Environment
Residents to get no-interest loans for energy upgrades
17 June
Residents in NSW can now access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to fund lower energy upgrades to their homes, aimed at slashing bills and taking pressure off the grid. Ahead of next week’s state budget, the NSW government announced on...[Read More]
Businesses MIA on rooftop solar and battery revolution
10 June
Australian households are generating nearly four times as much solar energy as retailers, manufacturers and other non-residential buildings, with most commercial rooftops panel-free. Harvesting the vast, untapped generating and storage potential in...[Read More]
Small business switched off from electrification boom
3 June
Thousands of Australian small businesses are falling behind on electrification, weighing on national climate goals and leaving manufacturers exposed to gas market volatility. Many small and medium-sized businesses that rely on gas-powered heat to...[Read More]
Australia’s remaining solarless roofs harder to crack
27 May
On a mission to investigate solar, battery and electrification retrofits for the block of flats she lives in, Coco Venaglia has faced hurdle after hurdle. The building’s strata committee is open to upgrades but pressed for time, and was pleased...[Read More]
Rent hikes, more homelessness as climate change bites
20 May
Climbing insurance premiums and other economic symptoms of climate change are expected to push rents higher and drive homelessness without well-targeted intervention. Under a high-emissions future, characterised by the ongoing dominance of fossil...[Read More]
Budget lacks energy for big renewable project reforms
13 May
Australia’s growing throng of solar panels, batteries and electric cars will be managed by a new regulator in a multimillion-dollar budget commitment welcomed by investment and climate groups. The change will come in addition to support for...[Read More]
Batteries undercutting gas, keeping lid on power bills
6 May
Australian power grids have proven far more resilient to the latest global energy crisis compared with the Russia-Ukraine war, bolstered by battery boom and subdued local gas prices. A ballooning battery fleet soaking up cheap, abundant solar to...[Read More]
Fuel, fertiliser shortages could deliver barren harvest
1 April
Australia’s regional and rural businesses will face a triple threat from fuel, fertiliser and interest rate changes over the coming months, but can fight back with investments in renewable energy and artificial intelligence. NAB issued the advice...[Read More]
Free midday power just the start for energy equity
25 March
The allure of free daytime power has brought savings-motivated Australians to energy expert Mamoon Reza’s door. Akin to power happy hour, the Solar Sharer policy announced in 2025 has been pitched as a win for renters, apartment dwellers and...[Read More]
Renewable energy project may help blow down power bills
18 March
Offshore wind farms could deliver significant savings for Australian households, with some consumers seeing $151 cut from their annual electricity bills. The savings would come despite the significant up-front investment needed to build wind...[Read More]
Energy rating report card urged for all Aussie homes
11 March
All Australian homes should receive a score out of 10 for energy efficiency before they can be sold or rented, experts say, as part of an expansion to a national assessment program. The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, which is used to rate...[Read More]
Rice could be key ingredient to cutting steel emissions
11 March
Leftover rice could be the key ingredient to halving carbon emissions from iron and steel production, according to a trial led by Australian researchers. The CSIRO and Indian Institute of Science revealed the findings on Tuesday from tests in which...[Read More]
Compact homes unlocking cheaper, cleaner city living
4 March
In a time of climate change and strained housing affordability, sometimes it pays to think small. At just 50 square metres, the apartments and townhouses inside the Two Sisters development in North Melbourne are far smaller than the 236 sq m average...[Read More]
Investment vehicle races off with $34b renewables push
4 March
Blessed with wind and solar resources, renewable energy companies are clamouring to take part in the bounty of NSW amid a global oil crisis. More than 15 projects worth a total of $34.4 billion in potential investment are being looked over at the...[Read More]
‘Right the ship’: polluters tax could be vote spinner
18 February
Forcing Australia’s biggest polluters to pay tax for their emissions may no longer be electoral kryptonite, polling indicates. The survey of 3000 Australian adults by Redbridge Group showed most regional and urban voters supported introducing a...[Read More]