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Falling cost of renewables creates coal test for federal government

July 02, 2021

Output of wind and solar power is at record levels as renewables continue to squeeze fossil fuels from the energy market, new figures reveal, setting up a test for the federal government as re-elected Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce continues to push to prolong coal...

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Hydrogen in Newcastle: Parliamentary inquiry told governments must move fast

June 27, 2021

The potential economic and environmental rewards presented by emerging domestic and international hydrogen industries are enormous. But the state and regions such as the Hunter need to move fast to seize those opportunities or they could be lost elsewhere.

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Hunter Valley: Green strategy for coal country

May 17, 2021

A consortium of major domestic and international energy players has devised a $2bn plan to fast-track Australia’s first hydrogen valley in the heart of the nation’s biggest coal province, using renewable energy to build an export industry and secure jobs in NSW.

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Coal the loser as power prices smashed

April 28, 2021

Mushrooming rooftop solar and mild summer weather have driven demand for power from the grid to the lowest for 19 years for the peak summer quarter, cutting wholesale prices by up to 68 per cent and pushing major coal and gas power generators such as AGL...

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The Hunter Region should have its own energy transition fund

April 22, 2021

The breathtaking expediency of politicians and aspirants in the race for the seat of the Upper Hunter has been something to behold. We've seen politicians of different stripes declare convenient support for coal in recent weeks as they contend for the mine-heavy seat left...

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Australia must take right path on power plant closures

March 14, 2021

Last week’s announcement that the Yallourn power plant will close earlier than previously expected raises some big questions: will it be replaced in time, and are more such announcements around the corner? The answers have serious implications for not just Victorians but all Australians.

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Joel Fitzgibbon doesn’t speak for me or the valley I know

February 16, 2021

Joel Fitzgibbon has been creating political mayhem by selling a false impression of the Hunter region. His high-profile focus on coal would lead you to believe the Hunter is populated by black-faced, hard hat-wearing underground miners straight out of the 19th century.

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