Daily Links Jun 15

New research may resolve a climate ‘conundrum’ across the history of human civilization
The new study also confirms the planet is warming 20 times faster than Earth’s fastest natural climate change
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/jun/14/new-research-may-resolve-a-climate-conundrum-across-the-history-of-human-civilization

Climate change study in Canada’s Hudson Bay thwarted by climate change
Warm temperatures create perilous ice conditions off Newfoundland, trapping fishing boats and tankers: ‘It’s not something you would expect to see there’
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/14/canada-hudson-bay-climate-change-study-warm-temperatures

Let Trump claim a better deal on climate.
Elliot Diringer Nature
If we can stomach it, a ‘renegotiation’ of the Paris Agreement could help us all
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/2460133000468974192

Turnbull hits out amid Coalition disquiet over Clean Energy Target
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull angrily defends the Federal Government’s position on energy policy, declaring the nation needs “wise leadership” not “glib” answers.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-14/finkel-reviews-future-uncertain-as-energy-prices-rise/8616258

George Christensen signals he won’t vote for Finkel’s clean energy target
LNP backbencher says he and most of the Nationals won’t vote for any clean energy target that penalises coal
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/14/george-christensen-signals-he-wont-vote-for-finkels-clean-energy-target

‘Too early to say’ if Coalition will back clean energy target, Frydenberg says
Three-hour meeting fails to resolve government’s position on Finkel review but energy minister denies there’s a backbench revolt
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/13/coalition-response-finkel-review-clean-energy-target-josh-frydenberg

Finkel’s target boosts coal industry and does little to cut emissions, modelling shows
Jacobs Group modelling suggests clean energy target is also more expensive than an energy intensity scheme
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/14/finkels-target-boosts-coal-industry-and-does-little-to-cut-emissions-modelling-shows

It’s ‘clean coal’ or bust for Turnbull’s CET
The government may classify ‘clean coal’ as a low emissions energy source to win the support of a bitterly-divided party room.
http://www.afr.com/news/politics/its-clean-coal-or-bust-for-malcolm-turnbulls-cet-20170613-gwql2y

Finkel assumes excessive costs
The Finkel report has assumed that coal-fired power stations will face punishing financing costs.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/finkel-report-assumes-banks-will-charge-excessive-costs-on-coal-power/news-story/9791eedec07e77a1d5562d7bcf9942eb

Clean energy target not dead
Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg says reports the clean energy target is dead are “greatly exaggerated”.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/josh-frydenberg-reports-finkel-is-dead-greatly-exaggerated/news-story/ae458161cc92fe6ea40b7b9bc6091e30

AEMO warns of more blackouts
Australia is at risk of more blackouts next summer despite a raft of new initiatives from energy regulators and governments.
http://www.afr.com/news/politics/australia-could-face-more-blackouts-next-summer-says-aemo-20170614-gwqrmz

Coal power may fire up again
TAXPAYERS could fund a new coal-fired power station if established generators close ahead of schedule, leaving Australia’s energy security in doubt.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/coal-power-may-fire-up-again-if-generators-close-ahead-of-schedule/news-story/5ec5b27931d689a7b4a8efa6623da11b

Standards Australia renews threat of home battery storage ban
Standards Australia guidelines may ban installations of battery storage in homes or garages, despite industry backlash against draft proposals.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/standards-australia-renews-threat-home-battery-storage-ban-43719/

PM’s $1billion plan to scrap carbon tax compo dead on arrival
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/malcolm-turnbulls-1-billion-plan-to-scrap-carbon-tax-compensation-is-dead-on-arrival-20170613-gwqmz2.html

As Canberra brawls, summer blackouts remain a threat
http://www.theage.com.au/business/as-canberra-brawls-summer-energy-shortages-remain-a-threat-20170614-gwqszn.html

‘Clean’ coal-fired power will not work: industry insider
David Hilditch, who spent 12 years working in the carbon capture and storage industry, heaps scorn on the push to create electricity from “clean” coal-fired power, dismissing it as unviable.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-15/clean-coal-will-not-work-industry-insider/8618836

Energy policy now a denialist shitshow
Bernard Keane
Coming soon, from the people who gave you massive power price rises — still more increases. Energy policy is being hijacked by climate denialists who feign concern about households but are engaged in a culture war.
https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/06/14/abbotts-climate-denial-coup-will-hurt-all-australians-especially-our-children/

The Finkel Review, fossil fuels and fake climate policy: What price the planet?
Lyn Bender
Far from signalling the end of the “climate wars”, the Finkel Review furthers the Coalition’s fake “energy crisis” agenda.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/the-finkel-review-fossil-fuels-and-fake-climate-policy-what-price-the-planet,10399

Coal dinosaurs arguing against the Finkel review clearly don’t understand it
Michael Slezak
Tony Abbott’s argument ignores the pleas of energy users while there is no evidence to support Craig Kelly’s claims
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/14/coal-dinosaurs-arguing-against-the-finkel-review-clearly-dont-understand-it

Next time you read your increased power bill, blame Tony Abbott
Matt Grudnoff
For the last four years we’ve had a fact free zone of bad politics and no interest in understanding energy policy. The biggest losers are electricity consumers
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jun/14/next-time-you-read-your-increased-power-bill-blame-tony-abbott

Finkel modelling ignores new technologies, cheaper renewables
Giles Parkinson
The modelling prepared by private consultancy for Finkel Review deliberately ignores certain technologies that can provide grid security and replace coal fired generation at a much cheaper cost than gas. It also uses inflated costs for wind and solar.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/finkel-modelling-ignores-new-technologies-cheaper-renewables-33626/

Finkel Review: What’s in it for solar and storage customers like Jenny?
Dominic Adams
People with batteries and behind the meter devices can help the market meet demand. But are they well served by the Finkel Review?
http://reneweconomy.com.au/finkel-review-whats-solar-storage-customers-like-jenny-79674/

Finkel drops ball on national energy savings scheme
Hamish McGovern
The energy crisis solution must provide complementary emphasis on driving down consumption, not just on providing more generation.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/finkel-drops-ball-national-energy-savings-scheme-57695/

Australian coal power in free-fall, but they making off like bandits
Simon Holmes à Court
With current market prices 2–4 times the costs of generation, our remaining coal fired power stations are making out like bandits.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-coal-power-in-free-fall-but-they-making-off-like-bandits-2012/

Common sense to keep lights on
Dennis Shanahan
The politics of the energy crisis is simple — it’s about lower prices and coal.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/dennis-shanahan/common-sense-says-keep-it-simple-and-keep-the-lights-on/news-story/a776b9c62ab644307c26576fdc8f2a76

Tony Abbott is hurting coal
Memo to Tony Abbott: A clean energy target will extend coal’s life
Ben Potter
http://www.afr.com/business/energy/memo-to-tony-abbott-a-clean-energy-target-will-extend-coals-life-20170613-gwqk6w

Forget Tony Abbott, it’s Angus Taylor who’s calling the shots on Finkel
Phillip Coorey
Most of those who either oppose or have concerns with the clean energy target as modelled by Chief Scientist Alan Finkel are taking their cues from Assistant Minister for Cities, Angus Taylor, a businessman in his former life.
http://www.afr.com/news/politics/forget-abbott-its-angus-whos-calling-the-shots-20170613-gwql6d#ixzz4k0p9Nar4

Man in a hurry faces test of power
Rob Harris
THE current debate over energy could make or break Josh Frydenberg and the member for Kooyong faces a series of potential landmines
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/rob-harris-josh-frydenberg-faces-test-of-power/news-story/18599b27b54457e49e168983d9415670

No power to solve this crisis
Telegraph editorial
WHEN it comes to power, Australia has it all — including a government that seems powerless to solve the country’s energy crisis.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-the-turnbull-government-is-now-significantly-divided-over-australias-energy-policy/news-story/01b827ab63797e669e2e5d0d53d24c95

How Finkel would keep the lights on, and why Abbott’s not so keen
Peter Martin
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/comment/how-finkel-would-keep-the-electricity-on-20170614-gwqwqo.html

Conservative ideologues out of touch and out of step on Finkel recommendations
Canberra Times editorial
Why is it the Tony Abbott-led cabal of hard right conservatives within the Coalition is so determined to undermine chief scientist, Alan Finkel’s, best attempt to come up with a politically acceptable solution to the long-running climate change and energy policy impasse?
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/conservative-ideologues-out-of-touch-and-out-of-step-on-finkel-recommendations-20170614-gwr0ax.html

Remember the ozone hole? Today’s coal apologists don’t
Tony Wright
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/remember-the-ozone-hole-todays-coal-apologists-dont-20170614-gwqyl6.html

The endangered elephant in the energy room
Judith Ireland 
The climate change debate has hung around federal politics for 10 years now, tying leaders and party rooms in knots and getting us nowhere.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/the-endangered-elephant-in-the-energy-room-20170613-gwq1tq.html

Zoos aren’t Victorian-era throwbacks: they’re important in saving species
Alienor Chauvenet, The University of Queensland
Zoos’ role in conservation is divisive, but in Australia they could be critical in securing and even recovering threatened species.
http://theconversation.com/zoos-arent-victorian-era-throwbacks-theyre-important-in-saving-species-78533

Senvion credits VRET in deal to deliver 429MW Murra Warra wind farm
Global wind giant notes “new confidence” in Victoria market, after announcing deal to deliver 116 turbines for RES Australia’s Murra Warra wind farm.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/senvion-credits-vret-deal-deliver-429mw-murra-warra-wind-farm-25583/

Six new exhaust stacks for Sydney’s south for proposed F6 Extension
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/high-school-land-in-the-frame-as-location-of-f6-extension-exhaust-stacks-revealed-20170614-gwr6d6.html

No new taxes for rail project residents
RESIDENTS around Cross River Rail’s new train stations won’t be stung with new land taxes or higher rates to pay for the project’s $5.4 billion build as the Premier rules out new government fees.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/qld-budget-2017-no-new-taxes-for-cross-river-rail-residents-premier-says/news-story/a1abb8be9639bb7468f07d0de8275157

Eco Energy gets approval for three more Qld solar farms
Eco Energy World says approval of three new solar projects, including 280MW solar farm in Bouldercombe, bring “ready to build” portfolio to total of 570MW.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/eco-energy-gets-approval-three-qld-solar-farms-20528/

Native title nod boost for Adani
Vital amendments to the Native Title Act, critical to the future of the $16.5bn Adani coalmine, have passed.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/native-title-changes-crucial-to-adani-coalmine-pass-through-the-senate/news-story/729d4bd43b5c8d464bbd94255dc0236a

Senator: Greens stooped to new low
THE “xenophobic” Greens “stooped to a new low” in an eleventh-hour bid to delay the Adani megamine project, a Senator says.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/native-title-greens-accused-of-new-low-in-delaying-adani-mine/news-story/65e70f44bb8902c31ab4cd061a67fe6f

Push for Adani to appear before Senate inquiry into infrastructure fund
Greens say miner should be grilled on environmental history and ‘allegations of fraud, corruption and the use of tax havens’
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jun/15/push-for-adani-to-appear-before-senate-inquiry-into-infrastructure-fund

SA most at risk of summer blackouts
AUSTRALIA’S biggest battery, temporary diesel generators and every power station in the state must be up and running in tandem to prevent blackouts in SA this summer, a report reveals.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/south-australia-most-at-risk-of-summer-blackouts-aemo-report-reveals/news-story/777c406320fefb02a105814dbcb06f1d

Liberals plan to reduce mining hurdles
LEGISLATION that would reduce environmental “red tape” and limit grounds for appeal over mining lease approvals will be introduced to State Parliament.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/politics/resources-minister-guy-barnett-to-introduce-amendments-to-mineral-resources-development-act/news-story/c394e542f551d2ad1436ef0edef88371

Plans for timber industry in hub
Private and government stakeholders have joined forces to promote the opportunity to develop in the North East
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/4724777/plans-for-timber-industry-in-hub/?cs=133

Risks and opportunities associated with the use of the bumblebee population in Tasmania for commercial pollination purposes
Senate Environment and Communications References Committee
http://apo.org.au/node/94421

Bay critics need to know the facts
Doug Chipman
Doug Chipman says the debate has been hijacked for political ends.
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-bay-proposal-critics-need-to-know-the-facts/news-story/27ccfef696c1785ad9c0e17024738e9d

No coincidence: US factories are built near borders so neighboring states receive the pollution, study says.
Toxic, air-polluting factories have been systematically built at state borders so neighboring downwind states receive the brunt of the pollution, a recent study said
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/18530169838860378

Resistance to last-ditch antibiotic has spread farther than anticipated.
Emergence of colistin resistance in farm animals around the world takes researchers by surprise.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/18530169838858766

Apple issues $1 billion green bond after Trump’s Paris climate exit.
Apple Inc offered a $1 billion bond dedicated to financing clean energy and environmental projects on Tuesday, the first corporate green bond offered since President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.
http://www.dailyclimate.org/t/18530169838858782

World coal production just had its biggest drop on record.
It’s the end of an era for coal
http://www.dailyclimate.org/t/2460133000468974178

Global energy demand stumbles for third year: BP.
Global energy demand continued its sluggish rise last year as growth in Chinese consumption fell to its lowest in nearly two decades, while renewables flourished, BP said in a report on Tuesday
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/18530169838858786

Energy-Efficient Cleaning Robot
State-of-the-art solar cells are efficient — but are even more so when they are kept clean. A cleaning robot enables solar panels to deliver at …
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170614092728.htm

Solar Material for Producing Clean Hydrogen Fuel
A new material has been created based on gold and black phosphorus to produce clean hydrogen fuel using the full spectrum …
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170614092607.htm

New Technology Will Enable Properties to Share Solar Energy
New technology will enable properties to share solar energy and will mean low energy bills for …
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170614091846.htm

Wireless charging of moving electric vehicles overcomes major hurdle in new Stanford study
If electric cars could recharge while driving down a highway, it would virtually eliminate concerns about their range and lower their cost, perhaps making electricity the standard fuel for vehicles.
Now Stanford University scientists have overcome a major hurdle to such a future by wirelessly transmitting electricity to a nearby moving object.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-06/su-wco061017.php

Clean energy stored in electric vehicles to power buildings
Stored energy from electric vehicles (EVs) can be used to power large buildings — creating new possibilities for the future of smart, renewable energy — thanks to ground-breaking battery research from WMG at the University of Warwick.
http://www.enn.com/energy/article/51513

Making hydrogen fuel from humid air
One of the biggest hurdles to the widespread use of hydrogen fuel is making hydrogen efficiently and cleanly. Now researchers report in the journal ACS Nano a new way to do just that. They incorporated a photocatalyst in a moisture-absorbing, semiconducting paint that can produce hydrogen from water in the air when exposed to sunlight.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-06/acs-mhf060917.php

New technology will enable properties to share solar energy
Dr. Mahmoud Dhimish’s research will mean low energy bills for consumers
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-06/uoh-ntw060717.php

Solar paint offers endless energy from water vapor
Compound catalyses splitting of water atoms
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-06/ru-spo060917.php

How plastic conquered the world
Today, the world we live in is full of things made of plastic. How did that happen and what does it mean to live in a synthetic world?
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-14/plastic-how-it-conquered-the-world/8614236

If Tesla takes EV charging off-grid, we need to rethink energy
Tosh Szatow
Given Tesla is saying almost all of its charging stations will go off-grid, is it time to revisit out assumptions about the energy market?
http://reneweconomy.com.au/if-tesla-takes-ev-charging-off-grid-we-need-to-rethink-energy-13104/

Hydroelectric Dams May Jeopardize the Amazon’s Future
Hundreds of built and proposed hydroelectric dams may significantly harm life in and around the Amazon by trapping the flow of rich nutrients and modifying the climate from Central America to the …
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170614133749.htm

Wildfires Pollute Much More Than Previously Thought
Wildfires are major polluters. Their plumes are three times as dense with aerosol-forming fine particles as previously believed.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170614112819.htm

Earning a Living in a Changing Climate: The Plant Perspective
Some of the world’s plants are using ‘last-stand’ strategies to survive rather than thrive as global climate change gathers apace. Ecologists assessed plant strategies in less suitable climates by …
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170614112937.htm

Shoot to save.
To protect a rare Central Asian goat—and the snow leopards that depend on it—conservationists are turning to an unlikely ally: trophy hunters
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/2460133000468974185

Asia’s rivers send more plastic into the ocean than all other continents combined.
Even though countries don’t report on how much plastic they are flushing, a recent study suggests that around 86% of the plastic running through rivers was coming from a single continent—Asia.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/18530169838860708