The Superpower Institute

TSI is recruiting! We are seeking a WA Research and Engagement Lead as well as a Senior Analyst. More details here: https://lnkd.in/eJrRSu-3

"In Australia, with our very rich renewable energy resources, nuclear is an expensive option. It's also an option in the far distant future, long after a lot of our coal plants start falling apart. Coal can't get us to the time where nuclear will be available. No one wants to build a new coal plant. It’s obviously uneconomic in competition with renewables and storage. In any case, nuclear would be much more expensive –all the analysis shows that." – Ross Garnaut, in conversation with Andrew Jaspan, AM for 360info. 

Donald Trump might be a speed hump on the road to net zero, but the business and climate case for renewables keeps Australia in the box seat. Ross Garnaut speaks with 360info editor-in-chief Andrew Jaspan, AM about why the momentum for clean energy is bigger than any one leader, why nuclear is an uneconomic option for Australia, and how seizing our renewables advantage will drive prosperity in the regions. https://lnkd.in/g3BE8pvu

"Australia's National Electricity Market is at a crossroads. Decisions made today about policies and market design will shape our energy future and play a major role in our economic prosperity for decades to come. If Australia gets this right, we have the potential to secure abundant, low cost, reliable, zero carbon energy. We can be a global leader in clean energy, supplying the world with green metals, fertilisers, and fuels. But any missteps risk wasting a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity." Read TSI CEO Baethan Mullen's latest article on the future design of Australia's electricity market, as outlined in TSI's submission to the government's National Electricity Market wholesale market settings review. https://lnkd.in/g3BMfq2d

The Superpower Institute welcomes announcements today to secure the future of the Whyalla Steelworks and government support necessary to realise Australia's incredible green iron and steel opportunities. TSI analysis estimates that export income from Australia’s green iron and steel opportunity is enormous – up to $400 billion at full scale – and the federal government’s announcement of a $1bn Green Iron Investment Fund is a crucial and economically sound investment in that realising this opportunity. Whyalla can play a key part in Australia’s green iron and steel future. It is proximate to key iron ore deposits, is near excellent solar and wind resources, and has the community and the workforce that can help make it a success. Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/g3sxFfdQ

We are pleased to welcome Jessica Shaw as TSI's inaugural Western Australia Program Director. Jessica brings extensive experience across energy, industry and government, having recently served as Parliamentary Secretary to the WA Premier and Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade, as well as Member for Swan Hills. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing green export opportunities in WA, helping to position the state – and Australia – as a global leader in the new energy economy. Read the media release: https://lnkd.in/gv-cwA7Z

Welcome Jessica! We can’t wait for you to get started.

Australia's energy market operator, AEMO, has revealed a surge in renewable energy contributions to the national grid in Q4 2024, a trend you can track in real time on Open Electricity. Record levels were driven by growth in rooftop and grid-scale solar output, combined with reduced coal plant availability. Electricity supplied by coal generation fell below 50% for the first time. AEMO also highlighted that the declining reliability of black coal plants and constraints in electricity transmission – which limit the flow of cheaper energy – were key drivers of energy price spikes during the quarter. For more insights like these, and a real-time look into Australia's energy transition, visit Open Electricity.

In an article for The Age last year, UNSW Energy Systems researcher and TSI collaborator Dr Dylan McConnell raised concerns about recent modelling on a potential Australian nuclear power industry, pointing out its assumptions of a smaller economy and energy grid, with reduced industrial activity.

The Parron Wind Farm in Badgingarra is set to deliver $17 million to the community over 35 years through its community benefit fund. Projects like this demonstrate how renewable energy can drive regional revitalisation, providing steady income for landholders, infrastructure upgrades and new opportunities for local economies. These outcomes are a glimpse of what's possible on a larger scale. With renewables now nearing 40% of the electricity mix (as tracked on Open Electricity) and heading towards 82% by 2030, the benefits for regional communities will only continue to grow – creating jobs, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring no one is left behind in Australia's clean energy transition. https://lnkd.in/gVjvD6Tr