Hey Reader, in today's edition: Kraken gets going with Essential Energy Getting commercial buildings off gas Populism blow to budget forecasting Kraken the peacemaker On the battlefield that pits consumers aiming to fully exploit their own energy resources against distribution companies and retailers that want to control them, UK-based technology platform operator Kraken aims to be a peacemaker. Freshly released to sign new customers for its core customer management product in Australia,...
1 day ago • 6 min read
Hey Reader, in today's edition: Pricing report under scrutiny Coal support extended in WA Energy innovations win govt grants Making the case for pricing reform Amid a deluge in December of reports from across the sector, Australia’s energy rule maker last year released a 163-page draft report as part of its self-initiated review of electricity pricing and whether it’s fit for a consumer-driven world. The report’s recommendations will be scrutinised and debated during the consultation phase...
2 days ago • 7 min read
Hey Reader, welcome to The Energy's weekly data newsletter. This week we explore what the extension of the Eraring Power Station will mean for the transition. Game theory of chicken In a surprise to no-one paying attention, prudence has prevailed in NSW. Origin Energy has postponed the closure of the giant Eraring Power Station for another 20 months, from August next year until April 2029. Many will breathe a sigh of relief that the latest chapter in the long-running game of chicken is over...
3 days ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, in today's edition: Solar sharer's undervoltage questions Balcony solar reviewed in Victoria Investment predictions for 2026 Solar sharer could be a grid headache One of the more contested energy market reforms of 2026 will be changes to the Default Market Offer (DMO). Following an unexpected announcement from the government in November, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland will also need to prepare for the new ‘Solar Sharer Offer’ providing free electricity to...
4 days ago • 6 min read
Hey Reader, in today's edition: New solar recycling commitment Battery numbers impress Coal politics return Solar recycling plan A national product stewardship scheme for small-scale solar PV systems and EV batteries is a step closer as the government responds to the final report of the Productivity Commission’s circular economy inquiry. Progress towards a more circular economy has been hampered by prescriptive, outdated or inconsistent regulations, the Commission has said. Only 17% of solar...
5 days ago • 8 min read
Hey Reader, today we bring you a special January edition: What to watch for in 2026 - From The Energy's advisory board We tapped our advisory board to ask what they will be watching out for in 2026. Topping the list are more investment in electrification; a shift in the number of renewables projects reaching FID; and better co-ordination at every stage of the transition. Expert view After a very subdued period for onshore wind last year I will be looking to see if global supply chains...
8 days ago • 5 min read
Hey Reader, in today's edition: Rooftop solar on the rebound Queensland eyes battery projects New economics for commercial solar Rooftop solar resurgence Rooftop solar installations have bounced back from a year-long lull, which was prompted in part by the nation’s record-breaking plunge into home and business batteries. Green Energy Markets’ analyst Emily Perin says the wildly popular battery scheme is now helping to spur a recovery in solar installations, as home and business owners need...
9 days ago • 5 min read
Hey Reader, welcome to The Energy's weekly data newsletter. This week we explore the role of EVs in emerging markets in shaping the energy transition. A shifting world order Anyone with a passing interest in energy markets is by now an armchair expert in Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, the size of which is only matched by their under-utilisation, “heavy” nature and the decrepitude of the nation’s production infrastructure. In a substack elaborating on these features, Our World In Data’s...
10 days ago • 5 min read
Hey Reader, in today's edition we sum up the most important news of the holiday period: Mining geopolitics WA embraces home batteries Test for project approvals after EPBC influx 'Long road ahead' for critical minerals payoff A critical minerals reserve prioritising antimony, gallium and rare earth elements will be in place by the end of the year as the government positions Australia for a support role helping the US reduce its reliance on China. "Ensuring we have a reliable reserve of these...
11 days ago • 4 min read