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The Latest News on the Energy Transition - 10.3.23

By Clementine West posted 10-03-2023 01:12 PM

  

Dear members,

Here are the articles we recommend reading this week to stay updated on the latest energy transition news: 

Congestion Relief Market is key to fixing grid congestion: With more than 200 potential grid congestion hotspots identified by the AEMO, transmission access reform is going to be crucial in ensuring the success of renewable energy projects as well as keeping costs down and reliability high :https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/news/access-reform-explainer?

The State of Net Zero Investment in Australia - According to a new survey by the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), institutional investors managing over $2.1 trillion in Australia are planning to increase their investments in renewable energy, green buildings, and other low-carbon assets in the next 12 months: https://igcc.org.au/the-state-of-net-zero-investment-in-australia/

Review of the Interim reliability measure - The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has recommended extending the application of the Interim Reliability Measure (IRM) to the Retailer Reliability Obligation (RRO) until 1 July 2028. https://www.aemc.gov.au/market-reviews-advice/review-interim-reliability-measure.

Palaszczuk Government to own and deliver Copperstring 2.0: The Palaszczuk Government has announced they will own and deliver Copperstring 2.0, a 1,100 KM, high voltage transmission line which is expected to create new jobs in Queensland: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/97314

CEFC backs CBA green home offer to help save on energy and emissions: The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has backed Commonwealth Bank of Australia's green home loan offer, which aims to help customers save on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Under the CBA's green home loan program, customers can access discounted interest rates on their home loan when they buy, build, or renovate a home with a minimum 6-star energy rating or install eligible clean energy upgrades, such as solar panels and battery storage systems: https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/press-releases/cefc-backs-cba-green-home-offer-to-help-save-on-energy-and-emissions/

Offshore wind giant hopes to avert skills crisis in training deal with Melbourne Uni: This article explains how an offshore wind company is partnering with Melbourne University to address a potential skills crisis in the Australian renewable energy sector. https://reneweconomy.com.au/offshore-wind-giant-hopes-to-avert-skills-crisis-in-training-deal-with-melbourne-uni/

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Clementine West
14-03-2023 12:07 PM

Hey @Ken Muir 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the articles we've posted. We appreciate your feedback and understand that you have some concerns about the content and the absence of certain topics.

The purpose of this "Energy Transition" blog is to provide readers with easy access to the latest discussions and publications happening around Australia. We want to spark conversation and provide consolidated information about the energy transition.

It's important to note that the views expressed in the articles and discussions on our blog are not the official views of EA. They are meant to inform and provide examples of the ongoing discussions in the field. We strive to present a variety of perspectives on these issues to encourage critical thinking and productive discourse.

We hope that our blog can be a valuable resource for those interested in staying up-to-date on the energy transition and related topics. Thank you for your feedback, and please let us know if there's anything we can do to improve your experience. 

Please also feel free to share links to articles you have read recently on this topic so others can benefit. 

Thanks

Clem 

Ken Muir
11-03-2023 08:54 AM

Thanks for the effort Clementine

But alas the collection of articles more exhibits the current malaise. The CEC's article borders on puerile, worshipping at the altar of market solutions for technical problems. Sensible generating asset developers consider the pros and cons of any site including being able to get the power to where it will be used.

The CEC's example is childish. Smart developers wishing to get the most energy down a skinny line have been adding energy storage for years and doing it behind the meter; or they could enter an agreement with a storage owner if that makes economic sense; with some of that storage at the load end if that also makes economic sense.

But in the long run if the generation is in a very productive region there's a need for additional transmission capacity generally beyond what a single developer can contemplate and fortunately this has been sinking into the thinking of State governments leading to the establishment of REZs in all eastern States.

But beating an old drum, the appalling aspect here is EA's complete silence. The CEC's marketer authored article deserved a scathing response technical/financial response. One wonders if there was such an absurd approach to road and rail would EA have come out punching. An old colleague who gave up on the EA decades ago blamed it on EA's civil engineering leanings.

Moving on: the Cu-string article. This line appears to be a small white elephant (when compared with the Snowy 2.0 mastodon). However it might make sense if the minerals region at the western end is rich enough. At the moment it appears to be intended to transmit expensive east coast power to the mines making it dramatically more expensive due to TUOS. However there are solar and wind opportunities along the route. But is it the lowest hanging fruit Qld could pluck. Sounds like another job a socially benefiting professional institute should analyse and lampoon if warranted, for the benefit of Qld tax payers. 

The CBA green loan idea, a great idea but why is EA not criticising the relevant building standards and recommending insulation standards and the like. 

But horrifically why is EA's voice so muted when it comes to the lack of technical education facilities that lead to a developer doing side deals - though the sceptic in me suspects this is social-washing by the company.