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A year ago, the power system went down in South Australia. Homes and businesses across the state were without electricity for hours, some for days. While its specific causes have already been worked through, the nation’s most widespread blackout in decades quickly became a symbol of “Australia’s energy crisis”.

One year on, it is time to ask: how far have we come and what have we learned? Some progress has been made, but there is still a long way to go before Australians can rest assured that they have an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system.

While politicians have been beating their chests, companies pleading their case, and energy institutions busying themselves with the search for solutions, five lessons have emerged from the great SA blackout.

Read more: Baffled by baseload? Dumbfounded by dispatchables? Here’s a glossary of the energy debate

1. Big storms cause blackouts – and blackouts cause big (media) storms

There’s nothing quite like a blackout to focus the minds of politicians and industry alike, and generate momentum for energy policy reform.

In the blackout’s immediate aftermath, federal and state energy ministers together commissioned Chief Scientist Alan Finkel to review the National Electricity Market. Finkel presented his findings in June this year.

So far, 49 of his 50 recommendations have been accepted – all except the contentious Clean Energy Target. The blackout served as a reminder that electricity obeys the laws of physics, not of governments, and that system security is paramount. It has already prompted some important reforms that reduce the chances of future blackouts, such as new rules for extreme power system conditions and new obligations on network businesses.

2. Energy is now a political plaything

While being in the spotlight has created the opportunity for much-needed reforms, it has also made energy policy a political plaything.

Consider the petty public stoush between Labor SA Premier Jay Weatherill and Liberal federal energy minister Josh Frydenberg in March, or the lump of coal that was passed around Federal Parliament back in February. Politicians have created a false contest between coal and renewables, instead of working together to fix the real policy problems.

Meanwhile, consumers have been left in the dark, both literally and metaphorically. Energy institutions and companies have largely failed to explain themselves, and what is going on, to the people that matter most.

Reports from the market operator, written in technical language for industry, have triggered media panic, and politicians have seized these moments to point the finger rather than reassure the public.

Read more: The day Australia was put on blackout alert

It’s not easy. These problems are complex, and no decent explanation will fit a media soundbite. But consumers must be brought along on the journey; confusion creates unnecessary fear, unhelpful reactions, and false expectations.

3. In a crisis, politicians will act – whether or not it helps

Politicians are understandably keen to act to keep the lights on. The SA government responded by announcing a go-it-alone Energy Plan. Some other states, and the federal government, are now buying or contracting for new electricity generation and storage.

Some interventions help, but others could make matters worse. We have seen a lot of policy on the run in the past year, yet state and federal governments continue to ignore the policy changes that would make the biggest difference.

New generation and storage will be needed to bring down electricity prices, reduce emissions, and avoid supply shortfalls as older power stations are closed. Governments are jumping in to build that generation. But this could force existing generation out of the market, making the problem worse.

Industry has made it clear that policy stability, including a credible emissions reduction mechanism, is needed to enable appropriate investments to be made. Yet stability and predictability in energy and climate change policy have been sorely lacking over the past decade.

If governments can collectively agree to implement Finkel’s plan in full, this would give the market more certainty on how emissions will be cut over time, and how the entry of new technologies and the exit of old power stations will be managed.

Laying out a path from where we are today to where we want to be in future is essential. Without it, uncertainty will continue to paralyse investors and drive up electricity prices.

4. All hands are on deck, but no one is steering the ship

There is a lot going on, but it is still not clear where it is all headed. Since the blackout there has been unprecedented attention on the energy sector. Everyone is busily trying to solve this, but from their own “silo”.

The sector has always suffered from a bit of a leadership vacuum. The top policy body, the COAG Energy Council, can be compromised by partisan politics and conflicts of interest, or simply bogged down in process.

Yet it is important that Canberra works with the states and territories, because each government has different legislative levers and political priorities that affect the national energy system. Policy leadership will be crucial throughout the transition to a cleaner energy future. The COAG Energy Council needs to focus on the core strategic issues, and it will need clear guidance from the sector to do so.

5. We should be able to avoid blackouts this summer, but longer-term solutions are still needed

We are certainly better prepared for the coming summer as a result of lessons learned from the SA blackout and the renewed attention on energy policy reform. Back-up generation and demand-response schemes are being organised, new energy storage is being built, and this week Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull struck a deal that should ensure adequate domestic gas supplies.

If all goes to plan, we should be able to avoid problems this summer. But we shouldn’t be relying on emergency measures every year. Longer-term solutions are needed, and these will require continued action, building on the momentum of the past year.

Read more: A year since the SA blackout, who’s winning the high-wattage power play?

The SA blackout was a wake-up call for the sector, triggering much-needed new thinking and some early reforms. But it has also thrown energy into the spotlight, requiring the sector to lift its game, particularly in communicating with the public and each other.

Looking back on the past year, we have come a long way, but it is still not clear where we are going and who will steer us there. Australians must hope that the new Energy Security Board, which includes the heads of the three main energy institutions, can help state and federal governments chart a steady course.

A shared sense of direction, across states and across party lines, is needed to focus the sector on the horizon, rather than on the waves below.

Kate Griffiths does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.

A Queensland local government council has installed what is believed to be Australia’s first off-grid solar and battery storage system to use a Tesla Powerpack, to maintain local drinking water quality around the clock.

UK solar fund buys major stake in 110MW Bannerton solar farm as part of plan to grow investments in "attractive" geographies.

Herbert Smith Freehills’ full service project finance team has advised on the project financing of the Lilyvale Solar Farm, located 50km north east of Emerald in the Central Highlands region of Queensland.

Polling of over 1,000 voters in the Deputy Prime Minister’s electorate of New England shows strong support for renewable energy investment over coal.

Tesla's big battery will be delivered on time, or even ahead of schedule, but overwhelming demand and diversions to hurricane-affected areas mean households will have to wait for their battery storage.

At this time of year, football matters, but in the case of Australia’s energy system, the stakes are much higher and it affects us all.

Clean Energy Regulator says new rule will make replacement rooftop solar panels ineligible for the government rebate, in an effort to boost the standard of installs.

South Australia is ready to lead again, this time with saltwater pumped hydro storage. Here's an inside look at what is planned.

Australia's fossil fuel emissions have hit record levels, and there is no federal policy in place to address them.

With summer approaching, there’s a flurry of activity to ensure reliable energy generation under peak loads.

Single-Column Responsive Email Template SENG QLD Newsletter - September 2017 Welcome to Newsletter Number 67 Dear SENG QLD members, contacts and friends, The Sustainable Transport: Reality or Pipe Dream technical session is planned for 10 October at Hawken Auditorium, Engineering House. Our guest speakers will address sustainable transport issues and innovations regarding congestion, fuel vs electricity, public transport, pedal power and urban planning. This month’s newsletter includes: Sustainable Transport: Reality or Pipe Dream Other Events Interesting Snippets Open for comment David's Blog As always, we welcome input from members regarding topics or speakers of interest. Please contact one of the Qld committee members, or consider coming along to a committee meeting, held at Engineering House prior to each of our technical seminars. We hope to see you there! Sustainable Engineering Society Qld Branch Engineers Australia. Sustainable Transport: Reality or Pipe Dream? Date: Tuesday 10 October, 2017 Time: 5:30pm for 6:00 Presenters: Rachel Smith, Gerard Reardon Venue: Hawken Auditorium, Engineering House 447 Upper Edward St, Brisbane Networking: Rachel Smith, Gerard Reardon Cost: Students - $15 Members (EA, SENG, TAs) - $15 Non-Members* - $45 *Those without an EA log in will need to create an EA account to register. This is a simple process and will only take a minute. Speakers: Rachel Smith – Author, Decongestion Rachel’s transport career spans 18 years across the public and private sectors in the UK and Australia. She has two TEDx talks, is the Author of Decongestion, has spoken in London’s Palace of Westminster’s House of Lords, is on the Smart Cities Task Force, is a Sourceable columnist, was part of the BMW Guggenheim Lab in New York, Berlin and Mumbai (nominated by Enrique Penalosa), created Cycling Super Highways, was retained by the UK Government for 6 years as an expert advisor and was awarded the BP International Road Safety Award. Rachel will discuss why the Australian Dream has become our biggest nightmare, 5 mistakes society makes and the 7 ‘sticking points’ or factors preventing change. The diversity of traveller choice now being sought is placing immense pressure on the currency and flexibility of transport policies and the priorities within infrastructure supply programs Gerard Reardon - Director, McCormick Rankin Cagney Gerard has experience in transportation planning, traffic engineering, road and highway design, and urban development within the public and private sectors in Australia. Since joining MRCagney, Gerard has been involved in many high profile planning and transport projects including the South Brisbane Riverside Renewal Strategy, Boggo Road Urban Village, Edmonton Business and Industry Park, and the Flagstone Master Plan. He has also provided traffic engineering advice on signature projects including the Queensland Children’s Hospital, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, and the Gold Coast Light Rail. Gerard will discuss policy and program changes that need to be considered and the challenges and opportunities facing transport planners and traffic engineers. In Australia, the transport sector is responsible for over a quarter of our energy consumption, and almost a sixth of greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, transportation contributes around a seventh of greenhouse gas emissions. Of this approximately two thirds are due to passenger travel and one third is due to freight. This is an area in which engineers should be leading the way. Are we doing enough? What more can we do? Our speakers will address aspects of transport such as congestion, fuel vs electricity, public transport, pedal power and urban planning and the session will conclude with a panel discussion which will allow us all to consider and discuss our current progress and plans. What is the status quo in transport engineering? How is travel choice influenced by technology and climate change policies? How are transport policies and infrastructure supply affected? What does the future hold?. Please join us after the session for networking at the OBar, 52 Astor Tce, Spring Hill. Register Now Register on-line or for more information see the attached flyer. Member rates for SENG and ACF members. Other Events Engineers Australia The Design Rainfall Revision Project – 4 Oct The Bureau of Meteorology is finalising the Design Rainfall Revision Project which will provide users with new design rainfalls. This presentation will provide information on the new design rainfalls for Queensland and demonstrate the functionalities of the new design rainfall webpage. Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ17) Clean Air and Environment Conference: The Critical Atmosphere (15 - 18 Oct) Over 300 highly influential global industry experts, policy and decision makers, and key equipment suppliers of the environmental sector gather to understand more about the physical and chemical processes underlying air quality, their effects on human health and welfare, and our capacity to effectively control and regulate air pollution. CASANZ17 hopes to stimulate new ideas and tools that can be applied across the air quality and climate change fields by coming together for this event. Long Future, Sustain Ability and SENG Reframing the Future and Adapting to Change (25 - 26 Oct) This 2-day workshop, run by world-recognised experts in sustainability, will harness participants' ability to keep abreast of organisational, social, global and biospheric trends, identify and correct road blocks to sustainable solutions, investigate opportunities and plan activities to reframe the future of your organisation and/or project. The workshop aims to develop participants' adaptive approach to working life that will deliver sustainability outcomes. Centre for Environmental Training (cet) Erosion and Sediment Control workshops (14 – 17 Nov) Four consecutive workshops address the fundamentals of erosion and sediment control, the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) guidelines, construction site water management, and control plans. Interesting Snippets For your interest, horror and amusement. SENG makes no claims regarding the accuracy or currency of these items. Qld Gov. The Queensland Government announces a new incentive to address excess waste and increase recycling. A ten-cent refund for eligible drink containers will be paid at authorised outlets. Click the link for more details. Qld Government has also introduced a ban on light single use plastic bags to begin 1 July 2018. Find out more. A project to build the world’s longest electric super highway has been unveiled by the Qld Government. Regular electric car recharge stations will be available from Coolangatta with motorists able to recharge with green electricity that will initially be provided free. Find out more. General Aurora Solar Energy Project The Aurora Solar Energy Project is an emission-free 150-megawatt solar thermal power plant that has recently been approved for construction in Port Augusta. It is expected to supply all of the South Australian Government's electrical demands. Read more here. Optimsed battery power Collaboration between researchers from Australia and Singapore has resulted in new methods for optimising battery power. By developing alternative electro-catalysts that increase the capabilities of zinc-air batteries, the lithium-ion battery may be replaced by a ‘greener’ alternative that is more readily-available with greater capabilities. Win-win. Estimates that man made emissions higher than previously estimated Methods for constraining natural geologic methane emissions to determine its mole fraction of the global methane source have allowed for man-made emissions to be estimated, however these methods are well-known to be uncertain and imprecise. New analyses of ice-core samples, that assume constant geological methane output, indicate that man-made emissions are likely very much higher than previously estimated. Full journal article available here. Promising Pumped hydro storage ANU researchers model Australia’s potential off-river pumped hydro power storage sites, finding very promising results.. Read more about these exciting energy opportunities for Australia’s renewable energy future here. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - Regulatory Updates Criminal ex-manager receives extended jailtime, charged under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 with two counts of operating a quarry without an Environmental Authority (EA). All EAs are now available in a spreadsheet form that can be downloaded from the Queensland Government website. Awards and Open Comment Draft 'Contaminated Sites Environment Protection' policy As part of regular Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviews of environment protection policies, the Draft 'Contaminated Sites Environment Protection' policy is now available for public comment. Consultation closes on Wednesday 27 September 2017. Find more details here. Protecting Queensland Environment EHP is currently seeking community feedback on its role as Queensland's environmental regulator. They are encouraging Queenslanders to complete a short survey on the environmental issues. Moment for Action Sign the petition David's Blog Keep up to date by reading David's Blog on the SENG website. Log in using your to post comments or questions. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn group page If you have an idea to share, an issue you would like feedback on, or just want to follow the conversation, click here to join the group. If you can't view this email click here to view online Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter

Hundreds of Japanese species have been found on US coasts, swept there by the deadly 2011 tsunami.

Florida and Japan show clean energy is fastest, cheapest way to restore power. Too bad Trump's administration hates it.

EasyJet believes it could operate electric flights under two hours in duration within the decade.

The Coalition Government is continuing its longstanding commitment to natural resource management, investing more than $1 billion for phase two of the National Landcare Program.

London mayor cites figures showing that the home stoves, used in 16% of households, produce up to a third of all the capital’s fine-particle pollution

Wood-burning stoves could be banned in some areas to combat air pollution under proposals by the London mayor, Sadiq Khan.

Khan has written to Michael Gove, the environment secretary, to request extra powers to improve air quality in the capital, including measures to tackle solid-fuel burning and construction pollution. The proposed measures include minimum emissions standards for vessels on London’s waterways and heavy construction machinery like diggers and bulldozers.

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Japanese vessel washed ashore on Long Beach, Washington being inspected by John Chapman. Russ Lewis

When a foreign species arrives in a new environment and spreads to cause some form of economic, health, or ecological harm, it’s called a biological invasion. Often stowing away among the cargo of ships and aircraft, such invaders cause billions of dollars of economic loss annually across the globe and have devastating impacts on the environment.

While the number of introductions which eventually lead to such invasions is rising across the globe, most accidental introduction events involve small numbers of individuals and species showing up in a new area.

But new research published today in Science has found that hundreds of marine species travelled from Japan to North America in the wake of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami (which struck the east coast of Japan with devastating consequences).

Read more: Widespread invasive species control is a risky business

Marine introductions result from biofouling, the process by which organisms start growing on virtually any submerged surface. Within days a slimy bacterial film develops. After months to a few years (depending on the water temperature) fully formed communities may be found, including algae, molluscs such as mussels, bryozoans, crustaceans, and other animals.

Current biosecurity measures, such as antifouling on ships and border surveillance, are designed to deal with a steady stream of potential invaders. But they are ill-equipped to deal with an introduction event of the scale recorded along most of the North American coast. This would be just as true for Australia, with its extensive coastlines, as it is for North America.

Mass marine migration Marine animals were transported vast distances on tsunami debris. Carla Schaffer / AAAS

This research, led by James Carlton of Williams College, shows that over a few years after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, many marine organisms arrived along the west coast of North America on debris derived from human activity. The debris ranged from small pieces of plastic to buoys, to floating docks and damaged marine vessels. All of these items harboured organisms. Across the full range of debris surveyed, scores of individuals from roughly 300 species of marine creatures arrived alive. Most of them were new to North America.

The tsunami swept coastal infrastructure and many human artefacts out to sea. Items that had already been in the water before the tsunami carried their marine communities along with them. The North Pacific Current then transported these living communities across the Pacific to Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, Washington and California.

Japanese tsunami buoy with Japanese oyster Crassostrea gigas, found floating offshore of Alsea Bay, Oregon in 2012. James T. Carlton

What makes this process unusual is the way a natural extreme event – the earthquake and associated tsunami – gave rise to an extraordinarily large introduction event because of its impact on coastal infrastructure. The researchers argue that this event is of unprecedented magnitude, constituting what they call “tsunami-driven megarafting”: rafting being the process by which organisms may travel across oceans on debris – natural or otherwise.

It’s not known how many of these new species will establish themselves and spread in their new environment. But, given what we know about the invasion process, it’s certain at least some will. Often, establishment and initial population growth is hidden, especially in marine species. Only once it is either costly or impossible to do something about a new species, is it detected.

Biosecurity surveillance systems are designed to overcome this problem, but surveillance of an entire coast for multiple species is a significant challenge.

Perhaps one of the largest questions the study raises is whether this was a once off event. Might similar future occurrences be expected? Given the rapid rate of coastal infrastructure development, the answer is clear: this adds a new dimension to coastal biosecurity that will have to be considered.

Investment in coastal planning and early warning systems will help, as will reductions in plastic pollution. But such investment may be of little value if action is not taken to adhere to, and then exceed, nationally determined contributions to the Paris Agreement. Without doing so, a climate change-driven sea level rise of more than 1 m by the end of the century may be expected. This will add significantly to the risks posed by the interactions between natural extreme events and the continued development of coastal infrastructure. In other words, this research has uncovered what might be an increasingly common new ecological process in the Anthropocene – the era of human-driven global change.

Steven Chown is the President of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.

Forests globally are so degraded that instead of absorbing emissions they now release more carbon annually than all the traffic in the US, say researchers

The world’s tropical forests are so degraded they have become a source rather than a sink of carbon emissions, according to a new study that highlights the urgent need to protect and restore the Amazon and similar regions.

Researchers found that forest areas in South America, Africa and Asia – which have until recently played a key role in absorbing greenhouse gases – are now releasing 425 teragrams of carbon annually, which is more than all the traffic in the United States.

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The process begins of scoping new spacecraft for the Sentinel Earth observation network.