A climate of co-operation is needed on emissions cuts.

There is no single solution to resolve the profound and conflicting pressures posed by climate change and the nation’s energy needs. There are many potential solutions, but they require investment, collaboration and genuine government support.

The Morrison government is demanding Victoria
open up more sources of gas before a deal is done.

Solar, wind, hydro and other renewable energy sources backed by massive battery storage systems will be the future. Coal-fired power stations exist for now, and still provide the bulk of Victoria's power needs, but the infrastructure is ageing and and increasingly unreliable.

While the Morrison government still supports coal, commercial operators and their financiers are no longer prepared to invest in this area. Still, Australia needs to ensure its short-term residential and commercial energy requirements are met as it transitions to a new era in which renewable sources dominate.

To that end, the federal government has horse-traded with NSW, with the state agreeing to supply more gas and secure coal supply to one of its major power stations in return for nearly $1 billion to help upgrade its energy grid and invest in a grab bag of emission-reduction initiatives.

Read the Editorial from The Age - “A climate of co-operation is needed on emissions cuts.”