Flying towards a cleaner future: Ecotricity’s electric airline using Hydrogen Electricity

Edge Utilities_Hydrogen Electricity

The UK is about to welcome the first electric airline using Hydrogen Electricity in the world!

Ecotricity’s green energy business is launching a plane with 19 seats that will fly between Southampton and Edinburgh. According to the company’s chief, the aircraft will initially run on kerosene-based fuel but will transition to hydrogen-electric engines a year from now.

What is the purpose of hydrogen electricity? Imagine it as a lunchbox full of sandwiches, only the sandwiches are hydrogen gas, and the lunchbox is a fuel cell. Instead of eating the sandwich as humans do, the fuel cell converts the hydrogen into electricity, supplying power to the plane’s engines.

This concept has an infinite number of possibilities. It may be a significant step in reducing aircraft emissions, which are very significant, especially for countries like Australia where transport, including air travel, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Other sectors are also embracing the hydrogen trend. Hydrogen service stations are planned for Australia, while a boat powered by hydrogen has been launched in China. Therefore, it is evident that the hydrogen era is not only a theory but is becoming a reality.

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

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

Renewable Revolution or Risky Gamble? Australia’s Bold Energy Transition Plan

Edge Utilities_Energy Transition Plan

The Australian Federal Government, led by Chris Bowen, has announced a bold move to support renewable energy, the energy transition plan will add an extra 550 megawatts (MW) of firming generation in New South Wales (NSW). This strategy aims to ensure grid reliability and security and attract nearly AUD 10 billion in investment, thereby contributing to an estimated 6 gigawatts (GW) of additional power. The energy transition plan is designed to offset the projected power shortages following the anticipated shutdown of various fossil fuel generators across the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Despite the optimism, there are challenges. It remains uncertain whether the proposed measures, largely based on large-scale battery and pumped hydro storage, can compensate for the power shortage following the phasing out of fossil fuel generators. Further concerns have been raised following the delays to the Snowy 2.0 project, with doubts about the NEM’s ability to maintain a stable electricity supply and prevent a spike in power prices. The reliability of renewable energy during periods of calm weather and low sunshine is also under scrutiny.

These uncertainties lead to an important question: will this ambitious plan become a successful blueprint for the future, or a cautionary tale of overambitious planning and under-delivery? The outcomes will have significant implications for the future of renewable energy, not just in Australia, but globally. As Australia embarks on this renewable energy journey, the world watches closely.

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

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

Is your business ready to be part of the Brisbane Olympics 2032?

Brisbane Olympics 2032 Precinct

Brisbane 2032 International Olympic Committee (IOC) have called for businesses to be “Brisbane Olympics 2032 Ready” but what does this mean for your Business Energy?

As we countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, action towards creating Australia’s first net zero carbon region has commenced with the launch of the Brisbane 2033: Legacy Project. This project outlines a policy and framework of SMART goals across the key themes of Connected, Creative, Equitable and Enterprising with the goal to achieve a Climate Positive Games and positive legacy for the region.

“In 2032, the eyes of millions of people will be in our homes, what do we want them to see?” John Coates AC, President of Australian Olympic Committee.

The Queensland Government has indicated that all business intending to be a part of the Brisbane Olympics 2032 will be required to meet the net zero carbon goals and the Games’ procurement rules on zero emissions and zero waste.

So how can you become Brisbane 2032 Olympics Ready and be a part of Australia’s first net zero carbon region?

Our team of energy experts at Edge Utilities have outlined three key ways below.

3 ways to show your business’s commitment to a Climate Positive Games with Edge Utilities.

 

  1. Reduce your carbon emissions.

Taking action to reduce carbon emissions is a crucial step in preparing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. There are various effective approaches to achieve this goal. These include conducting equipment assessments, upgrading to energy-saving infrastructure, implementing solar panels, integrating smart technology, and adopting energy-efficient lighting solutions.

By implementing these strategies, businesses can make significant strides towards Brisbane 2032 Olympics readiness while actively contributing to a sustainable future.

  1. Purchase green energy.

Simply purchasing green energy is another great way to show your Climate Positive commitment to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Edge Utilities can work with you to secure cost effective energy procurement from renewable resources, such as solar, wind and hydro. We do the administrative work for you, ensuring reliable secure energy for your business whilst, managing cost and reducing your emissions through green purchasing.

As part of our comprehensive services, we can guide your business in exploring energy procurement and generation options, including energy carbon offsets, enabling you to make informed decisions towards sustainable and low-carbon operations. We are deeply committed with renewable energy, which play a critical role in preparing for a Climate Positive Olympics.

One of our key offerings is the facilitation of Power Purchase Agreements PPAs powered by Edge2020. Power Purchase Agreements allow businesses to procure energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower at fixed, predictable costs. This approach is particularly advantageous for small to medium-sized businesses, providing a cost-effective path to lower carbon emissions and fostering growth within the renewable energy sector.

Learn more about Power Purchase Agreements.

  1. Join a renewable energy portfolio.

A renewable energy portfolio can open a wealth of opportunities for your business and goes beyond simply securing renewable power. By joining a power portfolio, you will benefit from the power of bulk purchasing, yielding cost advantages not usually accessible to individual businesses and mitigating price fluctuations. Edge Utilities offers individual businesses the opportunity to apply for a renewable energy portfolio through our Edge Utilities Power Portfolio (EUPP).

When businesses join the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio, they gain access to the kind of purchasing power that is typically only available to larger portfolios. This opens the door to custom-made electricity contracts, providing an essential tool for businesses aiming to achieve net zero emissions. Edge Utilities Power Portfolio serves to remove obstacles for Australian businesses, making the goal of 100% renewable electricity within their contracts a more achievable reality. This not only supports environmental initiatives but also echoes the sustainable business strategies akin to the values championed by global events like the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Discover more about the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio.

Edge Utilities has a climate active registered consultant, and it’s powered by Edge2020. Gain access to tailored energy solutions, green energy experts, risk management and emission reduction strategies designed to secure your energy procurement, mitigate fluctuating energy prices, and go for green and gold!

 

Connect with us today.

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Europe’s Climate Stride: Unpacking the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Container Ship on the Ocean

In an ambitious bid to combat climate change, the European Parliament has introduced legislation, including a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), aiming to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions.

With a target of at least a 55% reduction by 2030, this initiative could have far-reaching effects, particularly for large industries whose operations produce considerable carbon emissions.

Central to this package are two key measures. Firstly, it proposes to phase out free allowances under the European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) by 2026. Secondly, it introduces the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which sets tariffs on goods produced using carbon-intensive processes, particularly those prone to ‘carbon leakage’ — a term for shifting carbon-intensive production stages to countries with more lenient climate policies.

While the CBAM concept is gaining momentum globally, with countries like the UK, Japan, Canada, and the US exploring similar mechanisms, it presents its own challenges. Despite Australia’s ongoing considerations for a CBAM amidst resistance from carbon-intensive sectors, the complexity and cost of compliance, including intricate accounting and potential auditing bottlenecks, could pose significant obstacles to its widespread implementation.

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

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

Unpacking the Impact of AEMO’s Scheduling Error Post Liddell Shutdown: A Peek into the Energy Market Dynamics

Light Bulb - Electricity

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently confirmed a scheduling error involving the Liddell Power Station, which led to considerable disruptions in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the futures market on May 1, 2023. The closures of the last three units of the Liddell Power Station towards the end of April should have been integrated into the AEO dispatch system. However, a data mismatch within the system kept these units active, leading to market inconsistencies.

This oversight originated from a disparity within the NEM Dispatch Engine (NEMDE) utilized by AEMO. While a portion of the system correctly acknowledged the shutdown of the Liddell units, another part, responsible for handling constraints, continued to count them at their initial 500MW capacity rather than the actual zero. The resultant 1500MW drop in capacity from the system’s balancing equation led to adjustments in the power distribution across states.

To rectify this situation, AEMO reduced power flow from Victoria to New South Wales and moderated power generation by approximately 173MW. The resulting market response was a surge in electricity prices, pushing the daily average price up by around 30%.

In the aftermath of the Liddell shutdown, the market has been on high alert, responding to the smallest of disturbances. This sensitivity was evident as the futures market reacted positively, experiencing a rise in the Q3 2023 close price across QLD, VIC, and NSW, and a notable increase in SA.

In the following weeks, the power market continued to be volatile due to various outages and unexpected factors such as a tube leak at Bayswater 2, outages at Kogan Creek, Eraring 2, and Tarong, the delay of Callide’s return, and unexpected interest rate hikes. This scenario led traders to act on the price differences between states, resulting in a rise in NEM prices. It is suggested that this sensitivity and rapid reaction of the market is likely to continue for some time. Despite the quick adjustments in the spot market, the futures market appears to be retaining its value.

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

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

“Rewiring the Nation” project to invest $20 billion

Gala sitting on electrical wire

Australia is undertaking a significant “Rewiring the Nation” project to invest $20 billion to transform its energy sector. Spearheaded by Chris Bowen, the initiative focuses on developing and constructing 10,000 kilometres of transmission lines by 2030. Bowen stresses the importance of obtaining social acceptance for this transition. To that end, New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) governments offer landowners affected by the infrastructure projects generous incentives of $200,000 per kilometre. These measures aim to establish strong stakeholder relationships in the regulatory investment test process.

To meet its ambitious renewable energy targets, Australia requires roughly 29GW of large-scale renewables, equivalent to installing about 3.6GW annually. However, the country only added 2.3GW of large-scale solar and wind capacity in the previous year, and progress in developing essential transmission lines has been slow, posing a significant challenge to achieving these goals. AEMO‘s Chief Executive, Daniel Westerman, highlights that the curtailment of solar and wind generation is due to inadequate transmission capacity. Though renewable energy integration is at record highs, with an average of 37% and a peak of 66% in the grid during Q1, the closure of 14GW of coal-powered generation capacity by 2030 surpasses the 8GW of announced renewable projects.

The government plans to address these concerns by introducing a new Capacity scheme and examining potential extensions to existing infrastructure. In addition, as the VIC-NSW West Interconnector’s final drafts and Humelink’s approval are expected, the transition to new transmission systems is underway. There are still questions, however, over whether the government will be able to reach its renewable energy goals in the allotted time. Further updates will provide information on the advancement and difficulties encountered along the road as Australia works to attain its clean energy ambitions. Australia’s energy environment is continually changing.

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

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

South West Renewable Energy Zone: A Step Towards a Greener Future in New South Wales

Street lights on road at night

The NSW government recently released their draft declaration for the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ) access scheme to the public as part of the NSW government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

The government is paying particular attention to the number of projects that will be granted transmission in the zone looking to generate investment.

REZs are designed to coordinate the connection of new renewable energy projects to the electricity grid within a specific area. The NSW government hopes these zones will attract investment for renewable energy projects, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing clean, sustainable energy.

The South West REZ is anticipated to have a transfer capacity of 2.5 gigawatts (GW) and will connect to the existing electricity network via the Dinawan Substation. Due to its location, this zone will primarily focus on solar and wind energy projects, as offshore wind and extensive hydrogen investment opportunities are not as viable.

Several upgrades to the electricity network are planned to support these new projects, including the Project Energy Connect (PEC) interconnector, the HumeLink, and the proposed Victoria-NSW interconnector (VNI West). These enhancements aim to entice investors to fund renewable energy projects in the South West REZ.

To participate in this REZ, companies must meet specific requirements and adhere to the government’s guidelines. They need to demonstrate project feasibility, compliance with certain standards, and the ability to manage potential disruptions to the electricity system. Upon meeting these criteria, they will be granted access to the REZ and the benefits it offers, such as a stable and well-funded electricity network.

Public consultation for the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ) access scheme will conclude on May 15th, marking another step towards a greener future in New South Wales.

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

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

Renewable energy storage roadmap released

Edge Utilities Brisbane City

The CSIRO’s Renewable Energy Storage Roadmap underlines the importance of energy storage in Australia’s journey to net zero emissions.

Despite leading in solar power generation and reducing emissions, Australia requires a significant increase in storage capacity to maintain affordable and reliable energy.

Storage is vital to integrating renewables into the grid and reducing coal and gas-fired generation dependency. A combination of various storage technologies, such as electrochemical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal storage, is needed to meet the evolving demands of the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Increasingly, dispatchable generation must come online as coal-fired generation retires between 2023 and 2035. The CSIRO report calls for accelerated development timelines for projects by 2030. Faster development or alternative storage technologies are needed, as pumped hydro typically takes ten years to develop.

CSIRO’s chief executive emphasises the need for a “massive increase” in storage capacity, estimating an additional 11 to 14 gigawatts by 2030. As a result, the focus should shift to storage as the deadline approaches, exploring repurposing old mine pits and retiring thermal power stations.

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

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

AEMO’s MLF assessment reveals solar and wind farms as big losers

Solar Panel

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently released its final Marginal Loss Factors (MLFs) assessment, highlighting solar and wind farms as the big losers. The MLFs determine how much energy is lost between the generator and the region reference node in each state, and the changes in the new MLF forecasts were primarily driven by changes in availability due to the closure of Liddell, revised return to service dates for Callide C, revised demand forecasts, and the increased penetration of solar and wind generation into the grid.

The lower MLFs impact the amount of revenue generators can make, and many of the intermittent generators have been impacted by changes to the grid and the closure of thermal generators. The location of renewable generation is becoming increasingly important for the success of a project, with unfavourable MLFs potentially reducing the revenue for generators and impacting the renewable energy available to the market.

While a 3% drop in solar farm generation may not seem significant, some solar farms in the New England region have experienced drops that are greater than this. These changes can affect the success of a project and reduce the renewable energy available to the market, potentially leaving end-users with less renewable energy than they signed up for. The final MLF assessment from AEMO underscores the importance of carefully considering the location of renewable energy projects for successful implementation and revenue generation.

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

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

Councils working towards net zero

Local council area business

Enabling green power purchasing for your business community

Enabling the purchase of green power through a portfolio arrangement can be a powerful tool to support councils in their commitments towards emission reduction.  Working with your business community to encourage  them to purchase their power responsibly through a collective effort is the answer to reaching your council’s net zero goals. But where do you start with the administration and negotiations for such an arrangement?

Connecting businesses to a portfolio to buy green energy is easier than you would think.

Energy procurement specialists like Edge Utilities are adept at using the power of bulk purchasing to help businesses achieve goals, such as ensuring they are buying green electricity, and it can also lead to savings in many cases. In addition to sourcing energy through sustainable suppliers, they will negotiate and contract on behalf of the businesses, and by having support from a consultant who can take an aggregated portfolio approach widens the opportunity for those businesses to define and meet their desired outcomes.

So how can this be rolled out across a council or community with thousands of businesses?

Using the council’s connection to all the businesses in an area and great communication you can work with a businesses like Edge Utilities to encourage business owners to purchase their power through the portfolio aggregation arrangement. This will enable the majority of the jurisdiction to be buying green power, with the joy of someone else managing the administration through a custom built portal, or in some cases with a little marketing budget a microsite, branded as a council initiative.

Each business will still have their own contracts and power bills, but by joining the portfolios to a large proposition, they can tap into the benefits of buying renewable energy and potential savings through bulk purchasing.

Why do it?

One word, emissions. Collectively the businesses in a council area would be responsible for a large percentage of the emissions in the area,  and due to government legislation, most councils will have committed to reducing those emissions.

Setting up the opportunity for businesses to make an easy transition to purchasing renewable power in your council area will certainly support emission reduction goals.

The benefits are:
  1. Emission Reduction: Encouraging renewable energy procurement for the businesses in that area, can enable councils to actively reduce their carbon emissions.
  2. Simplicity: Having expert energy providers manage it on your behalf allows businesses within your constituent access to an easy option to know they are buying green energy, as well as have the contractual admin managed by someone else.
  3. Education: Offering a service like this to the businesses in your council area through a specially designed portal, will give you the opportunity to educate your community on energy consumption.
  4. Potential cost savings: The more businesses that join the portfolio the more opportunity portfolio managers have to make potential savings on energy through bulk purchasing.
  5. Demonstrating Leadership: By providing an easy to use, admin free opportunity for local businesses to move to green power, councils can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and set an example for other organisations to follow.

How to do it – The portfolio model

Energy partners like Edge Utilities  work with councils to help communicate with the businesses in the area and enable the switch to green through a customised portal, to sign up to join the portfolio. The actual contracts are held individually by each business, they will all receive their own bills.

There is no cost for the re-contracting service, much like mortgage brokers there is no out-of-pocket cost to the council or individual businesses for the use of our services. We are remunerated by the retailers we set up the contracts through, making it a win win situation for emission reduction goals, potential savings for the businesses and the opportunity for the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio (EUPP) to grow.

The council’s job therefore becomes purely engagement and education, notifying businesses that they have created the opportunity for a simple switch to contribute towards your net zero goals by joining the portfolio.

Overall, communities purchasing renewable energy through a power portfolio can provide a cost-effective and reliable way for councils and business communities to transition to net-zero emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss.