Renewables and energy news that crossed Meralli’s desk recently…
Emissions Reduction Included in National Energy Rules
The Australian Energy Market Commission has officially incorporated emissions reduction considerations into the national energy rules, solidifying a significant regulatory shift towards net zero. (PV Magazine)
Average Wholesale Energy Prices Drop in 2023
The Australian Energy Regulator’s latest Wholesale Markets Quarterly Report reveals that average annual wholesale electricity prices in the National Electricity Market fell by between 44% and 64% and average annual east coast gas market spot prices fell by 43% in 2023.
This quarter, the proportion of generation output sourced from fossil fuels fell to a record low, providing two-thirds of generation output. Meanwhile, wind and solar reached a record-high share, representing 26% of output – up from a previous record share of 23% in Q4 2022. You can read the report in full here. (PV Magazine)
Regulator Says Wholesale Electricity and Gas Prices Dropped in 2023 | ABC News
According to the Australian Energy Regulator, wholesale electricity and gas prices dropped last year by as much as 64 percent. Energy expert Stephanie Bashir says a number of factors contributed to the decline, such as an uptick in solar panel usage and mild weather conditions.
$1.3M Funding Announced for VIC Women in Energy Program
The Victoria State Government has announced a further $1.3 million grant for organisations through its Women in Energy and Manufacturing Funding Program, designed to support organisations to attract, recruit and retain women and remove barriers in these historically male-dominated workforces. Read more about the initiative here. Applications are open until 20 February 2024. (Energy Magazine)
Have Your Say: TransGrid Seeks Feedback on Short-Listed Routes for the VNI West
Transgrid is urging Murray River communities and landowners to review the preferred route for the VNI West interconnector project, which aims to accelerate the energy transition and increase renewable electricity sharing for millions of Australians. Have your say here. (Australian Resources)
New Chair for Energy Consumers Australia
Energy Consumers Australia’s inaugural Chair, Louise Sylvan, will be stepping down from the role after nine years, following the appointment of a new Chair. Dr Michael Schaper has been appointed to the role and will commence on 1 February 2024. (Energy Magazine)
Our photo of the week (from the Meralli archives) was taken at Bell Bay Solar Farm, a recent build with Climate Capital in Tasmania.
