Another record year for Aussie renewables

Let’s start with the good news - a new Clean Energy Council report shows that renewables have had another record year, despite a slow-down in investment, which has at least partially been driven by unsupportive Federal energy policy. The Wesfarmers conglomerate has inked a deal on a massive renewable power purchase, which also saw Kmart commit to 100% renewable electricity by 2025.

Meanwhile, up in the Hunter, AGL’s creaky old coal-burning clunker Liddell has finally begun shutdown.

The UN is cracking down on corporate greenwashing, with a new expert panel to investigate company climate claims - and trouble is brewing in the carbon markets, with Ag Minister David Littleproud announcing new powers to veto native vegetation carbon farming projects.

UN panel to probe firms' net-zero claims
The head of the United Nations has announced the appointment of an expert panel to scrutinise whether companies' efforts to curb climate change are credible or mere "greenwashing."

Clean Energy Council Report: Record year for renewables despite slowing investment
Renewables now generate enough energy to power Australian households 1.6 times over.

Carbon farming projects can soon be stopped by Agriculture Minister if 'adverse' to communities
The Coalition government has created the rule allowing the minister to prevent new native vegetation projects if they are considered to be detrimental to farming and regional communities.

The first of Liddell power station's four 500 megawatt turbines will be shut down on Friday
The federal government had pressured the power station's owner, AGL, to keep the 51-year-old plant running despite it being at the end of its operational life.

Qantas says customers willing to cover cost of carbon targets
Qantas boss Alan Joyce says customers are willing to pay for his airline’s efforts to cut carbon emissions in the short term, but government investment could quickly bring the cost of greener fuel options into line with planet-heating fossil fuels.

Wesfarmers locks in renewables to power stores in Queensland
Bunnings, Kmart, Target and Officeworks sites across the Sunshine State will be powered by solar and wind, thanks to a partnership with state government-owned renewables company CleanCo.