‘We need energy’: leader touts gas to save smelter jobs
The fate of 1000 workers hangs in the balance as leaders debate the best way to save Australia's biggest aluminium smelter from closure.
energy and resource
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.
Urgent need for speed in renewable energy approvals
Environmental reform analysts have weighed in on the federal government's bid to modernise Australia's dated nature protection laws, calling for a key change.
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.
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.
Power deal inked to secure smelter’s short-term future
A 12-month power deal has guaranteed the short-term future of a 70-year-old aluminium smelter than employs more than 500 people.
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.
Largest smelter could close in ‘national interest’ blow
Rising energy costs could force Australia's largest aluminium smelter to shut, but leaders have promised to do everything possible to keep it going.
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.
Power prices to rise, secret department documents warn
The federal government has released confidential briefing documents which warn of higher power prices over the months to come.
Heavy investments needed to secure green metal future
While critical mineral deals are dominating the headlines, green iron and steel partnerships could secure Australia's export future in a low-emission economy.
Origin takes heat over coal-fired power station
Moving from coal-fired power stations to renewable energy projects could take longer than expected, a retailer has warned, amid delays and high costs.
Waste is the new oil: why Aussie export may be rubbish
Cutting emissions from long-haul flights, shipping and trucking remains a challenge but one solution could put Australia in an enviable position.
‘Back them’: PM’s blunt message after smelter bailout
Mining giant Glencore has been urged to invest in a struggling community after a $600 million taxpayer-funded bailout to secure hundreds of jobs at a smelter.
Digital passports could give old solar panels new life
Australia faces a serious electronic waste problem from ageing solar panels but could avoid it by testing and certifying old technology for reuse.
Controversial gas project extension sparks legal action
Landmark legal challenges have been launched after the Commonwealth's controversial decision to green light a 40-year gas hub extension near ancient rock art.
Why 2026 could be the year cars drive down power prices
With three energy companies committed to trials and more automakers willing to back them, using your electric car as a battery should be possible soon.
Sad day as refinery’s closure to hit jobs and community
Hundreds of workers will lose their jobs as alumina giant Alcoa permanently shuts a 60-year-old refinery that served as a cornerstone of the community.
Push to shut coal plant early sparks political fight
One of Australia's largest and oldest coal-fired power stations could shut in less that four years after a surprise announcement from its owners.
Green metals or bust: climate experts issue warning
Demand for Australia's biggest fossil fuel exports is expected to drop in the coming years but producing green metals could provide a lifeline.
Wanted: 100 electric car drivers for energy-saving test
Would you plug your car into the national grid for money off your electricity bill? A growing number of energy providers would like to know.
Coal down, solar up: Australia halfway to 2030 target
Growing rooftop solar installations and more large-scale energy projects are pushing Australia closer to its renewable goals, the market operator says.
Charge up at no charge: EV pilot to test behaviour
A major energy supplier will select 50 households to take part in a vehicle-to-grid technology trial that will charge up vehicles at no cost.
Offshore wind fees slashed to counter global headwinds
Fees to research and build offshore wind farms in Australia will be cut for two years after global uncertainty and the collapse of several local projects.
‘Collateral damage’: hundreds more mining jobs axed
About 1000 workers will be out of a job after a second major miner revealed cuts, sparking fears communities will pay a heavy price in a royalties dispute.
Further job losses deal fresh blow to coal mine workers
A third mining company in as many days has announced job cuts, taking aim at a coal royalties scheme as it prepares to close an underground site.
‘Un-Australian’: scheme under fire as mine jobs slashed
A government royalty regime must be reassessed after three coal companies announced job cuts and mine closures in recent days, an analyst says.
Indigenous communities lead remote clean energy charge
As Australia finds itself transitioning to renewables, those in remote communities are finding ways to lead the charge toward clean energy on Country.
Pricey bills to carry clear alerts for cheaper plans
Households and small businesses will be warned if they are paying more than necessary under a reform designed to encourage more people switch plans.