A new report reveals that unreliable coal plants and the slow rollout of renewables are driving up energy prices in Australia. The report highlights the record-high wholesale energy prices in NSW and the disparity in prices across different states, attributing it partly to transmission constraints. This issue is set to be a key political debate ahead of the federal election, with Labor advocating for clean energy to reduce bills and the Coalition pushing for greater reliance on coal before a transition to nuclear.
Unreliable coal plants and the slow rollout of renewables are combining to drive energy prices up, new data shows, setting up a cost-of-living clash at the upcoming federal election as Labor pushes clean energy to cut bills and the Coalition calls for greater reliance on coal before a switch to nuclear.report, released on Thursday, said average wholesale energy prices in the last three months of 2024 were up 83 per cent on the same time in the previous year.
High power prices are a political headache for the Albanese government, which promised in the 2022 election to cut power bills by $275 by this year.A key measure to cut power bills is the government’s pledge to raise the share of renewables to 82 per cent of the grid by 2030, but project building delays have slowed the rollout.
It’s unclear how the Coalition would proceed with building, given state and federal governments have banned nuclear generation. Littleproud’s claim also contradicts the, which states it will conduct feasibility studies and community consultation for 2½ years before it commences building.
ENERGY PRICES COAL RENEWABLES TRANSMISSION AUSTRALIA
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Unreliable Coal and Slow Renewables Drive Up Energy PricesA new report reveals that unreliable coal plants and a slow rollout of renewable energy sources are contributing to rising energy prices. The report highlights a significant gap in wholesale energy prices across Australia, with New South Wales experiencing record highs while Victoria saw a record low. This disparity is attributed to transmission constraints limiting the flow of cheaper renewable energy from the south to the more energy-demanding states. The issue is becoming a political flashpoint ahead of the federal election, with the Labor government pushing for greater reliance on renewables to cut power bills, while the Coalition advocates for increased coal use before transitioning to nuclear power.
Read more »
Coal Mine Expansion: Oakey Coal Action Alliance Ends Decade-Long Legal BattleAfter more than ten years of legal challenges, the Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) has withdrawn its appeal against the expansion of New Acland coal mine in Queensland. The decision, while difficult, brings an end to a lengthy and costly legal battle for the group of farmers who fought to protect water resources and the environment. New Hope Group, the mine operator, now has the green light to proceed with its expansion plans, which will increase production and create jobs.
Read more »
BMI Alone Unreliable for Obesity Diagnosis, Experts SayInternational experts are urging healthcare professionals to move beyond relying solely on Body Mass Index (BMI) for diagnosing obesity. They advocate for additional assessments like waist circumference measurements and considering 18 specific health problems associated with excess body fat. The shift aims to ensure more accurate diagnoses and improve access to appropriate treatments.
Read more »
‘He’s hurt Australia’: Liberal MP unleashes on Chris Bowen’s renewables plansLiberal MP Garth Hamilton has unleashed on Chris Bowen and the Albanese government's ambitious renewables rollout, claiming the Energy Minister had 'hurt Australia'.
Read more »
Labor doubles down on renewables as Trump bets on big oilThe Albanese government has continued to throw money at “clean energy investments” as part of the net zero transition, while the US Trump administration has bet on big oil.
Read more »
Mining industry praises Albanese’s $2bn green aluminium pledge as Dutton labels it a ‘con job’Federal government aims to encourage power-intensive producers to switch to renewables by 2036
Read more »