Australia’s Energy Future: A Community Approach

Hand placing the final wooden block labeled 'Net Zero' on top of a stack with other blocks displaying green energy and sustainability icons, against a blurred natural background.

The Australian government is moving forward with its plan to rewire the nation, a project that could be quite costly, with land acquisition prices potentially reaching $10,000 per kilometre. Recognising the importance of including everyone in the conversation, there’s a strong push for community involvement.

Last month  discussions at the All Energy conference in Victoria emphasised how crucial it is for local communities to be part of creating new Renewable Energy Zones and updating power transmission systems. The benefits? These projects can bring significant improvements to local areas.

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is now making sure that for any new energy project to be approved, it must be communicated clearly to all involved, from government councils to the people who own the land. This means everyone should understand what’s proposed and know their rights in the process.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Information must be easy to understand and readily available.
  • Communication and engagement must be tailored to meet different needs.
  • Everyone should know how they can contribute and that their views will matter.
  • People should have the chance to be involved in energy plans from the start.

At a recent energy conference, Chris Bowen, speaking optimistically, mentioned that a well-designed renewable power system is not only reliable but also essential, especially during tough times. He noted that failing to update our infrastructure could be why Australia might not meet its energy goals. By 2030, Australia aims to get 82% of its energy from renewable sources and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45% compared to 2005 levels.

However, there are concerns that the government’s current focus on power transmission issues might distract from a broader strategy for renewable energy, which has been somewhat lacking over the past decade. This could be why the Minister for Climate Change and Energy is avoiding tough questions at the upcoming COP28 climate conference in Dubai.

The Australian government’s decision to send Jenny McAllister, the Assistant Minister, instead of the Minister to COP28 has been noticed by many, especially by the Pacific island countries. With those nations key to Australia being announced as the COP31, are watching Australia closely. They want to make sure Australia keeps its promises to address climate change. This interest is shared by other countries, like Turkey, who are also keen on hosting the conference and holding Australia to its climate commitments.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

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Australia’s Future Energy Direction

Engineer inspecting solar panels with a laptop at a solar power plant.

New details have emerged from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. They hint at what Australia’s energy might look like after 2030. A new plan called the Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) was discussed in the ‘Australian Hydrogen News’ section. This plan wants to keep track of where our green electricity comes from.

Back in December 2022, some ideas were introduced. The latest update gives us more details. It says the REGO plan could start by January 2025. This plan isn’t just about dates. It’s a sign that we’re entering a new age of green energy. REGO plans to introduce new energy certificates. These will replace the old LGC and STC rules. The impact of REGO will likely be felt for many years, even after 2030. It could change the way we think about Renewable Energy Targets (RET) after 2030.

What does this mean for our current energy targets? Changes will happen slowly. Our current energy goals will stay the same up to 2030. But the new REGO plan will start alongside them. Both plans will run together until 2050. This is good news for people looking to invest in energy.

One great thing about REGO is that it includes everyone. All ways of making electricity can get a REGO approval, even those not up to the mark now. But some projects, like GreenPower, might not use this new certificate even if many others do.

REGO also talks about smaller energy projects. We might see more Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and coordinated energy resources in the future. If they join REGO after 2030, it could change the energy market.

The REGO plan also mentions getting energy from outside Australia. Projects like Sun Cable show this might be possible. But, storing this energy is just as important as making it. The department realises this. They suggest giving certificates based on how much energy we store and use.

The main message? Big changes are coming. Some of it we’ve heard in December. New laws might come in 2024, and everything could start by January 2025. This isn’t just about hydrogen. It’s about the whole energy sector. If you’re in business, you’ll want to keep an eye on this.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

Looking to reduce your business’s energy expenses without any extra cost? Edge Utilities makes it possible through collective purchasing, which enables you to unlock substantial savings. Our focus is on empowering SMEs like yours by fetching the most competitive rates available. You can get in touch with us by emailing us at save@edgeutilities.com.au or calling us at 1800 334 336. Start saving today with Edge Utilities!