Catch up
Capital
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A battle has erupted between electricity networks and power providers over who will control pole-mounted electric vehicle chargers that could become commonplace in Australian suburbs. (AFR)
The Trump administration has reversed its opposition to a $5bn offshore wind farm to protect jobs, but also as part of a political deal over a long-stalled gas pipeline, according to the boss of the energy group behind the project.(FT)
The unprecedented dollars flowing into renewable energy aren’t just reshaping power markets, they mark a tipping point in the global energy transition, where clean power is overtaking fossil fuels as an economic priority. (Forbes)
Meanwhile, hit by another lithium winter, Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) will drop out of the S&P/ASX 50 index in a quarterly rebalancing of indices, replaced by Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN). Uranium miner Paladin Energy (ASX: PDN) and gas company Viva Energy (ASX: VEA) were displaced from the S&P/ASX 100 index by Pinnacle Investment Management Group (ASX: PNI) and Perseus Mining (ASX: PRU).
 Projects
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Represented by the Environmental Defenders Office, Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) won a Federal Court order that enables it to challenge NOPSEMA’s approval of the Scarborough Gas Project’s environment plan (EP). DEA will contend in the test case that acceptance of the EP was unlawful because details relating to greenhouse gas emissions were allegedly so vague they did not comply with the regulations or meet the criteria that permit the federal body to approve an EP.
Policy
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Victorian Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio announced an extra $400 for installing Australian-made hot water systems, boosting the total available rebate to $1,400. Solar Victoria will consult with industry and unions ahead of July 1 implementation, including developing requirements to show local content. Installations of heat pump hot water systems have surged 151% per cent compared to a year earlier, proving to be the Solar Home Program’s most popular option, as consumers switch out of gas.
Shadow Finance Minister James Paterson said the Opposition was now open to the idea of Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, which it rejected during the election campaign. The $1.2 billion stockpile would be made available to key trading partners and domestic industry, according to Labor’s policy proposal.
New Zealand Resources Minister Shane Jones will spruik the nation’s oil and gas investment opportunities at the Asia Pacific Energy Capital Assembly in Singapore after the reversal of the exploration ban and the passing of the Fast-track Approvals Act.
“Of particular interest to international investors will be upcoming changes to the Crown Minerals Act which align petroleum decommissioning requirements with international best practice. These requirements were previously seen as a handbrake on investment.” - NZ Resources Minister Shane Jones
Meanwhile NZ’s lower-income households and renters may be left behind on the gas network, facing rising costs, while wealthier households can afford electrification. (RNZ)
Regulation
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The UK’s proposed Future Homes Standard will amend building regulations to explicitly promote solar for the first time. Under proposed changes, low-carbon heating such as heat pumps and high levels of energy efficiency will also be required in new homes.
“Making solar panels a functional requirement of the Building Regulations will cut energy bills, lower carbon emissions, help drive polluting natural gas off the grid and improve our nation’s energy security, too.” — Solar Energy UK CEO Chris Hewett
Technology
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A process using scrap metal, recycled materials, and waste heat to produce hydrogen gas is cleaner, cheaper and more scalable than many existing green hydrogen technologies. (The Brighter Side)
Climate
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Leading environmental groups called on the Australian government to champion ocean protection at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France. Action on ocean protection must involve science-aligned action on climate change domestically, including no new coal and gas approvals and winding down existing extraction early, according to a joint statement that also called for Australia to back a global moratorium on deep-sea mining.
“Australia’s oceans are at a tipping point, facing rising threats from climate change, habitat loss and industrialisation … With coral bleaching on both coasts and marine heatwaves intensifying, we need bold action: tackle the root causes of ocean decline by taking a clear stand against fossil fuel expansion, expand marine sanctuaries where they are most needed, and ratify the High Seas Treaty.” — Australian Marine Conservation Society CEO Paul Gamblin
People
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Ousted federal pollie Bridget Archer, who said any weakening of the 2030 climate target would be regressive, put her hand up to run for the Tasmanian Liberals in Bass. (ABC)
"I'm not going to be anybody's stooge or anybody's puppet, I am going to say exactly what I think." — Liberal ex-MP Bridget Archer
Research
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Critical minerals are essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and economic security, yet their supply chains are increasingly strained. A group of researchers published a policy brief calling for a Global Minerals Trust to manage access to ensure a just transition. It is grounded in the UN principle of Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources, allowing countries to benefit while contributing to a global effort.
Random
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Harvard, Stanford and other top American universities are hoping to avoid a huge potential tax hike by pledging to spend more of their own money. (WSJ)
