Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
Australia's largest aluminium smelter has been handed a government lifeline to ensure it keeps running beyond 2028 amid spiralling energy costs.
energy
Cheapest path to energy and climate goals locked in
Solar and wind firmed by storage and backed by gas remains the cheapest pathway to meet Australia's growing demand for electricity while reaching climate goals
Australia risks missing net zero without China’s aid
China has emerged as the world's biggest spender on clean energy technology and its lack of investments in Australia could be cause for concern.
Energy costs force most renters to swelter over summer
Most Australians who rent their home say they avoid using cooling and heating appliances due to high costs.
Road tests show electric vehicles keep pulling up short
Battery-powered cars have been found using more energy than promised in independent tests, just like their petrol and diesel peers.
Australia needs a ‘wind farm every month’ to meet goals
Australia needs to build the equivalent of one large wind farm every month to meet its 2030 climate target, an expert warns.
Overpowered: battery rebate could be drained in a year
Australian households are installing more than 1000 solar batteries every day, but their popularity could accelerate the end of the government's rebate scheme.
Liberals go back to basics after crawling to year’s end
The Liberals are attempting to win back the title of "responsible economic managers" and turn over a new leaf after a tumultuous parliamentary year.
Skates on to ensure secure exit of major coal plant
The risk of power blackouts remain if necessary security infrastructure can't be sped up to come online in time for a major coal generator to shutter.
Aussie start-up has a ‘solid’ plan to revive hydrogen
An Australian company plans to turn hydrogen into a solid material that is cheaper to produce and could rescue green industries.
Airlines should face biofuel mandate to level field
Low-carbon fuel orders could be placed on firms to secure the future of Australian biofuels and ensure they can reach their multibillion-dollar potential.
Mining giant reveals deal to turn iron and steel green
One of Australia's largest mining companies will pause its plans to produce greener iron and invest $35 million in emerging local technology.
PM launches blistering attack on climate policy ‘mess’
Anthony Albanese has torn strips off the coalition's climate and energy policies after an apparent about-face over public funding for coal-powered plants.
One state could help Australia lead green metals race
Australia could help to reduce carbon emissions around the world using green metals but one state is likely to play a bigger role than others.
The vast and the curious: electric car expo shows range
Battery-powered sports cars, vans, SUVs and motorbikes will go on show in Melbourne but organisers say some attendees may need test drives to win them over.
Miners mixed on coalition’s controversial climate plan
Big mining companies are backing in some aspects of Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's plan to wind back key climate policies but are still committed to net zero.
Hydrogen or bust: green iron projects struggle with gas
A study called 'How To Spend a Billion Dollars' says a guaranteed supply of renewable energy will be vital for the success of green iron and steel projects.
Germany supports Brazil’s forest plan at climate talks
World leaders gathered on the edge of the imperilled Amazon rainforest for a second day of talks at the world's most important meeting on climate change.
Liberals risk joining ‘baddies’ with fossil-fuel push
Australia cannot pull out of the Paris Agreement, a Liberal frontbencher has declared, as his party prepares to face off over climate and energy policy.
Green steel given pride of place in major govt projects
Steel made with green energy will be preferred on major government projects in a move hailed by renewables advocates as a step forward for Australian industry.
Ukraine-UK plot to steal MiG-31 jet foiled, says Russia
Ukraine and British intelligence offered Russian pilots millions of dollars to steal a jet armed with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile, Moscow says.
Don’t forget gas: industry calls for renewable support
More than 50 companies are calling on the Australian government to extend support for renewable gas projects.
Mining boss skewers Trump over moves against renewables
Renewable energy is taking over from oil, coal and gas, an Australian mining magnate has told shareholders, and efforts to hold back the trend are misguided.
Nationals council ditches net zero from policy platform
The Nationals federal council has voted to abandon achieving net zero emissions from the party platform as MPs are poised to finalise their position on climate.
Prepaid electricity leaving vulnerable people powerless
Families forced to prepay for power are experiencing a high number of electricity disconnections, exposing them to dangerous temperatures, a report has found.
Collect ’em all: call for widespread battery recycling
Australia's voluntary battery recycling scheme will be allowed to continue but with limited uptake, the public could benefit if more devices were collected.
Fears ‘free’ electricity could come with hidden costs
Some households will get free access to electricity for three hours a day but questions have been raised about unintended consequences from the plan.
High-stakes meetings to thrash out Liberal energy plan
The Liberals and Nationals are a step closer to formalising their approach to energy and climate policy, with a series of crucial meetings scheduled.
Coalition charges up energy talk as key meeting looms
The coalition is approaching a final position on energy and net zero emissions after debate on the issue sparked fractures within the opposition.
Old batteries could deliver critical mineral shortcuts
Recycling big batteries, solar panels and wind turbines at the end of their lives could create a lucrative export industry if Australia gets its rules right.
Construction code delays risk pulling the plug on EVs
New homes will not need to be ready to charge electric vehicles after a freeze on the construction code, which some say will stall progress.