Coal luddites get schooled as energy minister and experts blame crisis on slow renewables investment
Friday, 17 June 2022
Federal energy minister Chris Bowen has blamed the energy crisis on slow renewables investment, pushing back on suggestions we need to keep coal generators operating.
It’s a reality echoed by Anna Collyer, chair of the Energy Security Board, who said the energy crisis showed the need for reform to move “beyond the crisis” by continuing the shift to solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable power.
The Albanese government has submitted its nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the UN, formalising its 43 per cent by 2030 emissions reduction target - a missed opportunity to effectively tackle the climate crisis unless it is significantly strengthened to align with the Paris Agreement.
“The problem is not renewables:” Bowen puts Uhlmann back in his coal box
Federal energy minister Chris Bowen has pushed back against suggestions that we need to keep coal generators operating to overcome the current energy market woes, saying a decade of slow investment in renewables and storage had led to the current crisis.
Energy crisis boosts case for renewables, top policy adviser says
Energy Security Board chair Anna Collyer said the federal government’s plan to invest heavily in the transmission grid to support renewable power generators was crucial to reduce the impact of high global prices for fossil fuels.
Australia's Paris Agreement commitment lifted to 43 per cent emissions reduction by 2030
Australia has formally committed to reducing its emissions by 43 per cent by 2030, a target which still falls short of what is necessary to limit warming to well below 2C.
BHP announces plans to close NSW's largest coal mine at Mt Arthur by 2030
Mining giant BHP has failed to find a buyer for New South Wales' largest coal mine, and will close the operation in 2030.
Australia likely to stay stuck in the EV slow lane despite Labor's federal election win
Industry experts say the lack of fuel efficiency standards is the biggest roadblock to electric vehicle uptake in Australia.
The globe is still grappling with COVID-19, but Australians have had to get their heads around the risks associated with a number of other new diseases as scientists say we should expect to see more of as the globe continues to warm.