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October 2016
Like water for cho-coal-ate
New analysis released by The Australia Institute today estimates that hidden subsidies from the Queensland Government to the coal mining industry, in the form of the value of groundwater accessed for free, represent at least $100M in value for the Galilee Basin coal mines alone. Report author Rod Campbell, who is the Director of Research
CEDEX Report: ACT 100% target helps break investment drought. Supply not the issue for SA blackout
The Australia Institute, in partnership with engineering consultants pitt&sherry, has released the latest Carbon Emissions Index (CEDEX). The CEDEX is the benchmark indicator for Australia’s carbon emissions and an up to date snapshot of vital data from the energy sector. The report released today reviews the impact of the ACT’s 100% target on development of
September 2016
The mining construction boom and regional jobs in Queensland
A new report by the Australia Institute shows that employment and jobs growth fell in regional Queensland during the mining construction boom. Despite an unprecedented 400 percent increase in mining investment from 2010 to 2013, by 2015 employment in regional Queensland fell to below 2010 levels. While employment increased in a few mining intensive regions
South Australians don’t believe the hype: Poll shows SA backs fracking ban
1,473 South Australians were asked if they supported a Victoria-style ban on gas fracking in their state. Twice as many (47%) support a ban than are opposed (23%). 30% were undecided. The polling was conducted on 30 August, as Victoria introduced its ban and in the weeks following the furore around energy prices in South
A Coal Moratorium and the Australian Economy
Modelling shows that Australia’s economy would be barely affected by a moratorium on approval of new coal mines and mine expansions. As the world works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will need to burn less coal. As a result, the world will need less coal mines. In the lead up to the Paris climate
United Wambo coal project: Submission
The United Wambo Open Cut Coal Mine Project is a proposal to expand and merge the existing Wambo and United coal mines in the Hunter Valley, NSW. This submission focuses mainly on the economic assessment included in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the proposal, Appendix 19 Economic Assessment, written by Deloitte Access Economics (Deloitte).
Leaving the ARENA
Australia has a long history of prioritising fossil fuels over renewables in research and development (R&D) funding. ARENA turned this around, making Australia a world leader in renewables. Government plans to cut ARENA’s funding while providing new funds for fossil fuel R&D risks putting Australia back decades in energy R&D.
August 2016
Is electricity demand growth returning in Australia?
In late 2010, after over a century of almost uninterrupted growth, demand for electricity in Australia began to fall. Two previous papers, published in 2013 and 2015, examined possible reasons why demand was falling in the National Electricity Market (NEM), which accounts for nearly 90% of Australian electricity consumption. However, no sooner had the second
July 2016
From climate pariah to climate saviour? What the petroleum industry can do about climate change
A new report from The Australia Institute explores what the petroleum industry can do to simultaneously pursue its financial interests and the interests of the global climate. The report, written by Australian National University Emeritus Professor Andrew Hopkins, outlines four key areas where the oil and gas industry’s interests align with the global goal of
Greasing the Wheels
Report reveals a web of political donations, special access and secret lobbying behind controversial mining projects. The report examines 6 highly controversial QLD resource projects and highlights the strong connection of these companies to QLD and federal political parties. The Queensland Liberal National Party accepted over $300,000 from companies associated with these projects, but most of the political
CEDEX: Gas generation falls for 18th month in succession
The year to June 2016 saw a continuation of the slowdown in demand growth first seen last month. Total emissions from electricity generation in the NEM fell slightly in the year to June 2016. Annual emissions were 5.7% higher than in the year to June 2014. Total coal generation fell slightly to 75.8%, compared with
Post-election polling shows agreement on issues, expectation for politicians to negotiate with crossbench
Post-election polling of 2875 voters from across Australia showed the majority of Labor, Green and Independent voters prefer negotiations with cross bench MPs to form government rather than calling another election. 47.0% of all respondents support negotiations with independents and minor parties to form government while 46.3% said ‘call another election’. — Polling results in
Submission on competition to Australian Energy Market Commission
The Australian Energy Market Commission is considering a proposal to introduce a new rule in the national electricity market. The 5 Minute Settlement Rule Change is a very technical but important rule, which the Australia Institute believes would increase competition. Currently, gas peaking plants provide the energy to respond to rapid changes in demand. If
June 2016
Climate of the Nation 2016: Australian attitudes on climate change
Climate of the Nation is Australia’s longest running survey benchmarking community attitudes on climate change.
Great Barrier Bleached
Research released today by The Australia Institute estimates the tourism industry impacts if severe coral bleaching continues on the Great Barrier Reef. — Full report in attachment below — Based on surveys of Chinese, UK, American and domestic tourists, results show that tourism areas adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef risk losing over 1 million
Wambo Coal Mine, Hunter Valley – Submission
The Wambo Mine – Modification 12 – Southern Longwall Modifications is a proposal to extend an existing coal mine in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW). The mine is owned by coal producer Peabody Energy. An environmental impact statement (EIS) has been submitted to the Department of Environment and Planning. This submission relates mainly
Public opinion on mine site rehabilitation: Briefing note
As the size of the clean up after the mining boom becomes apparent, mine site rehabilitation is becoming an important topic for many communities, regions and governments in Australia. A recent report on mine voids found that 6,050ha of voids will be left behind in NSW, most of which will fill with saline water, an
Nice work if you can get it: Jobs outcomes from renewables growth policies
The Australia Institute has modelled the number jobs in the clean energy sector which would be created to meet the renewable energy targets proposed by political parties this election. All parties are talking about jobs and economic opportunities in the lead up to the 2016 federal election. The report estimates the number of jobs that
Economic assessment of the Hume Coal project
Development of an underground coal mine in NSW’s Southern Highlands is not economically viable and presents risks to the environment, existing industries and landowners.
May 2016
Securing renewables : How batteries solve the problem of clean electricity
Battery and other energy storage technologies are ready to solve the problem of variability of renewable energy. This report includes new polling showing high public support in Australia for battery storage technology and parties that promote decentralised solar and storage for household use. Report surveys price reductions in renewable energy and battery technologies. It also
CEDEX: Gas responsible for continued surge in black coal emissions – May 2016
After total electricity demand declined for four years between 2010 and 2014, this month saw demand increased for the fourteenth successive month. The major factor pushing the resurgence of electricity demand is Queensland’s coal seam gas exports. CSG production uses a lot of electricity to power the pumps and compressors needed to extract the gas from
CEDEX: Electricity demand and emissions continue to grow, plus a closer look at Tasmania – April 2016
The April 2016 Carbon Emissions Index (CEDEX®) Report by pitt&sherry and The Australia Institute (TAI) indicates that electricity generation, demand and consumption continues to be on the increase nationally following a seventeen month trend. The total annual demand in the NEM is now 2.5% higher than the low point recorded for the year ending February
CEDEX: Diesel impact on petroleum emissions – March 2016
The March 2016 Carbon Emissions Index (CEDEX®) report by pitt&sherry and The Australia Institute indicates that while electricity generation continues to be the greatest contributor to emissions, principally through black and brown coal generation, petroleum and in particular diesel is a significant contributor to the increased growth in emissions with road transport and mining applications
CEDEX: Electricity demand continues to rise in Australia – February 2016
The February 2016 Carbon Emissions Index (CEDEX®) Report by pitt&sherry and The Australia Institute (TAI) has found that national electricity demand continues to rise on average by 0.17% per month, and although emissions fell slightly in the year to 31 January 2016 as a result of decreased brown coal generation and increased hydro generation, electricity