Environmental
Wind and solar remain the lowest cost new build electricity generation sources despite inflationary pressures
Wind and solar remain the lowest cost new build electricity generation sources despite inflationary pressures
Renewables, led by wind and solar, have retained their position as Australia’s cheapest new-build electricity generation despite a 20 per cent average rise in technology costs, according to the latest GenCost report.
Released today by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, the 2022-23 report marks the first time that all technology costs have increased from the previous year since GenCost commenced in 2018.
The report highlights industry concerns that the rapid pace of the global energy transition will contribute to escalating cost pressures.
This is attributed to the immense scale of manufacturing, raw materials and labour required to develop and deploy clean energy technologies consistent with net zero goals.
GenCost modelling projects that technology cost pressures felt in Australia will revert to normal levels by 2027 but are delayed to 2030 in global scenarios where the speed of the energy transition is highest.
GenCost is an annual collaboration between CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) that actively consults industry stakeholders to revise domestic electricity generation and storage, as well as hydrogen production costs.
CSIRO’s Director of Energy, Dr Dietmar Tourbier, said GenCost’s rigorous scientific and engineering analysis represents Australia’s most comprehensive projection of electricity generation costs.
“Australia’s energy challenge lies in the transformation of our existing energy system, while ensuring the continuing delivery of sustainable, reliable and affordable energy as we strive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” Dr Tourbier said.
“This imperative is not only essential for environmental stewardship, but also to maintain Australia’s economic competitiveness in the global market,” Dr Tourbier said.
CSIRO’s Chief Energy Economist and GenCost lead author, Paul Graham, said that the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in lingering global supply chain constraints which impacted the prices of raw materials required in technology manufacturing as well as freight costs.
The Ukraine war exacerbated the global supply chain inflationary pressures by raising energy input costs for all industries.
“During the recovery from these global events, various input costs are showing signs of moderation, however there is an expected delay due to future price uncertainties and the robust demand associated with the global energy transition,” Mr Graham said.
“GenCost analysis anticipates that technology costs have mostly peaked and the risk of cost pressures extending beyond 2030 will be mitigated, as the global manufacturing capability established by that time will adequately meet deployment needs.”
The updated analyses also found that:
- Technology cost rises were not uniform due to variations in material inputs and exposure to freight prices
- Globally, renewables led by wind and solar are the fastest growing energy source
- Batteries are set to play a crucial role in supporting both variable renewable generation in the electricity sector and the rapid expansion of electric vehicle deployment in transport.
AEMO’s Executive General Manager – System Design, Ms Merryn York, said collaborating with CSIRO to deliver GenCost, which is Australia’s most comprehensive generation cost projection report, is an important input for the transition to net zero in the energy sector.
“As coal fired power generation leaves Australia’s grids, we need investment in generation to fill those gaps,” Ms York said.
“And as more variable renewables delivers our energy for consumers and decarbonisation, we need investment in firming – which is on-demand energy to smooth out the peaks and troughs from renewable generation.
“GenCost is important data for AEMO to plan the least-cost investments needed to fill the gaps from coal generation that is reaching end of life.
“This is important to deliver the transition while maintaining reliable, secure and affordable energy supply for consumers,” she said.
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NSW Government supports Northern Rivers green bin education
North East Waste has received an $89,700 grant from the NSW Government to help educate Northern Rivers residents about what types of waste can and can’t go into FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) bins. The funding aims to ensure that food waste and garden waste such as plants stays out of landfill. It also aims to keep green bins free from contaminants like plastic.
Earlier this year, North East Waste and its member councils (Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Tweed) announced that Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins should now only be used for food scraps and garden waste. This means that materials like paper, cardboard and teabags do not go into green bins as they can contaminate the final compost made from the organic content.
North East Waste Education Coordinator Linda Tohver said the assistance from the NSW Government would help councils to continue promote the right message and increasing awareness in the community.
“The response from community has been positive so far, and we need to keep spreading the word,” Ms Tohver said.
“The messages are simple to follow and will help keep potentially harmful items out of our green bins so that we can create the best quality commercial compost from residents’ food scraps and garden waste.”
| What CAN go in your green bin | What CAN NOT go in your green bin |
| Fruit and vegetable scraps | Fibre-based products (bamboo, cardboard, paper etc) |
| Meat and bones | Paper towels, serviettes, tissues, napkins |
| Seafood and shells | Compostable or biodegradable products (excluding AS 4736-2006 kitchen caddy liners ) |
| Pasta, bread, rice and cereal | Vacuum cleaner dust |
| Eggs and dairy products like cheese | Washing machine and dryer lint |
| Loose tea leaves and coffee grinds | Pet poo and poo bags |
| Garden waste (leaves, clippings, weeds etc) | Tea and coffee bags |
| Council approved compostable kitchen caddy liners that comply with AS 4736-2006 and the paper used to wrap food scraps. | Treated wood and timber |
| Plastic |
For more information, visit here. The ‘Let’s Get our Scrap Together’ campaign is proudly supported by the NSW Government.
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Never bin your batteries – just B-cycle them
Advertorial by Newaste
Batteries disposed of in bins are causing fires in waste trucks and facilities across the country, endangering workers, damaging equipment and wasting a valuable resource that could otherwise be recovered.
To prevent battery fires occurring – Never bin your batteries!
Here’s how to dispose of batteries safely:
- Remove from appliance
- Tape terminals with clear sticky tape to prevent short circuiting
- Place in ventilated glass container and drop off promptly at your nearest B-cycle drop-off point
One of Richmond Valley Council’s Community Recycling Stations, located at the Council Administration Office in Casino where small quantities of handheld batteries can be dropped off for recycling.
B-cycle drop off points are available at many large local high street retailers. To find your nearest, visit bcycle.com.au/drop-off/
Alternatively, you can drop them at one of the regions 8 FREE council run Community Recycling Centres (CRC) or for very small quantities drop them at one of the 30 small council drop off stations (CRS) spread across the region in libraries, community centres and council administration centres. To find out more contact your local Council or visit www.newaste.org.au/crc
Community Recycling Centres (CRC)
This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy
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LAND NEAR DRAKE VILLAGE SITE RETURNED TO ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY
The NSW Government will return a large parcel of land near Drake Village west of Tenterfield to the local Aboriginal community following a successful land claim.
A total of 104.4 hectares of Crown land across two adjoining blocks at the western edge of the village will be returned as freehold land to the ownership of Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council following the land claim by the NSW Local Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC).
Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council have a right to lodge land claims on Crown land.
Land claims must be assessed against non-discretionary statutory criteria in the Act, including whether the land was lawfully used or occupied at the time of the claim, or was needed for an essential public purpose.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: “The return of this land to the Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council will ensure the future of this important site can be put to productive use for the benefit of the local community.”
“Returning land to Aboriginal people provides tangible economic, social and cultural benefits to Aboriginal and broader communities and we are pleased to see a positive resolution for this land.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“The resolution of land claims such as this is a key aspect of Closing the Gap, empowering Aboriginal people and communities.”
“It delivers on several Closing the Gap targets including supporting economic participation for Aboriginal communities and maintaining the connection of Aboriginal people to land and water.”
The NSW Government will return a large parcel of land near Drake Village west of Tenterfield to the local Aboriginal community following a successful land claim.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“With the return of this land, we pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, the Ngarabal people, alongside the Jukembal, Bundjalung, Kamilaroi, Githabul and Wahlubul peoples who share a connection to the area. We are proud and privileged to share a rich local history.”
“Through acknowledging the past and our local Aboriginal communities’ connection to Country we will all benefit from deeper cultural understanding, which forms a stronger foundation for a more prosperous future.”
Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Michelle Nagas said:
“The approval of this land claim is very exciting. It involves a substantial block of land close to Drake Village which provides strong opportunities.”
“We will have discussions with the land council and consultations with the community on future use of the site.”
NSW Aboriginal Land Council CEO Yuseph Deen said:
“The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) congratulates the Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council on the return of country to Aboriginal hands.”
“A key strategic goal of the NSWALC is pursuing economic self-determination, independence and prosperity for Our people.”
“Central to this is land acquisition and activation; securing the highest and best use returns and generating ongoing benefits fosters prosperity for Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal communities.’
“This is particularly important in rural and remote areas of NSW.”
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