US generates more electricity from renewables than coal for first time ever

The US generated more electricity from renewable sources than coal for the first time ever in April, new federal government data has shown.

The San Gorgonio wind farm near Rancho Mirage in
California. The falling cost of renewables and gas
causing coal to be dislodged as a favored energy
 source for utilities.

Clean energy such as solar and wind provided 23% of US electricity generation during the month, compared with coal’s 20%, according to the Energy Information Administration.

This represents the first time coal has been surpassed by energy sources that do not release pollution such as planet-heating gases.

April was a favorable month for renewables, with low energy demand and an uptick in wind generation. This means that coal may once again pull ahead of renewables again during 2019, although the long-term trends appear to be set.

Read the story from The Guardian by Oliver Milman - “US generates more electricity from renewables than coal for first time ever.”

If the thought of your forthcoming power bill fills you with dread, you're not alone - Radio National

If the thought of your forthcoming power bill fills you with dread, you're not alone. 

The race for renewable energy.

Electricity prices and the race toward renewable sources of energy, have dominated headlines this year and for very powerful reasons. 

Energy costs go to the heart of the cost of living for pretty much every Australian, but aside from household costs they're also a huge factor in employment in regional areas - and if you don't have a job, or your industry is unsteady because of the prices rises, then you have a double whammy experience of energy cost pain.

Listen to this story on Radio National - “Country Breakfast Features Saturday 2nd September.”

The role of clean coal technologies in reducing emissions

Australia's first carbon capture plant near
 Biloela in central Queensland. This
method is just one emissions reduction
 strategy that scientists say should be considered.

The term 'clean coal' has been high on the political agenda in the wake of widespread energy black-outs in South Australian recently.

For opponents, clean coal is derided as oxy-moronic.

But the Federal Government argues it's a legitimate way of maintaining energy security at times when intermittent renewable sources cannot.

The Australian Science Media Centre engaged three prominent scientists and researchers in the field for a briefing on clean coal and whether it was a pipe dream or reality.

The scientists agreed there was a need to look at all electricity sources and assess their ability to be incorporated into existing systems.

They also agreed that the language and terminology used by politicians, proponents and opponents failed to encourage mature, scientific discussions.

Read the ABC Rural story - “The role of clean coal technologies in reducing emissions.”