The results show some big name batteries performing pretty poorly…
The Lithium Ion Battery Test Centre in Canberra has released a new report. They released it 5 months ago but I’ll make apologies for tardy reporting later. [Read more…]
Australian Coal Power Will Be Quickly Killed By Low Cost Renewables
Low Cost Renewables Will Soon Drive Coal Power Out Of The Market
Last month the entire country sweltered under an oppressive heatwave — except the half known as Western Australia. As air conditioner power consumption soared on the 25th, 40% of Victoria’s coal generators failed followed by rolling blackouts. When faced with this incontrovertible evidence of coal’s unreliability, the government dedicated itself to the rapid phaseout of coal under its “affordable, reliable 24/7 power” program.
Sorry, only kidding. What they actually did was offer to pay the debts of new coal power stations that go bust. [Read more…]
Is ARENA Wasting Your Money On Useless Consultant Reports?
If you are in a hurry, the summary of this post is: ‘In my humble opinion: Yes’.
I recently wrote about Labor’s Hydrogen Plan announcement where they referred to a report by ACIL Allen Consultants saying Australia’s hydrogen exports could be over $3 billion a year by 2030. In my previous article I explained why this is extremely unlikely.
This article is going to be 2,000 words dedicated to me complaining. Specifically about why I consider the consultant report titled “Opportunites For Australia From Hydrogen Exports” worse than useless and why I think ARENA — Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency — wasted your money paying for it. [Read more…]
40% Of Victoria’s Coal Power Out Of Action During Heatwave While Solar Soldiers On
Solar Power Proves Far More Reliable Than Coal Power During Record Breaking Heatwave
As I’m sure you’re aware, South Australia and the eastern states were hit by a short but intense heatwave last week. In Adelaide temperatures hit 46.6 degrees on Thursday. A sweaty record. It was almost unbearable. Or at least I think it was unbearable. I’m not sure because I passed out at about 10 in the morning and didn’t regain consciousness until after nightfall. [Read more…]
Labor’s Hydrogen Plan Is A Lead Zeppelin
Why Australia Is Unlikely To Ever Export Large Quantities Of Hydrogen
As Michael reported this week, Labor has announced in a media release that, if elected, they will spend $3 million building a “National Hydrogen Innovation Hub” in Gladstone and make over $1 billion available in loans for to develop hydrogen production. Labor also say they will remove regulatory barriers and make research into hydrogen production, storage, and transport a priority . [Read more…]
Do Solar Panels Degrade Over Time? Yes, But Not By Much
Solar panels are amazing things. They cut pollution, save planets, and — by draining its power — move us closer to humanity’s ancient dream of destroying the sun. But they’re not quite perfect. If you happen to buy the cheapest panels you can get your hands on I’m sure you’ll soon find they can be very far from perfect. So bloody far you’ll need a goddamn spaceship to get there. [Read more…]
Solar Installation Audit: 20% Of Installs Sub-Standard – More Than 2% Dangerous
CER Audit: Over 20% Of Solar Installations Are Sub-Standard And More Than 2% Are Dangerous. 0% of installers suspended by CER.
Australia’s Renewable Energy Target or RET was audited last year and a report released last month. It’s a 25,000 word report so I’m not going into everything it covers. There’s way too much detail for that. It’s enormous. If you wanted me to write that many words it would take me all day. Even longer if you wanted them in coherent sentences. [Read more…]
Tesla Popup Store In Adelaide Quotes $9,300 Powerwall Installed By Killer Robots
Yesterday I visited a pop-up Tesla store in Adelaide.
Tesla has told me they can provide a fully installed Powerwall 2 in South Australia for $9,300 after the state’s $6,000 battery subsidy. The three phase version will cost “a few hundred dollars more” and there is a 12 week waiting period. [Read more…]
China’s “Cheapest Electric Car” — The ORA-R1 — May Cost Around $28,000
Does this electric car really cost less than $13,000? Err, unfortunately no.
Great Wall Motors has has released the electric ORA R1 passenger car in China. Or at least I think they have. [Read more…]
The New Catch Power Green Hot Water Diverter Reviewed: Smaller, Cheaper, Cuter
Hot water diversion is now more affordable with the new Catch Power ‘Green Catch’
Hi everyone. Happy New Year! This is a short article about a new hot water diverter developed by Australia’s Catch Power. I’m just letting you know it’s available and because I don’t really have anything bad to say about it this may seem like an advertisement. [Read more…]
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