The urban heat island and summertime blackouts
The Conversation25.6 MB(download)
Today, we're asking why some of the most disadvantaged parts of our cities cop the worst of a heatwave and how you -- yes, you! -- can do your bit to reduce the risk of a summer time blackout.
Better managing how we use electricity in our homes will reduce pressure on the grid, and reduce the need for more power stations.
Power line image from www.shutterstock.com
Fossil fuel advocates claim only coal and gas can deliver cheap and reliable energy, and renewables are synonymous with sustainability. But demand management can solve all three problems.
Can Kangaroo Island’s pioneering spirit be harnessed in the push for renewable energy?
Dider B/Wikimedia Commons
Kangaroo Island’s electricity link to the mainland needs replacing. But a new analysis shows that for roughly the same price, the island could move to independent, local renewable energy sources.
ARENA part-funded the Broken Hill solar plant in New South Wales, which opened this year.
AAP Image/ARENA
Nicky Ison, University of Technology Sydney and Chris Dunstan, University of Technology Sydney
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is facing a $1.3 billion budget chop as part of the federal government’s savings measures. But sacrifice the lead agency for green energy development
Australia will likely have to close more coal power stations to meet climate targets.
Coal power image from www.shutterstock.com
Australia’s energy watchdog has warned that closing coal power stations could leave us vulnerable to supply problems. But not if we help take the pressure off the grid.
Money spent on helping consumers reduce demand means less money spent on substations and other infrastructure.
Bidgee/Wikimedia Commons
Incentives for cutting peak power demand are cheaper than building ever more infrastructure and sending power bills ever higher. The industry has a chance to embrace this new approach - but will it?
Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey hosting the recent G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Sydney, a lead-up event to November’s Brisbane Summit.
AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
When Australia hosts the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, a top agenda item for its “Brisbane Action Plan” will be “practical actions to improve productivity and competitiveness”. So here’s a good place…
It doesn’t have to come to this, but governments need to step in now.
fras1977/flickr
The traditional electricity industry has been stunned by the enthusiastic uptake of solar panels across the nation. Why? Because rapid uptake of rooftop solar power, solar hot water and energy efficiency…
