Closure of Australia’s biggest coal-fired plant no threat to power

As the New South Wales government decides on whether to extend the life of Australia’s biggest coal-fired power station, a new report has revealed closing Eraring in mid-2025 would not cause blackouts. The report’s author found progress made on new renewable energy and battery capacity in NSW suggested there was no need to extend the life of the ageing station. 

One of Australia’s leading ecologists has sounded the alarm on the threat of significant climate change-driven extinctions, calling on the Albanese government to specifically mention it for the first time in the revamped threatened species legislation. Professor Hugh Possingham said after land clearing, climate change could by 2050 be the biggest threat to diversity.

And a parliamentary inquiry will look into Electric Vehicles in Australia. The committee will look at the power grid, the potential for local battery manufacturing, and explore affordability for rural and regional households.

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Lights to stay on if biggest 'coal clunker' powers down
The planned closure of Australia's biggest coal-fired power plant Eraring in mid-2025 would not cause blackouts, the latest modelling shows. In a report last year, the ABC found extending Eraring’s lifespan could cost $1.7b in damages. The analysis measured the damage of every additional tonne of carbon and covers impacts to health, environment and economic activity.

'Australians don't want more extinctions': Leading ecologist warns about climate change impact on biodiversity
One of Australia's leading ecologists says climate change should be specifically mentioned for the first time in revamped threatened species legislation, due to be released by the Albanese government in 2024.

Parliamentary inquiry to examine opportunities for EVs
A parliamentary committee is looking into electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, including the power grid and the potential for battery manufacturing in our country. The committee will also explore opportunities such as fuel savings and affordability for residents in outer regions to make the shift to EVs beneficial for everyone.

Change to consultation rules will benefit fossil fuel industry
Rules governing who must be consulted prior to works on an offshore resource project will be tightened in the autumn, the federal government has quietly briefed industry members, The Australian reports.

Queensland set to expand its solar battery network
A dozen new community batteries are being installed in Queensland with the promise of cheap, renewable energy.

A US Supreme Court upholds landmark climate ruling that said emissions can't be ignored
Montana's Supreme Court has rejected an attempt by the state's Republican governor to block a landmark climate ruling that said regulators must consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions when issuing permits for fossil fuel development.

Greenland’s shrinking ice sheet raising sea levels and disrupting ocean cycles
The Greenland ice sheet, an expanse of frozen water larger than two NSWs or seven Victorias, is disappearing much faster than scientists believed. New data suggests the extent of ice sheet loss since 1985 has been underestimated by as much as 20 per cent, according to scientists.