Wanted: 10,000 households to plug in to energy research
From households fitted with solar panels to electric car drivers and business operators, a new research centre aims to model nationwide trends in energy use.
environmental politics
Heavy-hitter urges return of ‘world’s best’ carbon tax
One of the nation's most prominent economists says Australia should not have scrapped its carbon tax, but there are other ways to take action on climate.
Renewable energy delays make Australia less attractive
Investing in Australian renewable energy is only 'somewhat attractive' according to a study that identifies transmission and planning delays among concerns.
Bid for World Heritage rock art listing ramps up
Australia is making another push for ancient rock art sites to be placed on the World Heritage list after its application was sent back over pollution concerns.
Power up: boost for roadside electric vehicle chargers
Electric vehicle drivers will be able to recharge in more places after a substantial infrastructure investment designed to generate wider adoption.
Beyond carbon: big four banks urged to capture more gas
It is a potent greenhouse gas responsible for climate change, but a report has found Australia's major banks have yet to single out methane emissions.
More EVs, fewer V8s: changes coming for Aussie drivers
Motorists can expect more electric and hybrid vehicles to launch and some petrol and diesel vehicles to reverse after transport regulations finally take off.
Alarm as LNP takes wind out of energy plan, renewables
Plans to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations by a state government have been labelled a "waste of money" amid concerns over its energy transition.
Aussies want solar batteries but many feel overwhelmed
The cost and complexity of installing a solar battery is keeping some Australians from taking the plunge despite incentives, a study has revealed.
Sunny outlook: big solar farms given tick by neighbours
Living near a large-scale solar project is not a problem for most residents, with a study finding 82 per cent of neighbours would allow more to be built nearby.
Green tick: Australian net-zero projects to be rated
Environmental projects will be analysed and rated in Australia in a move experts say could prevent greenwashing and encourage international investments.
Hitting the brakes on EV, hybrid help could slow cuts
Removing tax breaks for plug-in hybrid vehicles is stalling their adoption, a group warns, and a lack of incentives could slow efforts to cut car emissions.
Sun sets on another state’s solar home battery rebate
Not everyone is happy as another state scraps its solar energy sweetener for homes as a federal government battery subsidy kicks in.
Push to turn promises into protection at UN ocean meet
The United Nations Ocean Conference is opening in France as pressure mounts to turn promises into action on protecting the ocean.
Aussies urged to charge ahead with household batteries
Australia could unlock billions in electricity savings if more households add a battery to their solar panel plans, a report has found.
Go bold: calls for Australia to lead on ocean health
Acting on the threats of deep-sea mining and climate change are among the asks of environmental groups heading into a global event.
Australia’s big car love affair still fuelling sales
SUVs and utes have proven the big sellers on Australian car lots in May but the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles is accelerating.
‘Go back to drawing board’: 2032 planning laws slammed
The clock is ticking for the 2032 Olympics but critics say laws that will help ensure Brisbane Games projects are built on time will set a dangerous precedent.
More gas projects, less green tape call at energy event
Gas giants have called on the Australian government to approve projects faster and let them explore more mining opportunities.
Why the carbon offset ‘swear jar’ needs an overhaul
Firms relying on carbon offsets to tout their green credentials and reduce their environmental footprints are under fresh scrutiny after a court settlement.
Australia urged to spend big while green iron is hot
Australia could replace carbon-intensive coal and gas exports with green iron and quadruple earnings, a report says, but only if it makes changes.
MPs seek united front against Labor from torn coalition
Liberals and Nationals are being told to focus on applying the blowtorch to Labor rather than letting infighting take hold after their political marriage ended.
Carbon offsets set aside following greenwashing lawsuit
EnergyAustralia has pledged to back away from the use of carbon offsets to deal with emissions, in a statement following a legal settlement.
Thorny nature reforms threaten to entangle new minister
Labor's pledge to deliver a once-in-a-generation overhaul of environmental laws went unfulfilled in its first term, leaving a new minister to finish the job.
Residents to pursue class action over ‘toxic tap water’
Cancer-causing "forever chemicals" have likely been present in a tourist hotspot's drinking water for decades, a major investigation has found.
More households want to go full electric but lack spark
Millions more Australian households plan to cut gas and go all-electric but many say they need more information and guidance to do so.
Parent group challenges energy giant over carbon claims
EnergyAustralia will face the Federal Court to answer allegations some of its "carbon neutral" products were not as green as they seemed.
A glimmer of hope for nuclear dream after election bomb
Voters rejected a plan to build seven nuclear reactors, but some experts say the technology's role in cutting emissions means it can't be ruled out.
Wastewater may solve wee green hydrogen price problem
The cost of renewable hydrogen could be cut substantially if Australian researchers can scale their latest discoveries involving wastewater.
Election expected to drive confidence in electric cars
Australia's transition to low-emission vehicles could speed up after the election, experts say, fuelled by ongoing tax cuts and emission limits.
Drivers could pay more tax after electric car U-turn
Australian drivers and employers could miss out on thousands of dollars in tax savings if the coalition puts the brakes on an electric vehicle policy.