Environment
Household solar panels create a āworryā for energy boss
26 February
Australia is leading the solar race worldwide thanks to widespread adoption of rooftop panels but the asset could present a serious challenge to the national grid in the short-term, a leading energy regulator has warned. Australian Energy Market...[Read More]
Small cars show a big thirst for petrol in road tests
12 February
Some small cars have a surprisingly big thirst for fuel, with the latest vehicle road tests showing three popular hatchbacks exceeded their advertised petrol consumption by more than 20 per cent. One popular model consumed 35 per cent more petrol...[Read More]
Ways for consumers to put the āsun taxā in the shade
22 January
For those who can afford it, adding a battery could beat the āsun taxā that will further deplete the once-generous rate of return for rooftop solar pioneers. A third of Australiaās households have rooftop solar and almost three quarters of the...[Read More]
Festive frenzy: Christmas deliveries take climate toll
18 December
Santa might manage his present deliveries with just one sleigh, nine reindeer and a bit of magic, but for everyone else, Christmas shopping takes a greater toll. Every year, the volume of freight being delivered Australia-wide increases as more and...[Read More]
Exhausted: Australia lags Europe, US on car pollution
11 December
Australians drive some of the dirtiest vehicles in the world, according to a transport study, which found cars Down Under produce more pollution than vehicles in Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria, among others. But the National Transport Commission...[Read More]
Nuclear and renewables at odds over power bill shock
30 October
Rolling out nuclear power plants in Australia could add $1000 a year to household electricity bills, according to energy experts, and regulators should focus on lower cost, renewable power. The warning has been issued at a Smart Energy Council event...[Read More]
Why packing waste could be the secret to a cool summer
30 October
Air conditioners could be āpackingā an energy-saving secret in future after an Australian research breakthrough involving waste material and static electricity. RMIT University announced the discovery on Tuesday, which researchers say could make...[Read More]
Calls to upgrade regional connectivity as 3G shuts down
30 October
Telcos are being urged to boost mobile coverage in regional Australia as thousands of residents with old phones lose their ability to make calls or texts as the 3G network shuts down. Telstra and Optus on Monday joined TPG Telecom/Vodafone in...[Read More]
Prosperity and climate action can go hand-in-hand
9 October
Protecting nature and combating climate change need not come at the expense of Australiaās prosperity, a global summit has been told. Climate change, energy, environment and water department secretary David Fredericks says his department is...[Read More]
Hybrids demoted to make way for electric Uber rides
9 October
Hybrid cars will no longer qualify as āgreenā vehicles on Uberās rideshare service in Australia after the tech giant announced changes to prioritise electric cars on its platform. Uber executives announced the changes at a London event on...[Read More]
Plum market as trade deal reached with Vietnam
11 September
Horticulture producers say Vietnam is a plum market for their produce, as the Albanese government confirmed the reopening of the Southeast Asian market. After two years of negotiations between the Australian and Vietnamese governments, market access...[Read More]
Making the Most of Your Solar Panels
29 August
Solar energy offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to powering your home, 12-volt setup, or caravan.Ā The benefits of harnessing the sunās energy are substantial, ranging from reduced electricity bills to minimising your carbon...[Read More]
Asiaās biggest battery will power Australian homes
11 October
More than one million Australian households will be powered by one of the worldās largest battery systems after the government approved a new renewable energy hub. The battery will be located in Melbourne suburb of Plumpton, where it will store...[Read More]
One giant leap for agriculture as farmers look to space
15 February
Nestled deep in the industrial and commercial centre of a major metropolitan city, a vertical farm has sprouted indoors and its backers are reaching for the stars. Researchers based in Melbourneās Docklands are working with the space agency NASA...[Read More]
Mixed outlook for agriculture in 2023
14 December
Itās a mixed outlook for agriculture in the coming year, with grains and lamb expected to perform well while the number of dairy farmers leaving the industry takes a toll. Rural Bankās 2023 outlook also listed global economic challenges and...[Read More]