Plug-in hybrid car tax breaks about to hit the skids
Drivers have one month left to claim a tax break on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, amid calls for Labor to give the fuel-saving cars more support.
environmental issue
Experts fear nuclear plants would become war targets
If Australia builds nuclear capabilities, the reactors could be vulnerable to missile strikes and sabotage in the event of a war, say former defence chiefs.
Uneven heat a climate change peril for poorer postcodes
Poorer suburbs and regions with large elderly populations are especially vulnerable to extreme heat from climate change, updated modelling shows.
Free tests could become ‘forever chemicals’ case study
Tens of thousands of people could become a case study on the health effects of 'forever chemicals' if government supports a testing campaign.
Former PM ‘sceptical’ about nuclear, keen on hydropower
Australia needs more hydropower projects to store and supply cheap, renewable energy, a former leader says, while hosing down hopes for a nuclear future.
Airport demonstration to show hydrogen option will fly
An Australian start-up has installed a renewable hydrogen generator and storage system at an airport in a bid to overcome barriers to adopting the clean energy.
Warnings consultants would replace axed public servants
Australians could wait in longer lines and pay more for government services under an opposition plan to cut thousands of public servants, a Labor minister says.
Household solar panels create a ‘worry’ for energy boss
Australian households may face changes to the way rooftop solar is handled as electricity grids adapt to more renewable energy created during daylight hours.
alternative energy
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
nuclear policy
nuclear power
politics
politics (general)
renewable energy
Nuclear plan may miss nation’s energy goal by a decade
Switching from renewable energy to a nuclear power plan could push Australia's 2030 climate target out until 2042 and produce significantly more emissions.
Anger over climate assessment delays after US exit
Donald Trump's decision to halt US scientists' participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change may have implications for key reports.
Clean industry pitch to save town from job losses
Gravity energy storage in disused mine shafts and critical mineral development are part of a pitch to save a mining town set to lose a big source of employment.
Funding boost charges up Australian battery innovation
Australia could compete with China for lithium battery production after a local company announced plans to establish a $60 million factory.
Grim end to ‘horrific’ stranding of false killer whales
Rescue efforts have failed for a pod of 157 false killer whales beached on a remote coastline, with authorities forced to begin euthanasia.
Polluter pays: Greens’ enter fray on insurance costs
Forcing gas and coal firms to contribute to disaster resilience and the reinsurance pool is the latest suggestion from a political party to bring down premiums.
Climate risk main reason premiums are rising: insurers
Breaking up big companies is no silver bullet to keep insurance premiums affordable, the sector says.
Aussie AI, clean energy inventions need urgent funding
Changing tax incentives, creating a spending target, and helping businesses work with researchers could help Australia make breakthroughs the world needs.
Price and policy changes redirect Uber’s electric drive
Australian ride-share drivers could be about to lose a long-time electric vehicle discount but gain another as Uber adapts to market changes.
Hot crocs struggling to keep cool as climate warms
Crocodiles in northern Australia are heating up as the climate warms, and higher body temperatures are changing their behaviour, researchers say.
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
environmental politics
renewable energy
research
road transport
transport
Big changes needed to connect cars to the power grid
Most Australians want to turn their electric vehicle into a battery on wheels in future but there are still speed bumps to making the technology work.
company information
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
AGL slams nuclear option, doubles down on big batteries
Australia's biggest emitter AGL Energy will build "a whole range of assets", but not nuclear reactors, to support the closure of 50-year-old coal power plants.
Small cars show a big thirst for petrol in road tests
Three popular small cars, including a hybrid model, are among the latest vehicles found using more fuel than expected in Australian road tests.
‘Preferred’ koala park opens door to major logging
A state's so-called koala wars appear no closer to being resolved as spatial mapping highlights the possible impact on native forest of a national park plan.
Clean energy incentives clear last major hurdle
Australia is one step closer to transitioning away from fossil fuels after major tax incentives for clean energy passed the Senate.
Tesla slump and falling prices set to change EV market
Lower prices, more competition, and a market leader's fall in popularity could prove a tipping point for sales of electric vehicles in Australia.
Climate simmers in background of hip pocket election
Campaigning on climate action is unlikely to dominate the 2025 federal election but may prove a winning formula in regions vulnerable to extreme weather.
Harvest celebrates native grains in community hands
At an annual harvest, community and university researchers are working together to harness the health benefits and possible paths to a native grain industry.
Kerbside charging boost to curb electric car concerns
Hundreds of electric vehicle chargers will be installed on power poles across three states in a bid to remove concerns about swapping to next-gen transport.
World clocks warmest January on record despite La Nina
Despite an emerging La Nina bringing cooler conditions to the tropical Pacific, last month has been deemed the warmest January on record.
Australia tops index as virtual power plants take shape
Australia is poised for virtual power plants that connect households and slash bills but an expert warns nuclear reactors could force users off rooftop solar.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
international (foreign) trade
natural gas
politics
‘Golden age of gas’: households, manufacturers miss out
Households and manufacturers have been left worse off by the east coast gas bonanza, and exporters face new competition from cheaper sources, a report warns.
Electric vehicle sales brake as car market slows again
Australians bought fewer new cars in January, with electric car sales more than halving despite growing price competition and new limits on vehicle emissions.