In Today’s Talking Points: Australia falls behind China in global energy efficiency ranking, Australian government to build new coal fired power stations, China testing roads paved with solar panels for power and Australia gas shortage a possibility: Energy Analyst.
Australia falls behind China in global energy efficiency ranking
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy released the 2018 International Energy Efficiency Scorecard on 27 June 2018. The Report shows Australia as ranked 18th among the world’s 25 largest energy users (down 2 rankings from 16th in 2016). China, India and Indonesia outperform Australia in terms of energy efficiency. Luke Menzel, CEO of Australia’s Energy Efficiency Council, ascribes the ranking to “policy inertia” and “a lack of broad engagement” on the topic of energy efficiency. Italy and Germany tied first place on the Report.
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Australian government to build new coal fired power stations
Although defeated in the Australian Senate 34-32, the Coalition Government voted with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation to “build new coal-fired power stations and retrofitting of existing base-load power stations”. The vote comes in light of the Turnbull Government’s proposed national energy guarantee, and the push for lower energy prices.
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China testing roads paved with solar panels for power
A highway in Jinan, China is currently paved with plastic-covered solar panels instead of asphalt. The highway is testing whether these solar panel roads (also called solar roads) can withstand heavy traffic such as trucks. Li Wu, Chairman of Shandong Pavenergy, is testing solar roads to generate electricity, so as to transition from conventional solar energy generation from fields, to solar energy generation from roads. The experiment could represent a significant step in renewable energy innovation. Electric heating strips in solar roads can melt snow, and the roads can provide illuminated signage. It can also represent a faster supply of energy to cities bordering the roads. The project is limited by affordability. Currently, a solar road costs $120USD a square meter.
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Australia gas shortage a possibility: Energy Analyst
According to Nicholas Browne of energy firm Wood Mackenzie, Australia may face a gas shortage if it does not build import terminals. Despite the Australian Government accepting the advice of the Australian Energy Market Operator to reduce gas exports, Browne believes a shortfall may come in 2021. The shortage may come from increased global demand, particularly from China during winter, coupled with a lack of new gas initiatives.
Read more here.