Environment
Push for nationwide ban on dumping old solar panels
5 August
Used solar panels should be banned from all Australian landfill sites while the government develops a scheme to reuse and recycle the technology, an inquiry has been told. With the right scheme in place, Australia could recover billions of dollars...[Read More]
Power struggle: data centre energy rules spark concerns
29 July
Large-scale data centres will be forced to invest in additional renewable energy to fuel their operations and avoid causing power price hikes in regulations agreed to by all but two states and territories. The Energy and Climate Change Ministerial...[Read More]
The resilience of farmers
23 July
When we think of resilience, few professions embody it quite like farmers. The life of a farmer is often woven with deep roots — both in the land they work and the generations before them who have passed down their experience, stories, and...[Read More]
Energy rollercoaster: Australian bills to fall and rise
16 July
Solar panels, wind farms and cheaper batteries will help to cut Australian electricity bills in the coming years, even as the artificial intelligence boom pushes up the price of gas technology. But energy prices will rise after 2030, a study has...[Read More]
Location set for Australia’s first gas-free steel mill
8 July
Australia’s first new steel mill in three decades will be unlike any before it. Run entirely on electricity, the Greensteel Australia factory to be built in the NSW Hunter region will make steel that’s low emissions and unencumbered by fossil...[Read More]
Pacific ocean a ‘forever chemical’ hotspot for whales
1 July
Dolphins and whales in the Pacific Ocean have been contaminated by some of the highest levels of so called forever chemicals in the world. First-time global mapping of per and poly-fluoroaklyl substances, or PFAS, in toothed marine mammals suggests...[Read More]
Australian green hydrogen project gets the green light
1 July
One of the largest renewable hydrogen projects in Australia will be built in regional NSW after it secured a $432 million government investment. Mining company Orica announced its Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub had reached a final investment decision on...[Read More]
‘Missed opportunity’ to act on power plan loyalty tax
25 June
A proposal to clamp down on the loyalty tax paid by disengaged power customers does not go far enough in the view of consumer and small business groups. Australia’s electricity rule-maker initiated a review to tackle the problem of customers...[Read More]
AI’s thirst trap: tech giant taps into recycled water
24 June
More Australian data centres could cool down using recycled water after a US tech giant revealed plans to build its first local artificial intelligence hub using the resource. Amazon announced a partnership with Greater Western Water on Thursday to...[Read More]
Outback powerhouse: regions could solve Aussie AI issue
24 June
Building data centres near existing solar and wind projects in regional Australia would not only support local jobs and industry, but could reduce the amount of energy going to waste. The Electrical Trades Union released the findings on Wednesday...[Read More]
Residents to get no-interest loans for energy upgrades
17 June
Residents in NSW can now access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to fund lower energy upgrades to their homes, aimed at slashing bills and taking pressure off the grid. Ahead of next week’s state budget, the NSW government announced on...[Read More]
Record reef funding in fight against ‘in danger’ ruling
17 June
A record Great Barrier Reef protection investment is set to be unveiled in a state’s budget, targeting ways to improve water quality for the natural wonder. However, conservationists have taken aim at the Queensland government announcement, saying...[Read More]
Businesses MIA on rooftop solar and battery revolution
11 June
Australian households are generating nearly four times as much solar energy as retailers, manufacturers and other non-residential buildings, with most commercial rooftops panel-free. Harvesting the vast, untapped generating and storage potential in...[Read More]
Preparing for lift-off: green fuel projects get a boost
10 June
Seven green fuel projects designed to accelerate Australia’s move to low-emission transport will themselves be given a boost in a $1.7 million pilot program. Advisory firm Cyan Ventures announced Australia’s Green Fuels Accelerator on Wednesday,...[Read More]
Shifting gears: electric cars surge during fuel crisis
3 June
A record number of Australian drivers are choosing electric and hybrid vehicles, with the low-emission cars closing in on half of all new vehicles sales for the first time. Motorists are slamming the brakes on petrol and diesel cars, with their...[Read More]