Around The Web

A daily summary of our news plus bite-sized updates from around the world.

If we still rely on international supply chains for wind, solar and other projects, Australian jobs will be foregone

From the World Bank and the International Energy Agency to Australia’s own Reserve Bank and a host of national industry bodies the message is clear: our path out of the great economic collapse triggered by Covid 19-must put renewable energy and a decarbonised society at its centre.

However, a business-as-usual approach to renewable energy development means Australia will still miss out on the full benefits of the decarbonisation of our economy. If we still rely on extended supply chains from international markets for the components needed for wind, solar and other projects, skilled and enduring Australian jobs will be foregone.

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In the latest edition of our Carbon Pulse Conversations podcast, we chat with Cristian Mosella, co-founder and executive director of Chilean consultancy EnergyLab, about the South American country’s recent COP25 presidency, its updated Paris Agreement NDC, and developments regarding a potential emissions trading programme and the current carbon tax.

How quickly should Australian developers and installers embrace new solar technologies in their projects? Solar technology efficiencies always seem to be increasing. How did we get here and what does it mean for bankable, bifacial projects in Australia? What can we learn from the international solar supply chain and technology deployment trends? What considerations should...

The post Webinar: Opportunities in high efficiency, bifacial, and new solar designs appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The completion of Robinvale solar farm marks the launch of WePower’s blockchain-based energy tokenisation platform that promises to open up energy procurement to small businesses.

The post New solar farm offers bite-size PPAs for small business on road to energy democracy appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The bee-eating Asian hornet has already reached the Channel Islands and beekeepers fear it could soon reach the UK mainland.

Stunning cost reductions in solar and wind power continue, with countries urged to replace 500MW of existing coal to deliver billions in savings.

The post Solar and wind’s stunning cost advantage sparks call for mass coal closure appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Goldwind Australia's 530MW Stockyard Hill wind farm is sending power to the Victorian grid from the first of its 149 wind turbines.

The post Australia’s biggest wind farm starts sending power to the grid appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Contrary to the Morrison government's claims, it does prop up the fossil fuel industry. But the money doesn't create many jobs or much profit. Jeremy Moss, Professor of Political Philosophy, UNSW Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

While it's impossible to stop all extraction of fossil fuels now, renewable sources are already generating 25% of global electricity demand now and their contribution continues to grow. Ralph Sims, Professor, School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Market participants anticipate Wednesday's Q2 RGGI sale will settle close to the secondary market price despite expectations that quarterly emissions are dropping due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most EU countries have set insufficient emission targets in their climate roadmaps for 2030 and should review the plans, focusing on non-ETS sectors where ambition falls significantly short of achieving the 27-nation bloc's targets, according to environmental NGOs in a report published on Tuesday.

RIN prices climbed to levels not seen in more than two years on Monday as obligated parties under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) continued to show strong demand for credits, but some questioned the sustainability of the bull run.

Water companies are urging people to avoid using sprinklers and paddling pools during the lockdown.

New Zealand carbon allowances shot to their highest levels in three months on Tuesday, after the government’s announcement it would increase the fixed price option level for major emitters.

EUAs climbed back above €21 early on Tuesday, retracing the previous session's losses as colder weather prospects and acute short-term supply problems lifted much of the energy complex.

A study presents more evidence that the world is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction.

Remembering Wildlife, the groundbreaking charity picture book series, has announced the 10 winners of its photography competition to appear in its forthcoming book, Remembering Cheetahs, which will help to protect the world’s most endangered big cat. There are only around 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild. The book will be published on Monday 12 October and the winning images will be printed alongside stunning images donated by many of the world’s leading wildlife photographers

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Thousands of Filipino and international crew members are stuck as they await results of Covid-19 tests

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From the balcony of her cabin, Sofia Ivanov* welcomes the light rain that cools the scorching Manila summer. As coronavirus empties the world’s cruise lines of guests, crew workers like her get to use the luxurious guest rooms before they lose their jobs.

Over two dozen other massive cruise ships dot her view of Manila Bay. It’s a spectacular view, but Ivanov is tired of it after seeing nothing else for weeks. 

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Australia has been identified as a hotspot for emerging diseases, which occurs when human activities collide with a richness of animal species. Penny van Oosterzee, Adjunct Associate Professor James Cook University and University Fellow Charles Darwin University, James Cook University Bill Laurance, Distinguished Research Professor and Australian Laureate, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.