Alina Dini, Ph.D.

The lack of proper #fauna and #flora studies and inadequate #community #engagement has led to massive opposition against large-scale renewable projects (83% are against these projects in the Have YourSay survey: https://lnkd.in/gp_SCbzC). It should not come as a surprise because altering the #environment and #lifestyle of communities and #FirstNations peoples, and interfering with #nature inevitably triggers backlash. When projects of such magnitude are proposed without thorough consideration of their impact on local #ecosystems and without involving the affected communities in decision-making processes, it disrupts established ways of life. It raises valid concerns about #environmental degradation and loss of #cultural #heritage. This resistance reflects an instinct to protect the #environment and #traditions, especially when they feel their interests and voices are not adequately represented or respected in the planning and implementation of these projects. To address these challenges, The Community Engagement Review led by Andrew Dyer made recommendations including establishing independent rating schemes for #developers, implementing clearer project zoning, and prioritizing genuine community benefit sharing and communication programs, underscoring the crucial role of building trust and integrating community engagement efforts into project development. Coalition for Conservation Inc. Australian Wildlife Conservancy UN Biodiversity The Biodiversity and Climate Change Network (BCCN). United Nations Steven Nowakowski Animals Australia Bush Heritage Australia Landcare Australia American Conservation Coalition Nature Conservation Council NSW Ben Goldsmith

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Hon Grace Grace MP from the Queensland Government outlines the objectives and benefits of the State’s Battery Industry Strategy. Queensland is poised to become a leader in the global battery industry as it launched its comprehensive five-year strategy. The strategy, which aims to capitalise on the state’s abundant critical minerals and mining expertise, is focused on fostering innovation, driving investment, and promoting Queensland as a hub for advanced materials and battery production. With a targeted investment of $570m across key themes, Queensland is primed to create thousands of jobs and generate substantial economic activity while advancing its renewable energy and sustainability goals. Read the whole article on Queensland's Battery Industry Strategy here, at the Innovation News Network website: https://lnkd.in/dEu-pcVf #battery #batteries #queensland #criticalrawmaterials #mining #australia

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The Essential Services Commission annual Victorian Energy Market Report, published last week, includes a focus on how energy retailers respond to payment difficulties. The report shows fewer customers being disconnected—a very good thing—but it also shows more people are experiencing financial stress: 🔎 Eight percent of electricity and gas customers missed a bill payment each month in 2023–24. This was an increase of 18,000 electricity and 16,000 gas customers compared to 2022–23. 🔎 Around five percent of electricity and gas customers owed their retailer at least $300 each month in 2023–24. This was an increase of around 20,000 electricity and 14,000 gas customers compared to 2022–23, with more than half not receiving payment difficulty assistance from their retailer. 🔎 While more customers are receiving assistance such as payment plans, almost half exit payment plans due to non-compliance, with great inconsistency across retailers. This data raises questions about the suitability and effectiveness of those payment plans offered by retailers. Energy retailers must provide assistance to residential customers to help them avoid getting into arrears and assist those who are in arrears. It is important that retailers communicate effectively with customers experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills rather than placing too much reliance on disconnection warning notices. The latest data is all on our Energy Market Dashboard: https://lnkd.in/gBDutUxu Victorian Energy Market Report: https://lnkd.in/g3CNvKN3 News Update: https://lnkd.in/gGM8DTAc Also covered by today's The Australian newspaper: https://lnkd.in/gP5iBgfz

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I’ve been wondering recently why the deep tech conversation hasn’t explored circular economy or resource recovery success stories yet..? To continue developing the circular economy in Australia, the deep tech barrier is posing significant issues nationally. Nearly every solar panel recycler I’ve spoken too, have experienced the following challenges; ⚡️rising plant operations costs ♻️inconsistent buyers, with inconsistent commodity prices 🌏access to recovery plant equipment and repair parts is increasing and challenging 💡business models don’t have multiple revenue streams and multiple production outflow streams 🚀deep tech r&d investment model has yet to invest in the space with confidence in Australia, while the USA has a number of success stories 💰raising funding via a VC fund partner that will go all way with you, a 7+ year journey As we watch the offshore wind sector gear up, the timeline could be similar to nail the resource recovery sector publicly and privately… of course a small part of the overall circular economy… #circulareconomy #circulardesign #circularity #regenerativedesign #hcd #socialinnovation #cleaneconomy #bioeconomy Green Lab Futures https://lnkd.in/grMPq439

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Another major step forward for grid connection of large-scale renewable energy in Australia. The Connection Reform Initiative - a collaboration between Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) & Clean Energy Council - has been methodically working through the challenges in the grid connection process, and solving them. Thanks Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) for your work on this crucial reform & congratulations to Christiaan Zuur & Paul Beaton & the CEC team for your leadership as well as the many smart people across industry who have contributed. This is seriously complex work, but the sort of reform that is crucial to provide greater certainty to renewable energy investors in Australia. https://lnkd.in/gpAQEhWk

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our initial thoughts for "Team Australia" on the aftermath post COP29, we'll have a special edition of our international updates and a COP29 Symposium on 5 December “COP29 was imperfect but remarkably, given the global political context, managed achievements including to lay out goals for decarbonisation and resilience investments in developing nations. Notably, after almost 10 years of negotiations, parties delivered Article 6 resolution, agreeing mechanisms for international cooperation through country to country carbon credit trading, new UN backed international carbon market and non-market initiatives,“ https://lnkd.in/gHDDSb8Q

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The current National Energy Market may not deliver enough investment in low-emissions generation, storage and transmission, when and where it will be needed. Grattan Institute Energy & Climate Change Program Director, Tony Wood, shares how an effective NEM review should provide ministers, consumers, and market participants with confidence that Australia can make the transition beyond coal and towards net zero while keeping the lights on and consumer bills affordable. -- Could affiliating with Grattan be of interest to your company? PM me to discuss. -- https://lnkd.in/g9QVP6W4 #energy #netzero #NEM #electricity #renewables #climate #lowemissions

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⚡🌱 Chart of the week: Energy transition 🌱 ⚡ Some (unstructured) food for thought ⚡ Vehicle-to-grid/ Vehicle-to-home technology adoption at scale is an opportunity to add a significant portion of the much discussed and required energy storage capacity to the Australian energy grid - total EV fleet battery capacity is set to exceed all other storage forms by the mid 2030s ⚡ Beyond EV batteries, the aggregation, and orchestration of further Consumer Energy Resources (CER) is just as critical (e.g. residential and commercial rooftop solar) ⚡ Increasing the flexibility of energy tariffs is an exciting step to address the 'duck curve' - selected use cases are being demonstrated in Australia (e.g. EV tariffs) and more comprehensive ones in European markets ⚡ AEMO has announced an interesting project on CER data sharing to enable a more "customer-centric, flexible and dynamic, and data-enabled electricity system" that benefits the Australian consumer (link in comments) Sources: AEMO, Arena and Enx

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Today we launched The New Energy Trade at Parliament House in Canberra. This groundbreaking work by Reuben Finighan demonstrates the $700 billion + export opportunity for Australia created by the gap in availability of cheap zero carbon energy around the globe. This is 6-8 times the value of current coal and gas exports.

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🌍 A new report by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Global Energy Monitor reveals that Indonesia's captive coal power plant capacity is on track to reach 26.24 GW by 2026, surpassing Australia’s 22.9 GW. This sharp rise, driven by energy-intensive industries like nickel smelting, metals, and cement, poses serious questions about Indonesia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.🌍 Key highlights from the report: 🔹 Captive Power Growth: From 5.7 GW in 2019 to 15.2 GW in 2024, with 17.1 GW expected by year-end and 11.04 GW in the pipeline. 🔹 Regional Impact: Central Sulawesi and North Maluku lead the surge in capacity, primarily fueled by the nickel industry. 🔹 Renewable Energy Potential: By 2025, Indonesia’s solar power is projected to be more cost-effective than coal, with even greater savings by 2035. 🚨 Environmental groups and industry experts warn that continued reliance on coal risks undermining Indonesia's decarbonisation goals and global competitiveness. They emphasise the urgent need for a clear roadmap to retire captive power plants and prioritise renewables. 💡 With abundant renewable energy resources and global support through initiatives like JETP, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to lead industrial decarbonisation in Southeast Asia. Now is the time to shift focus toward sustainable, competitive, and clean energy solutions. 🌱 https://lnkd.in/gPEtg6qt #EnergyTransition #ClimateAction #Decarbonization #Indonesia #Sustainability #CleanEnergy

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The Clean Energy Regulator has opened a consultation on the new unit and certificate registry and proposed a possible carbon exchange trading model. Efficient, deep and transparent carbon markets play an important role in supporting Australia to meet its legislated climate targets of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. To support the future expansion of Australia’s vibrant carbon markets as the result of the reformed Safeguard Mechanism and implementation of new schemes such as the Guarantee of Origin Scheme, the Clean Energy Regulator is seeking feedback from carbon market participants on: its needs and priorities for the establishment of new market infrastructure, including a modern registry, that allows market participants multiple pathways to access carbon markets; and the feasibility and views on a proposed Australian Carbon Credit Unit exchange trading model. Your feedback will help inform the development of key carbon market systems and processes that will facilitate future carbon market growth and efficiency. Read more on our website, including how to have your say and to register your interest for targeted virtual consultation sessions 👉 https://bit.ly/4h2PwvG

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The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released a Draft Customer Engagement Toolkit to improve outcomes for energy consumers experiencing vulnerability. Our submission on the draft toolkit includes four recommendations to ensure this resource sets high expectations for how energy businesses treat their most vulnerable customers, and promotes positive change in the energy industry. We recommend: 💡 To improve business practices and assess efficacy of the Toolkit, the proposed practices should be linked to metrics and benchmarks monitored by the AER in its performance reporting procedures and guideline. 💡 To ensure that the Toolkit is used, secure explicit agreement from energy businesses that they will implement the better practice principles and provide reports that are public. 💡 To be effective, the Toolkit needs to be very clear on the obligations of each of the different areas within an energy retailer or service provider. 💡 That small business energy hardship also be considered. Read our submission to the AER's Draft Customer Engagement Toolkit: https://loom.ly/vDpmpTE #CustomerEngagementToolkit #EnergyConsumers #EnergyMarket

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📣 EESN Seed Grant Winners Announced 📣    We are thrilled to announce the WINNERS of the #NSW Government's Electrification & Energy Systems Network Seed Grant Scheme! ⚡️ Announced today by the Hon. Penny Sharpe, Minister for NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water...   These groundbreaking projects, awarded $2.9 million in total, are all leading with an innovative and collaborative approach to #electrification and #decarbonisation.    Each project addresses critical challenges and paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future 🌱 Read the Minister's release below! Learn more about each winning project: https://lnkd.in/gswn4wNE   🏆 Congratulations to our awardees:    ⚡ University of Wollongong: Identifying and Removing Barriers for Electricity  System Planning    ⚡ UNSW: Developing device electrification functionality for the APVI's SunSPOT solar and battery calculator    ⚡ University of Technology Sydney: Cost-effective wireless energy harvesting from high voltage transmission lines    ⚡ Macquarie University: Powering E-Shuttles with Optimised Routes and Magnetised Cement Charging    ⚡ University of Sydney: Recycling of Lithium from Discarded Battery Materials    ⚡ Macquarie University: AI-driven energy management platform    ⚡ UNSW: Open Platform for Real-time Renewable Energy Bidding and Trading    These projects exemplify innovation and collaboration between academia and industry, driving us closer to our Net Zero targets and a greener future. 🌱    Stay tuned for updates on these exciting initiatives and their impact on our energy landscape.      ⚡About EESN⚡  As part of the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, the Electrification and Energy Systems Network (EESN) is dedicated to advancing electrification technologies and solutions, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting the NSW transition to sustainable energy systems across industry, government and community.   This initiative is generously funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and our Network Partners; University of Newcastle, UNSW, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. #Innovation #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #OpenInnovation

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EAGA’s 2023/24 Annual Report – the Year at a Glance  $6M savings to councils and communities  >63,000 tonnes of emissions reductions  13 formal advocacy submissions  >1,300 businesses engaged on energy efficiency  >1.1MW community solar delivered Over the past 12 months, there have been significant signs of progress in Australia’s commitment to climate action. In Melbourne’s east, EAGA continues to deliver projects with regional and state-wide impacts. EAGA's Annual Report encapsulates the tangible environmental benefits and fiscal savings delivered by ongoing projects, while also underscoring the Alliance’s dedication to reducing community emissions. In the Chairperson's statement Cr Suzy Stojanovic, Maroondah City Council, highlighted the impact of the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO). “The initiative is the largest emissions reduction project ever undertaken within the sector and is already delivering substantial cost savings for councils across Victoria.” Cr Stojanovic also emphasised the tangible results of EAGA’s advocacy alongside the other Greenhouse Alliances. “The recent amendments to Victoria’s Planning and Environment Act (March 2024) were a direct result of our ‘planning for a safe climate’ advocacy campaign. As a result, planning authorities will need to explicitly consider greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and climate resilience in day-to-day planning processes.”    As suggested by the Chairpersons’ statement, the impact of EAGA’s initiatives often extends beyond Melbourne’s eastern region. Councils outside of EAGA have saved over $9M and reduced emissions by 216,000 tonnes the past 12 months. Read the report to learn more about EAGA’s advocacy and project work. 

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There's an incredible opportunity going at the moment, for grants in the energy innovation space. Want to solve complex energy transition related policy challenges, demonstrate new technologies, or strengthen Canberra's energy innovation ecosystem? The Energy Innovation Fund Grants are a potential opportunity for you! ⚡ ⚡ #energyinnovation #energytransition #electrification

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There is a message here for the aspiring Australian solar PV manufacturing sector... Clearly we need to consider the flood of imports (across any sector) and how we differentiate? Looks, smells and sounds like energy as a product-service-system? #circulareconomy #yeswecan

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🤝 Harnessing the Power of Collaboration to Accelerate Meaningful Change ⚡ Eight electricity distribution businesses (EDBs) teamed up with four global innovators to explore and demonstrate the value of low-voltage (LV) data in delivering better services to electricity consumers. A summary of the initiative's outcomes is available here: https://lnkd.in/gzC8z95y The EDBs involved found that granular LV data - covering both consumption and power quality - along with the tools to effectively use it, are valuable additions to their asset management plans, helping to improve network safety and efficiency while also reducing costs for customers. However, this data is difficult for EDBs to access, expensive to purchase, and challenging to manage due to contractual obligations. The participants in this initiative are recommending the development of: 🔓 Fit-for-purpose policies and regulations to enable ease of data access. 🛠️ Fit-for-purpose policies and regulations to enable ease of data use. Thank you to all the EDB Challenge participants: Aurora Energy Limited New Zealand Counties Energy Orion NZ Ltd Powerco The Lines Company Unison Networks Ltd Waipā Networks Wellington Electricity Elemental Impact ANSA Future Grid GRIDSIGHT Plexigrid Electricity Networks Aotearoa Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) Commerce Commission

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Grid-facing battery-backed rooftop solar to turn businesses in our cities, towns, villages and farms into useful power stations? Some say it is a "no-brainer". Here is an event - report launch - that examines such a "no-brainer" policy. Might interest you.

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Australia's reputation for lacking commitment to carbon reduction reflects a profound disconnect with its global role. The impending charges on surplus solar power in New South Wales underscore this disconnect. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) seeks to manage costs linked to solar energy export, impacting customers of major providers like Ausgrid, Endeavour, and Essential. These charges, approximately 1.2 cents/kWh, aim to promote self-consumption of solar energy, though they draw criticism from consumer groups for penalizing solar users. Ausgrid predicts a minor financial impact, roughly $6.60 per year per customer. Adjusting energy usage to align with peak solar generation can alleviate these charges. While experts view this as essential for grid stability and fairness, some fear it may deter solar adoption. NSW's energy minister emphasizes grid stability, while experts stress readiness for heightened demand, particularly from electric vehicles. Effective decision-making requires input from real-world experience rather than solely relying on politicians. #AustraliaCarbonCommitment #NSW #SolarPowerCharges #AER #GridStability #RenewableEnergyEquity #RealWorldDecisions #PoliticalReformNeeded #ElectricVehicleDemand

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