The country's biggest energy utilities, such as AGL and Origin, are focusing on transitioning to renewables, with good execution and reliability but poor future investment outlook. The biggest aluminium smelter is transitioning to 100% renewables with government funds and Snowy providing electricity. The ISP demonstrates that the NEM can run without coal or nuclear, using a mix of renewable and traditional energy sources. Major energy companies in Australia, like AGL, are urged to decarbonize and adapt to structural changes in the market to support climate solutions. Snowy is highlighted as a key player in the market for firming generation, with a need to balance supply and demand to avoid volatility and rising consumer costs.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Xavier Becerra says California can still meet 2035 gas car sales goal
California gubernatorial front-runner Xavier Becerra believes that the state can achieve its goal of banning new gas car sales by 2035 through investment in infrastructure, adding nuance to his previous doubts. The EV sales mandate is a crucial component of California's climate agenda, established by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020. Becerra's evolving stance on the issue during his primary campaign highlights the importance of continued commitment to climate solutions and the role of political leadership in driving progress towards a sustainable future.
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Fertiliser from thin air? How farmers can make their own fertiliser from air, water and on-site renewables
PlasmaLeap, an Australian company, is developing modular systems that use electricity, air, and water to produce nitrogen fertiliser on farms. This technology aims to give farmers greater control over fertiliser costs and supply while reducing emissions associated with conventional production. PlasmaLeap's approach is different from traditional fertiliser production, as it uses electricity to produce chemicals traditionally made using fossil fuels. The technology is designed to be containerised, deployed close to where fertiliser is used, and powered by renewable energy, offering farmers certainty in supply and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. PlasmaLeap has received significant funding for commercial deployment and is working on manufacturing at scale and at a competitive cost to compete with the global fertilizer industry, with features like kill switches and remote sensing for safety and autonomy. Amid geopolitical turmoil and fertilizer price volatility, the technology's pitch to farmers is becoming increasingly compelling.
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Australia’s biggest aluminium smelter gets $2.5 billion to help transition from coal to wind and solar
Tomago Aluminium, Australia's largest aluminium smelter, is transitioning to renewables with a $2.5 billion government package, aiming to meet international demand for low carbon products by adding 3,000 MW of new solar and wind capacity. The deal, managed through Snowy Hydro, will reduce power costs by $35/MWh and support Rio Tinto's goal of operating on 100% renewable energy by 2033. Similar agreements have been made for smelters in Queensland, with a focus on decarbonization activities and grid support. This transition is crucial for Australia to remain competitive globally, unlock new renewable investments, create jobs, and modernize the energy grid for a cleaner, more resilient future.
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Petrol station converted into flash charging hub as Chinese oil giant partners with EV and battery giant BYD
Sinopec has collaborated with BYD to transform a petrol station in Shanghai into a BYD Ultra-Fast Charging Flagship Station, as part of BYD's initiative to establish 20,000 flash charging stations in China by the year's end. This partnership is focused on building a flash charging network, with the new station in Shanghai boasting six T-shaped chargers equipped with two charging cables each, capable of delivering up to 1,500 kW of power. To accommodate battery storage, Sinopec removed underground fuel tanks at the station, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions in China.
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Denmark joins Norway at EV pinnacle as 97 per cent of private buyers opt for electric cars in latest month
Denmark and Norway are leading the way in electric vehicle adoption, with 97% of vehicles bought in Denmark and 97.6% in Norway being full battery electric in July. Mobility Denmark predicts that Denmark will have over one million BEVs on the roads early next year. The Nordic countries as a whole, including Finland and the Netherlands, are also experiencing a rise in BEV popularity. This trend towards electric vehicles is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
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Why solar didn’t work for this dairy farmer, until he added a battery and put it on wheels
Dairy farmer Peter Mulheron in south-west Victoria struggled to find a suitable solar solution for his farm due to high electricity demand from dairy operations. After realizing the limitations of conventional rooftop solar, he installed a 105kW solar system with 241kWh of battery storage, allowing for a reliable power supply. The battery storage was crucial for meeting the continuous electricity demand of dairy operations, such as heating water for cleaning and food safety. The innovative solar and battery system was developed by PHNXX and has proven to be a successful solution for dairy farms with high electricity demand. The Mulheron dairy farm installed a pilot solar and battery storage system that exceeded expectations, providing $13,400 in savings and real-world data for designing a larger system. They now have a microgrid system with 105kW of solar and 241kWh of battery storage, which could reduce annual energy costs by over $22,000. The system is portable, housed in shipping containers, allowing for flexibility and easy deployment. Mulheron advises other farmers to measure their electricity demand and resources before investing in renewable energy systems to ensure efficiency and adaptability for the future.
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In Birmingham, Alabama, a solar house is building a more resilient community
The UAB Solar House in Birmingham and the Solar House project at Huffman High School are both examples of how clean energy solutions can be integrated into everyday living and education. These projects demonstrate the benefits of rooftop solar panels, batteries, native plant gardens, and rainwater collection for generating and storing electricity. By providing hands-on training for students and creating models for sustainable living and community resilience, these initiatives empower communities to adapt clean energy technology to fit their needs. Collaboration between educators, students, professionals, nonprofits, and city leaders is crucial for effective climate solutions, with timing and inclusivity being key factors in addressing climate change.
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CATL Battery for Electric Aviation Passes Important Safety Test
CATL, the world's top battery maker, has successfully developed a high-energy density battery for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, passing an important safety test with no thermal runaway. This advancement signals progress in making electric aircraft more viable, as CATL prepares for mass production, indicating a growing market for electric aircraft technology.
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Jakarta Solidifies Role As Southeast Asian Fleet Electrification Epicenter At Busworld 2026
The transition of Jakarta's transit system to electric buses is gaining momentum, with local coachbuilder Karoseri Laksana and VKTR partnering to produce Indonesian-built battery-electric buses. The integration of 15 electric buses into active service by Transjakarta marked a significant milestone in the region's commercial EV shift, showcasing the Southeast Asian bus manufacturing ecosystem at Busworld Southeast Asia. Chinese and European manufacturers are also making moves to introduce electric buses in Indonesia, with plans to adapt to the country's long-haul highway corridors and inter-island ferry routes. The Jakarta provincial government aims to have the entire Transjakarta network running on electric power by 2030, creating new technical job opportunities and training programs, including efforts to bring more women into the industry. The expansion of electric buses in Jakarta is being closely watched by neighboring ASEAN transit authorities, indicating a shift towards commercial fleet electrification in Southeast Asia.