescue adds a 15th electric excavator, each of them saving a million litres of diesel a year, as it advances towards its target of “real zero” by the end of the decade.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 8, 2026

7
Policy & Planning

Coal to liquids: Coalition’s latest energy brain-fart is their craziest yet, and that takes some doing
Coalition’s proposed solution to the fossil fuel crisis is its craziest yet. Meanwhile, credible solutions – cleaner, quicker and cheaper – are right in front of us.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 7, 2026

28
Renewables

“The panels are never supposed to fail:” Solar contractor takes financial hit from troubled Australian project
Leading solar contractor takes a hit on one of its Australian projects, blaming the failure of PV modules and the loss of generation as it waited for replacements.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 6, 2026

5
Renewables

Giant copper project signs deal for Australia’s biggest off-grid hybrid renewables facility
One of Australia’s biggest copper mining projects to be powered by largest off-grid hybrid renewables power plant – with a mix of solar, thermal and batteries, but no wind.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 2, 2026

5
Coal

“It’s a risky strategy:” Why delaying coal closures may backfire on price and reliability
Governments have allowed coal closures to be delayed in the name of grid reliability and lower prices. But they are likely in for an unpleasant surprise.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 2, 2026

7
AGL reaches FID on new peaking plant that will just about pay for itself without ever being switched on
Australia’s biggest coal generator commits to a new peaking power station that will likely recoup its investment in eight years, even if it’s not switched on.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 1, 2026

4
Chart of the day

Grid batteries reach stunning new peak of 44 pct of evening demand in world’s fourth biggest economy
Battery storage reaches a stunning new record in the world’s fourth biggest economy, reaching 44 pct of evening demand. The biggest loser is gas.
Giles Parkinson

Apr 1, 2026

6