Gas-fired bill shock: report finds renewables are not the problem New analysis has found gas prices and failing coal-fired power stations are behind higher power bills. The Climate Council's report found gas prices have surged since Australia started exporting fossil gas from the east coast in 2015. Volatile global markets and dependence on unreliable coal generators has since contributed to electricity price spikes. The best way to keep driving down wholesale prices is to boost the share of renewables and storage in Australia's main grid. | Renewables and electrification strengthen resilience amid global tensions The recent strikes on Iran highlight how easily geopolitical shocks can disrupt global oil flows, underscoring the vulnerability of oil dependent economies. But countries ramping up renewables and electrifying transport are showing that reducing oil dependence can strengthen energy security and buffer economies from these kinds of shocks.Cuba has dramatically boosted solar power generation from 5.8% to more than 20% in 12 months to early 2026, while Ethiopia has banned new internal combustion vehicles. Ukraine is expanding distributed solar and wind generation to make its energy infrastructure more resilient to attacks, and China continues to rapidly grow its electric vehicle fleet to lower imported oil dependence. These shifts show how local renewable generation and electrification can support ongoing access to energy and mobility with flexibility and stability amid geopolitical unrest. | Empowering First Nations equity in clean energy projects A new guide to help First Nations communities assess opportunities to take part in clean energy projects is now available. Released by the First Nations Clean Energy Network, the guide outlines what equity involvement means, the potential risks and benefits, and options for involvement. Around 43% of the clean energy infrastructure needed to reach net zero emissions by 2060 will be in areas where First Nations groups have legally recognised rights, interests and aspirations. | US considers plug-in solar to help more households save The World Resources Institute reports that rising electricity prices have prompted US states to explore plug-in solar – a small, affordable, apartment-friendly technology that can cut household energy costs without requiring rooftop installation or utility interconnection. At least 24 states are looking at removing legal barriers so more households, especially renters, can benefit. In Europe, Germany has more than a million homes already using plug-in systems to lower bills and expand access to clean energy. The report urges governments to modernise outdated rules so everyday households can easily use small solar devices and start saving—making clean, affordable energy accessible to more people. | NVES early results highlight role in emerging decline in transport emissions Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard has already generated roughly 16 million tradeable credits from almost 621,000 new vehicles. Since the scheme began in July 2025, BYD, Tesla, and Toyota are banking large credit surpluses, while Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru face growing deficits. Early results show almost 70% of brands met targets, cutting an estimated 190,000 – 220,000 tonnes of CO2-e – equivalent to removing 100,000 older cars from roads. Tougher limits from 2026 will push more hybrids and electric vehicles sales, linking directly to emissions reductions like those illustrated below. These early trends reinforce the Authority's targets advice by showing how strong, predictable vehicle efficiency standards can lock in sustained emissions cuts across the transport sector. | | | China's carbon intensity goal sends mixed signals about climate ambition China will continue to develop its clean energy industries, as outlined in its just-released draft 15th five-year plan. This five-year plan sets the strategic direction for China until 2030. Reaffirming support for solar energy, hydrogen, new energy storage and electric vehicles, the plan also aims to cut CO2 emissions per unit of GDP carbon intensity by 17%. Of particular note is China mentioning its willingness to steer climate governance and be a provider of global public goods, in the form of clean energy technologies. China noted this is the period when they will achieve 'carbon peaking' of emissions in their economy. In the last five-year plan, covering 2021-2025, China achieved a carbon-intensity reduction of 17.7%, just short of its 18% goal. Commentators questioned the new, lower reduction calculation for this period, noting a change in the way carbon intensity was measured. The new methodology allows for China's emissions to rise by 3-6% over the next five years and still achieve their target. The new plan also doesn't set an absolute cap on emissions or a timeline for phasing out coal and gas use. | | | | | |