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Australian developer fulfills ERF contract in just one month
This rainforest was once a grassland savanna maintained by Aboriginal people – until colonisation
'Chaotic and crazy': meat plants around the world struggle to contain Covid-19 outbreaks
Critics warn of workers tightly packed together and pressure to keep operating at maximum speed
Outbreaks of Covid-19 at slaughterhouses are occurring in a number of countries around the world, in a development that may have long-term implications for food supply systems, say experts.
The US has been hardest hit, with outbreaks at more than 180 meat and processed food plants. But other countries with highly consolidated meat supply chains – Ireland, Spain, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Canada and the UK – are also struggling.
Continue reading...GoodWe ranked as global No. 1 hybrid inverter suppliers by Wood Mackenzie
GoodWe reached No.1 rank among hybrid inverter suppliers on a global scale.
The post GoodWe ranked as global No. 1 hybrid inverter suppliers by Wood Mackenzie appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Fossil fuel incumbents push to delay another crucial energy market reform
Crucial National Electricity Market reforms face delays under pressure from large incumbent fossil fuel generators using Covid-19 as a cover to stymie progress.
The post Fossil fuel incumbents push to delay another crucial energy market reform appeared first on RenewEconomy.
NSW Granite Hills wind farm cuts turbine numbers, increases their height
Akuo Energy's 132MW wind farm proposed for Steeple Flat in NSW amends plans to include fewer – but taller – turbines, ahead of seeking environmental approval.
The post NSW Granite Hills wind farm cuts turbine numbers, increases their height appeared first on RenewEconomy.
HMS Beagle: Dock for Darwin's ship gets protected status
Western Power names Ed Kalajzic as new CEO
Ed Kalajzic takes helm at Western Power as the DNSP looks to shift much of its sprawling poles and wires network to solar and battery storage stand-alone power systems.
The post Western Power names Ed Kalajzic as new CEO appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Record growth in rooftop solar pushing coal out of Australia market
Rooftop solar continues to drive coal out of the electricity market, as renewables surge to new record levels in Australia.
The post Record growth in rooftop solar pushing coal out of Australia market appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Has Covid-19 crippled big-battery and virtual power plant economics?
A big battery like the Hornsdale Power Reserve needs price volatility to make money out of energy arbitrage. But the Covid-19 pandemic has flattened the market.
The post Has Covid-19 crippled big-battery and virtual power plant economics? appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Debunking Michael Moore’s myth about life cycle energy needs of wind and solar
Contrary to claims made in Michael Moore film Planet of the Humans about life cycle energy for renewables, wind and solar are likely to breed even better returns.
The post Debunking Michael Moore’s myth about life cycle energy needs of wind and solar appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Lithium Australia assessing the use of recycled battery components as fertiliser micro-nutrients
Glasshouse testing of mixed metal dust recovered from recycled alkaline batteries successfully completed.
The post Lithium Australia assessing the use of recycled battery components as fertiliser micro-nutrients appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Coronavirus impact lays bare inflexibility of German power generation and demand
Germany experiences record level of negative power prices, highlighting need for greater flexibility in power generation and demand.
The post Coronavirus impact lays bare inflexibility of German power generation and demand appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Holy grail of big batteries – first pilot for Gates-backed battery with 150 hours storage
US utility to pilot "acqueous air flow" battery - backed by group including Bill Gates and Macquarie Capital - that promises to deliver 150 hours of storage at very low cost.
The post Holy grail of big batteries – first pilot for Gates-backed battery with 150 hours storage appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Coronavirus shows housing costs leave many insecure. Tackling that can help solve an even bigger crisis
How “green steel” could replace Australia’s coal industry – and end climate wars
Grattan Institute says Australian green steel manufacture and export industry could generate around $65bn a year in today’s dollars, and resolve nation's great climate conundrum.
The post How “green steel” could replace Australia’s coal industry – and end climate wars appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Coronavirus: £2bn for 'once in a generation change' to transport
Lockdown has made us see the natural world anew – let's not waste it | Gaby Hinsliff
The pandemic is giving us a lesson in life, hope and death. It’s one we should never forget
Back in the days when we all still hurried oblivious through crowded city streets, the names chalked on the pavement must have been easily missed. But now a long-running campaign by rebel botanists across Europe to highlight overlooked nature in the city, scribbling names and plant details alongside a pretty weed growing through a wall or a tree spreading overhead, has unexpectedly found its niche.
Going for a walk is the only real freedom many have had for weeks, and with no particular place to go but out, there is finally time to notice nature creeping through the cracks: the birdsong no longer drowned out by traffic; the daffodils in front gardens giving way to frothy peonies; a fat supermoon hanging heavy on the night horizon.
Continue reading...Imagine the UK getting rid of road rage, congestion and exhaust fumes for ever | Susanna Rustin
Britain is a latecomer to decarbonising transport but changes under lockdown and initiatives abroad could spark a revolution
It was a grim irony that the best transport news in ages was buried in the first few days of the coronavirus lockdown. On 26 March, the government published a document, Decarbonising Transport, which went further in facing up to the problem of emissions from air and vehicle traffic than most campaigners had dared to hope for.
The challenge is enormous. In 2016, transport overtook energy to become the single biggest source of domestic emissions. Motor vehicles on their own are responsible for around a fifth of the total. On aviation, the UK is the world’s third-worst polluter, behind China and the US.
Continue reading...