Examining the impact of Australia’s ‘Direct Action’ policy on renewable energy, fossil fuel energy, and foreign direct investment (FDI), researchers have unveiled critical insights into the nation’s environmental landscape.
Amidst the urgent climate change and energy shortage concerns, this study tackles the complex challenge of achieving sustainable development goals in the face of uncertain low-carbon building transformation paths and unclear energy/carbon trading strategies. Employing a comprehensive approach, the research reviews integrated techniques for low-carbon building transition, including energy conservation, clean energy adoption, demand response, and smart EV integration. The study also examines energy/carbon flows and trading within building systems and analyzes global decarbonization roadmaps.
midst a disparity between academic theory and practical implementation, benchmarking for embodied CO2e in buildings remains a challenge. Despite lacking formal policies, industry leaders are proactively embracing CO2e assessment, driven by upcoming regulations and potential rating benefits. The study highlights persistent uncertainties, including institutional, economic, technical, and knowledge-related barriers. Precise scenario predictions, comprehensive life cycle stage consideration, and grid decarbonization are underscored as pivotal factors.
Despite global efforts, gaps persist in incentivizing the transition to energy-efficient homes. The study, encompassing policy evaluation and stakeholder feedback, sheds light on the critical hurdles. Notably, stakeholders highlighted the perceived upfront cost barrier, leading to a call for subsidies. Around 70% of surveyed stakeholders advocated for subsidies to overcome this obstacle.
In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, this study offers valuable insights into the realm of affordable housing and embodied energy reduction. By delving into the drivers, barriers, and techniques shaping the industry’s efforts, the research sheds light on the intricate balance between environmental consciousness and practicality.
In a study within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), researchers examined the effects of transitioning to energy-efficient electrical appliances. The findings revealed a remarkable decrease in natural gas consumption, up to 50% for priority households switching hot water systems and 42% for non-priority households adopting Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners (RCACs). While grid electricity consumption experienced a moderate increase of approximately 20% for priority and 26% for non-priority households with RCACs, electric hot water system replacements led to an 11% and 13% rise in grid electricity use, respectively. Embracing renewable electricity targets, emissions witnessed a significant reduction, emphasizing the strides Aussie homes are making towards sustainability and a greener future.
Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is essential for EV adoption. The review highlights the need for transparent pricing, continued public support, and improved data accessibility. Standardised labelling and consumer protection can enhance customer experience, while subsidies and partnerships are crucial for infrastructure development. Gathering more data and understanding driver preferences will aid in future planning efforts.
Global electricity efficiency has remained stagnant at 15-17% since 1960, according to a recent study that produced a comprehensive global electricity dataset from 1900 to 2017. The dataset also highlighted a significant rise in efficiency from 2% to 15% between 1900 and 1960.
Financing has been a significant hurdle in realizing the renewable energy (RE) transition, but targeted incentives and strategies have proven constructive in encouraging the implementation of RE projects. The lack of public awareness about the benefits of RE and misconceptions about its associated costs have contributed to the reluctance of investors and energy consumers to make this shift. With COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns leading to a drop in fossil fuel consumption and prices, it is crucial that necessary actions are taken to ensure the shift to RE is not reversed
Interest in microgrid (MG) has grown in Australia in recent years due to concerns about energy security and resilience in the face of bushfires and climatic disruptions, and federal government funding has been provided for 37 pilot projects across the country. The Australian study investigates the current state of microgrid development in the country, explore the constraints to their development, and identify the likely future developments in this field.