Is nuclear power an option for Australia?

The need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants and the supposed drawbacks of renewable sources has prompted renewed interest in nuclear options for Australia, but the economics and capacity of nuclear plants just don’t add up to a viable alternative.

Why Bitcoin can never be green

While the initial frenzy has faded, Bitcoin mining still consumes as much as energy as the whole of Denmark around the world and even constant renewable sources such as hydropower cannot balance its environmental impact.

Regenerative offsets could create a carbon neutral coal industry

A one-off investment of $1b in Australian regenerative agriculture could not only safeguard Australian soils against drought and climate change, but help deliver a lucrative zero emissions energy solution for export to the world.

Hatching the LNG egg in our energy basket

We should invest in our strategically placed northern gas supply infrastructure, but with the long-term aim of using it to diversify our energy supply to include other sources, such as methanol, ammonia, solar and hydrogen.

Millions of homes are struggling in the record-breaking heat

Australians left with soaring energy bills in the wake of a scorching summer are about to face another harsh reality: the vast majority of the nation’s houses do not meet the current minimum energy performance requirements.

Did renewables or coal fail in Victoria?

Despite the perception that renewable energy faltered during the recent power crisis in Victoria, In fact it was the opposite, with wind and solar maintaining their performance and coal letting consumers down.

When the heat hits: how to make our homes comfortable without cranking up the aircon

Australia’s climate is getting hotter, and the energy toll of air conditioning continues to increase. Fortunately, low-energy and zero-energy homes can reduce energy demand and environmental impact, while improving liveability, affordability and the health of occupants.

New energy report tilts the cost balance towards renewables

The national science agency, CSIRO and energy market operator, AEMO have announced a new report on the costs of electricity generation, revealing that renewable energy powers the cheapest new power plants.  

High hopes again for hydrogen

The promise of a hydrogen economy has waxed and waned for 50 years, but its falling cost of production through renewable sources could make this perennial ‘fuel of the future’ a reality at last.

Our unsustainable cities need local planning innovations

Thirty years after the landmark Brundtland report, urban planners are still grappling with the challenges of making our cities sustainable but local solutions may offer the best options for the future.

The climate change tax plan that pays back revenue

The new Member for Wentworth, Kerryn Phelps, will help present a new climate policy proposed by UNSW which would tax carbon dioxide emissions but compensate Australian households.

Is this the end of the National Electricity Market?

Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM), which has served the eastern and southern states for 20 years, may be heading towards its demise.