This Month
Canberra wants Tomago saved – just not all on its dime
Australia needs to avoid indulging in political slush funds dressed up as “industrial policy” and pivot towards a smarter, future-looking strategy.
BlackRock-backed Akaysha Energy powers up for buyer search
Akaysha’s big ambitions have required big-ticket spending, with the company raising hundreds of millions in debt to finance construction of its batteries.
Inside Fortescue’s AI ‘hive’ that could save the mining giant billions
The Andrew Forrest-chaired group has long had green ambitions. Many have not come off. This time, it is banking on automation to end a need for costly diesel.
Stand up to whinging gas giants
Readers’ letters on a controversial drawing in The Australian Financial Review, gas tax, replacing Jacinta Allan, and self-managed superannuation funds.
Victoria to force retailers to offer free power during the day
The Allan government says the scheme could save households with solar panels and batteries $1070 a year, but retailers warn there are hidden costs.
Labor GST row threatens Tomago smelter bailout
The Albanese government is pushing NSW Premier Chris Minns to make a bigger contribution to its multibillion-dollar rescue package for the Tomago aluminium smelter.
Labor set to announce massive subsidy package for Boyne smelter
Rio Tinto’s Boyne aluminium smelter is set to be the latest large manufacturing facility to receive taxpayer support.
This steelworks says food waste can help ease the gas crunch
As it confronts the global oil shock, NSW Premier Chris Minns wants his state to become energy-independent. Businesses say a homegrown fuel fix exists and can help.
Multibillion-dollar cost blowouts prompt calls for grid rethink
Consumers will be on the hook for higher power bills unless changes are made to the way big network projects are designed and approved.
Labor lays down energy, water ground rules for data centre boom
Amid growing global angst about the electricity and water demands of the AI-fuelled data centre boom, Australia plans to impose new “expectations” on developers.
Macquarie-backed Rela blitzes UK farmers with cash-for-lease deals
Rela pays out farmers an upfront lump sum for leasing their land for clean energy projects. Macquarie and Oaktree like what they see.
Power prices ‘to fall 10pc’ – but customer pain to stay
Households in NSW, SA and south-east Queensland should get a cut in bills on July 1, but that could be derailed by the turmoil in global energy markets.
The $300m power play: Inside the plan to save Tomago
The Albanese government says its plan to save a failing aluminium smelter will turbocharge Australia’s energy transition. But at what cost?
Tomago bailout could lock taxpayers into $300m annual subsidy
A complex deal to save Australia’s biggest aluminium smelter could cost at least $300 million a year in public funding for the next decade.
Another renewable energy project in Queensland falls into strife
A Chinese solar company has scrapped its proposal after significant opposition from a regional community.
‘Too east-coast focused’: WA could overhaul AEMO’s role
Western Australia has quietly launched a review of the state’s power grid operator, which could result in some of its independent functions being reined in.
Booming battery program hit by delays, high costs: auditor
Labor’s popular $200 million community battery program remains on track, despite suggestions it was targeted at marginal seats at the 2022 federal election.
Liontown boss says loss-making lithium miner is ready to roar
Tony Ottaviano says his company is through the hardest part of its 10-year journey to develop the Kathleen Valley lithium mine.
Bowen set to overhaul national EV charging network due to cost blowout
Only about 45 out 117 fast-charging stations have been built three years into the five-year, $40 million program, run by NRMA.
Power prices improve but experts warn it’s not likely to last
Average household electricity bills are set to drop 3 per cent on July 1 under a draft ruling, but the end of the federal energy bill subsidy means spending on power will still rise.
