After a century of growth, have carbon emissions reached their peak?

Grist News

December 29, 2020

CO2 emissions dropped 7 percent in 2020 -- and scientists say they might never fully rebound.

Biomethane efficiency must be maximised

Sustainability Matters

December 20, 2020

The recent announcement that Sydney’s Malabar Wastewater Treatment Plant will produce biomethane to power up to 24,000 homes is great news, as is the potential for New South Wales to utilise enough biogas to supply 1.4 million homes. However, the secret to maximising the greenhouse gas savings from any renewable energy project is to maximise efficiency at every stage of the process. In the case of anaerobic

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Renewables still the cheapest new-build power in Australia

Sustainability Matters

December 14, 2020

Solar and wind continue to be the cheapest source of energy in Australia, according to a new report from CSIRO which has calculated the integration costs of renewables in electricity generation. Each year, CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) work with a range of industry stakeholders to give an updated estimate of the cost to generate electricity for new power plants in Australia, through

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Amazon announces new solar project in Victoria

Sustainability Matters

December 14, 2020

Amazon has positioned itself as the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, announcing 26 new global utility-scale wind and solar energy projects totalling 3.4 GW of electricity production capacity. The announcement brings Amazon’s total investment in renewable energy in 2020 to 35 projects and more than 4 GW of capacity. One of the 26 global solar energy projects is the Hawkesdale Wind

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ABB equips solar farm for smooth grid integration

Sustainability Matters

December 13, 2020

Two ABB synchronous condensers are enabling the new Darlington Point Solar Farm in NSW to feed a large amount of clean electricity into the local power network while maintaining grid stability and reliability. With a projected annual output of 685,000 MWh, the 275 MW (AC), 333 MW (DC) solar photovoltaic farm commenced operation in August 2020 and is reported to be the largest solar farm connected to

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Car battery recycling program saves tonnes of waste from landfill

Sustainability Matters

December 10, 2020

A battery recycling program is allowing the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) to reduce its environmental footprint and prevent 2500 tonnes of potential waste from going to landfill each year. Club spokesperson Lucinda Ross said around 90% of batteries replaced by RACQ Roadside Assistance patrols and contractors are recovered for recycling. “In the past financial year we

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New York’s $226 billion retirement fund will pull out of fossil fuels

Grist News

December 9, 2020

The nation's third-largest pension fund will withdraw investments from companies that aren't prepared to survive in a low-carbon economy.

Most of America’s dirty power plants will be ready to retire by 2035

Grist News

December 9, 2020

Shutting down the nation’s fossil fuel–burning power plants in the next 15 years wouldn't be as economically risky as previously thought, a new study shows.

First turbine installed at Mortlake South Wind Farm

Sustainability Matters

December 7, 2020

A team of skilled personnel has successfully installed the first wind turbine of ACCIONA’s Mortlake South Wind Farm project, erecting the installation over a four-day period. The four steel tower sections were installed first, followed by the nacelle and hub, and finally, the three blades, which were bolted into place on 28 November. The crane that lifted all the elements for the top of the turbine

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Smart meter review investigates how to boost customer benefits

Sustainability Matters

December 6, 2020

In a bid to increase uptake and help customers gain more benefits from advanced metering technology, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has committed to review the rules governing electricity meters. The Review of the Regulatory Framework for Metering Services will focus on driving retail innovation and consumer participation in a two-sided energy market — where all types of energy

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