Environment
Household solar panels create a ‘worry’ for energy boss
26 February
Australia is leading the solar race worldwide thanks to widespread adoption of rooftop panels but the asset could present a serious challenge to the national grid in the short-term, a leading energy regulator has warned. Australian Energy Market...[Read More]
Small cars show a big thirst for petrol in road tests
12 February
Some small cars have a surprisingly big thirst for fuel, with the latest vehicle road tests showing three popular hatchbacks exceeded their advertised petrol consumption by more than 20 per cent. One popular model consumed 35 per cent more petrol...[Read More]
Ways for consumers to put the ‘sun tax’ in the shade
22 January
For those who can afford it, adding a battery could beat the “sun tax” that will further deplete the once-generous rate of return for rooftop solar pioneers. A third of Australia’s households have rooftop solar and almost three quarters of the...[Read More]
Festive frenzy: Christmas deliveries take climate toll
18 December
Santa might manage his present deliveries with just one sleigh, nine reindeer and a bit of magic, but for everyone else, Christmas shopping takes a greater toll. Every year, the volume of freight being delivered Australia-wide increases as more and...[Read More]
Exhausted: Australia lags Europe, US on car pollution
11 December
Australians drive some of the dirtiest vehicles in the world, according to a transport study, which found cars Down Under produce more pollution than vehicles in Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria, among others. But the National Transport Commission...[Read More]
Nuclear and renewables at odds over power bill shock
31 October
Rolling out nuclear power plants in Australia could add $1000 a year to household electricity bills, according to energy experts, and regulators should focus on lower cost, renewable power. The warning has been issued at a Smart Energy Council event...[Read More]
Why packing waste could be the secret to a cool summer
30 October
Air conditioners could be ‘packing’ an energy-saving secret in future after an Australian research breakthrough involving waste material and static electricity. RMIT University announced the discovery on Tuesday, which researchers say could make...[Read More]
Calls to upgrade regional connectivity as 3G shuts down
30 October
Telcos are being urged to boost mobile coverage in regional Australia as thousands of residents with old phones lose their ability to make calls or texts as the 3G network shuts down. Telstra and Optus on Monday joined TPG Telecom/Vodafone in...[Read More]
Hybrids demoted to make way for electric Uber rides
9 October
Hybrid cars will no longer qualify as “green” vehicles on Uber’s rideshare service in Australia after the tech giant announced changes to prioritise electric cars on its platform. Uber executives announced the changes at a London event on...[Read More]
Making the Most of Your Solar Panels
29 August
Solar energy offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to powering your home, 12-volt setup, or caravan. The benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy are substantial, ranging from reduced electricity bills to minimising your carbon...[Read More]
Asia’s biggest battery will power Australian homes
11 October
More than one million Australian households will be powered by one of the world’s largest battery systems after the government approved a new renewable energy hub. The battery will be located in Melbourne suburb of Plumpton, where it will store...[Read More]
One giant leap for agriculture as farmers look to space
15 February
Nestled deep in the industrial and commercial centre of a major metropolitan city, a vertical farm has sprouted indoors and its backers are reaching for the stars. Researchers based in Melbourne’s Docklands are working with the space agency NASA...[Read More]
Electric car tax cuts welcome, more wanted
26 October
Federal budget tax cuts for electric cars and moves to create a national electric vehicle charging network in Australia have been welcomed by motoring and environmental groups overnight. The policies could shave $4700 off the cost of buying an...[Read More]
Big Battery ‘more useful than big banana’
21 September
Australia can’t become fully powered by renewable energy without storage to support wind and solar, industry warns. South Australia’s Hornsdale Power Reserve was the world’s first Big Battery, since overtaken by a larger plant in...[Read More]
Aussies want green transport options, fast
31 August
Australians overwhelmingly want governments to splash cash on a fast transition to green transport options that will save them money and fight climate change, a national survey shows. A YouGov poll of 2160 Australians, commissioned by the Climate...[Read More]