Chief scientist lights fuse on nuclear energy debate
The nation's new chief scientist is on a collision course with a possible coalition government over its contentious pre-election pledge for nuclear energy.
alternative energy
Curtain call: basic energy upgrades may save households
Hanging heavy curtains and swapping gas for electric hot water could save Australians a motza and solar systems could cut household energy bills even further.
Ageing ‘coal clunkers’ posing power outage risk
Many of the nation's coal power generators are more than four decades old and posing reliability risks, analysis suggests.
Researchers to give futuristic wind turbine a whirl
A curvy, curly wind turbine will be put to the test in Australia as researchers and a local start-up look for ways to add more to metropolitan areas.
Halfway there: Australia on track for renewable goal
If current momentum gained in the six months is sustained then Australia can reach its 2030 renewable energy target, think tank research suggests.
Renewable hydrogen tech could give green light to jobs
Australia could unlock $1.7 billion and thousands of jobs by 2050 if it seizes the opportunity to create hydrogen-manufacturing equipment, a study has found.
Labor notches win as time runs out on political year
Labor has chalked up a last-minute legislative victory, with the Greens backing its housing scheme, as several MPs bid Canberra farewell.
Sky’s the limit: Australia urged to boost green fuel
Australia has the potential to lead the world in sustainable aviation fuel but a report warns that other countries are making progress faster.
Qld regions remain in the dark about nuclear power plan
A federal inquiry has heard strong support for a nuclear industry in regional Queensland even though local councillors say they were not consulted.
Regions speak out over carrying ‘forced’ energy burden
Australians in regional towns worry they will be forced to accept nuclear power plants even if they object to them, an inquiry has heard.
Nuclear and renewables at odds over power bill shock
Two forums looking a nuclear power and renewable energy have been told contrasting views about their impact on power prices.
Why packing waste could be the secret to a cool summer
Packing material and static electricity could take the edge off future electricity bills, according to Australian researchers.
Roll out the solar: $6.8m facility to print solar cells
Thousands of flexible solar cells are expected to be printed by the ream in a $6.8 million facility established by Australia's leading science organisation.
Solar panel pioneer in the spotlight at tech awards
Batteries made from waste, earthquake-proof buildings and solar panel technology that keeps lights on around the world have been recognised at an awards gala.
Trial to test if electric vehicles can power homes
Australia's national science agency will team with an electricity retailer to find out whether electric cars can be used to power homes and back up the grid.
Aussie researchers turn wine into green battery tech
Australian university researchers have won a patent for using food acids to create a major component of battery technology.
$14m funding boost to make sustainable jet fuel fly
Environmentally friendly plane fuel could be closer to being produced in Australia after two governments made a record investment in its potential.
Australia’s first solar garden prepares for its harvest
Solar gardens could be a solution for people locked out of the booming renewable energy market, experts say, as the first of its kind prepares to pay investors.
Nukes flayed as solar boost seized to spruik renewables
An increase in renewable energy capacity is being seized as evidence solar power is Australia's right way forward as the debate over nuclear plants heats up.
Electricity bills could spike under nuclear power plan
Electricity bills would need to rise significantly to recoup costs associated with building and running nuclear plants in Australia, new analysis suggests.
Australia could double solar power by 2030, report says
Putting solar panels on the roofs of businesses, new homes and social housing could double Australia's renewable power, a study has found.
Australia inks $660 million hydrogen pact with Germany
A hydrogen investment pact with Germany will support new commercial supply and access to the European market for the emerging industry.
Surprise state shines brightest in solar energy ranking
Victoria may have better coffee, NSW a more iconic bridge, but Queensland is winning the race for solar energy in a report card from the Climate Council.
How electric cars could drive renewable energy change
Motorists could support Australia's national electricity grid by using their cars as batteries, a report says, but policies and standards need to change.
Queensland renters locked out of solar savings
In the lead-up to the Queensland state election, Solar Citizens wants the major parties to make big commitments to renewable energy.
Green fuels, food, medicine probed by $60m research hub
Can businesses turn waste into jet fuel and gases into fish food? Researchers at an Australian university plan to investigate carbon-cutting projects.
Two regional cities may unlock Aussie renewable future
The Queensland cities of Townsville and Gladstone have been singled out as key to Australia's future in clean exports at a renewable energy event.
Power struggle: why solar batteries are tipped to soar
It's not just climate change and bills fuelling demand for solar batteries - the threat of blackouts is prompting more households to invest in energy storage.
A bird? Plane? It’s an autonomous electric flying taxi
Catching a ride to a faraway place could involve a small aircraft with no pilot in future, experts say, as regulations race to catch up with the technology.
Green plane fuel could take off in Australia after deal
Three firms have teamed up to investigate the creation of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Brisbane as demand for renewable options booms.
Community batteries to help power thousands of homes
More than 400 shared batteries will join the national electricity grid after investments in 21 projects across all states and one territory.