Green iron investment could reinforce Aussie economy
Australia could reap the benefits of a market worth up to almost $300 billion, and cut emissions, if it takes the right steps toward a green iron industry.
environmental politics
Green fuel cash injection prepares market for take-off
A $250 million investment in sustainable fuels could tell the rest of the world that Australia is ready to turn its farm waste into flights.
Fears of reduction in promised koala park coming ‘soon’
Conservation groups have expressed concerns over the eventual size of a promised Great Koala National Park, with a decision expected "soon enough".
Nuclear powers down as global reactor numbers shrink
Fewer nuclear reactors are operating worldwide than early this decade and global renewable power generation is dwarfing the energy source.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More birds and more shooting in duck hunting season
The Victorian government is pushing ahead with a longer duck hunting season which also allows shooters to bag more birds.
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.
Police say pepper spraying ‘peaceful’ protester lawful
Police say the pepper spraying of a man claiming to be peacefully protesting was justified because he was impeding an arrest, as the activist's trial starts.
‘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.
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.
Aussie university joins $230m future materials project
Sourcing and processing materials needed to transition to renewable energy is the focus of an international research project, with Australians at its heart.
Dump fuel fees and tax all cars, motoring groups urge
The government should overhaul vehicle taxes in its upcoming budget, according to early submissions that say electric, hybrid and petrol drivers should pay.
Electric kickstart: call to fund clean, greener trucks
Small transport companies need to adopt electric fleets to remain competitive, industry experts say, but many will need financial help to get there.
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.
Nuclear tactics pitch politics over policy, say experts
With the coalition's nuclear policy facing staunch opposition from the scientific community and state governments, experts debate its political strategy.
Urban fire risk for climates like LA as planet warms
Australian cities with similar climates to Los Angeles are experiencing the same drying conditions and erratic rainfall, which does not bode well for fire risk.
Duck hunting reloads despite a shorter season
A state report on duck season has conservationists at odds with hunters over the future of the recreational activity.
Unapologetic activist faces fate for office ‘liar’ tag
A climate activist who spray painted the word "liar" on the federal environment minister's electorate office says more politicians should be called out.
Government urged to put brakes on fast EV charging plan
Allowing energy networks to install hundreds of car chargers could present problems, one firm warns, unless they are made to follow the same rules.
Charge ahead faster: energy group proposes EV changes
Installing electric car chargers on power poles could be a solution to Australia's growing transport issues, one group says, and could roll out fast.
Rough road ahead despite record-breaking new car sales
Aussie motorists bought a record number of new vehicles during the year but experts warn the path ahead is rocky as momentum is already slowing.
Australia urged to power ahead on EV charger rollout
Australia is not moving fast enough on vehicle charging and is holding back apartment dwellers, one of the country's biggest energy firms says.
Laws to rev up electric car race at starting line
Australia's automotive industry will look different in 2025 after a change in laws inspires a long list of electric and plug-in hybrid challengers.
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.