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The end of baseload? It may come sooner than you think
One of the principal architects of Germany’s push into renewable energy technologies believes that his country could achieve 100 per cent renewables in its electricity sector by 2030 – and may do it quicker. The rest of the world could follow soon after – at a cost of just $100 trillion, about half the cost of not doing it.16 -
CEFC: Where they stand and who wants what
The debate around the structure and the purpose of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation will be one of the most critical policy debates of 2012. We summarise some of the more important submissions. Meanwhile, concern about the ability to meet the RET may become a self-fulfilling prophecy. -
Soil carbon: time to bury the emissions problem
UN highlights growing risk of soil depletion to the environment, and to food and water resources, as well as its critical role in reducing emissions. Meanwhile, Australia’s Carbon Farming Initiative is likely to getting off to a slow start – and low international prices will not be a help. -
Solar energy rules in a state of confusion
Queensland has unveiled a new renewables plan that displays a startling lack of ambition, and raises fears that it might be about to cut its feed in tariff. It also has little hope for solar thermal, geothermal and ocean energy, and reduced its wind forecasts. Meanwhile, the ACT forges ahead with its solar auction, and will help fund it through contracts for difference. -
Why we need a big green bank for low carbon transition
Australia will not go it alone if it deploys the $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The biggest cleantech investors in the world, China, US, Germany and Brazil, are using such institutions with even bigger budgets to underwrite their transition to a low carbon economy.
