Environment
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
24 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
10 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]
Climate change ‘loading the dice’ ahead of El Nino risk
3 June
Fourth-generation farmer Sophie Nichols would usually be enjoying a hard-earned holiday in late autumn. Instead, she spent the usually temperate period on flood watch. “I can’t really leave the farm when there’s that sort of risk,” she told...[Read More]
Small business switched off from electrification boom
3 June
Thousands of Australian small businesses are falling behind on electrification, weighing on national climate goals and leaving manufacturers exposed to gas market volatility. Many small and medium-sized businesses that rely on gas-powered heat to...[Read More]
Australia’s remaining solarless roofs harder to crack
27 May
On a mission to investigate solar, battery and electrification retrofits for the block of flats she lives in, Coco Venaglia has faced hurdle after hurdle. The building’s strata committee is open to upgrades but pressed for time, and was pleased...[Read More]
Renewable projects set records but still face headwinds
27 May
Industrial and household battery purchases have more than tripled, while renewable energy projects are generating almost half of Australia’s electricity, taking over from coal and gas. Despite their success, investments in renewable energy...[Read More]