National Cabinet to discuss energy prices

Today Australia’s leaders will meet virtually for a National Cabinet meeting, with soaring energy prices being at the top of the agenda. The federal government plans to cap coal prices to help households struggling to pay their energy bills. The rising costs of fossil fuels like coal and gas are all the more reason for Australia to transition to cheaper, renewable energy.

In even better energy news, Federal and State Energy Ministers have agreed to deliver a Capacity Investment Scheme that will incentivise more clean renewable energy and storage into the energy market. This announcement will make energy prices cheaper and attract new investment in long duration renewable storage.

And TAFE NSW is being pressured by a local Armidale think tank to increase the availability of renewable energy training across the state. NSW will need people with the right trade skills to meet the growing production of clean energy in Australia.

Government to help reduce energy prices
Today Australia’s leaders will meet virtually for a National Cabinet meeting, with soaring energy prices being at the top of the agenda. The federal government plans to cap coal prices to help households struggling to pay their energy bills. The rising costs of fossil fuels like coal and gas are all the more reason for Australia to transition to cheaper, renewable energy.

Australian energy ministers deliver promising investment scheme
Federal and State Energy Ministers have agreed to deliver a Capacity Investment Scheme that will incentivise more clean renewable energy and storage into the energy market. This announcement will make energy prices cheaper for households and businesses, attract new investment in long duration renewable storage, provide avenues for domestic battery manufacturing in Australia, and reduce the need for fossil fuels.

TAFE NSW pressured to provide more renewable energy training
A local Armidale think tank has called on TAFE NSW to address shortages in trades staff with renewable energy skills, as the region's clean power industry grows. Making courses in renewable energy available in more towns and cities across the state will be an important step.

UK gets first new coal mine in 30 years
Devastating news coming from the UK today as Michael Grove gives the green light for the first new coal mine in 30 years - this is a massive step backwards on climate action when we need to make steps forward at emergency speed.

North Australia’s summer heat is 5C above average
After a wet and unusually cool spring for much of Australia, the start of meteorological summer is bringing a heatwave to the north of the continent. Extreme heat can be very dangerous, and people should heed warnings about staying cool and hydrated during heatwaves.

Report demands ‘Future Fund’ take more action on climate change
Independent public policy institute, the Centre for Policy Development, has urged the Future Fund, which has a quarter of a trillion dollars under investment management, to meet its obligation to industry best practice on climate risk. In its report “Investing for Australia: Clarifying climate risk expectations of the Future Fund”, the institute said that publicly available information showed the Australian sovereign wealth fund lagged behind best practice across investment, engagement, disclosure and governance relating to climate risk.

Climate activists block Champs Elysees in France
A group of 20 environmental activists blocked Paris's Champs Elysees avenue for 10 minutes on Thursday in protest at what they call the French government's lack of action to counter climate change, particularly inadequate levels of insulation in buildings.