Drop in session about renewables tomorrow 12-2
Hi everyone,
Well what a cold snap we have had! There’s been some instability in the polar vortex around Antarctica which has meant a blast of cold air as far north as Mackay, and some snow in the New England area in the NSW highlands.
It’s pretty chilly in a house which is designed to keep the heat out, not in.
I hope you have all managed to keep warm, and don’t worry, it will be hot enough to complain about all too soon!
Much love from inside my Spiderman Oodie,
Anna
Upcoming Dates:
Nature and Renewables
Worried about Wind farms? Concerned about Nuclear Energy proposals?
Come along to our lunchtime drop in session on Wednesday 26th July from 12 - 2pm and get some reliable information.
We’ll be showcasing our new interactive map of proposed energy projects and our coordinator will be there to answer your questions.
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2024 National Evening with the Minister - Strengthening Our Nature Laws Webinar on Thursday, August 15th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
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Annual General Meeting -
Thursday 29 August 2024, 1:30pm in Gladstone at the Gladstone Library meeting Room, with a General Meeting to follow.
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GOOD NEWS
Lower CO2 production in European Steel
CO2 emissions and energy use in European steel production have already been halved since 1960, and the sector aims to achieve further cuts of 80-95% by 2050[2], compared to 1990 levels. Since the conventional Blast Furnace - Basic Oxygen Furnace production route is highly CO2-intensive (usually with a carbon footprint of 1.6-2.0 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of crude steel produced) and most EU steel mills are operating close to optimum efficiency, the industry is increasingly focussing on hydrogen-based steelmaking to decarbonise the sector.
Several projects announced across Europe aim to replace existing steel production processes with new steel plants based on the direct reduction of iron using hydrogen. The REPowerEU plan highlights that around 30% of the primary steel production in the EU is expected to be decarbonised by 2030 using renewable hydrogen.
EV’s help during power out
During a major storm in Victoria, Australia, many homes lost power. However, a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) helped by sending power back into the grid. This was the first time this has happened anywhere in the world, according to a study by The Australian National University (ANU) led by Dr. Bjorn Sturmberg.
The study showed that EVs can provide important backup power during emergencies. In Canberra, 51 EVs are monitored to send power into the grid when needed. During the storm in February, 16 EVs (12 idle and 4 charging) provided 107 kilowatts of power. These EVs stopped charging and started sending power back to the grid within seconds.
Dr. Sturmberg said that 105,000 EVs could provide enough backup power for all of ACT and NSW. Almost 100,000 EVs were sold in Australia last year. He also mentioned the challenge of balancing the demand for EV charging with grid security as more people buy EVs.
The study suggests that EV makers should program cars to stop charging during grid emergencies, with an option for urgent charging if needed. Stopping just 6,000 EVs from charging could have kept the power on for 90,000 customers who lost power on February 13.
The findings show that vehicle-to-grid technology can greatly improve power system security, highlighting the important role of electric vehicles in supporting the grid.
From our friends at Queensland Conservation Council:
Dear Anna,
Join hundreds of environmental leaders and concerned citizens in a critical discussion with National Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek about strengthening our nature laws.
Weak environmental laws allow land clearing of threatened communities, coal mines in koala habitats, and logging that kills gliders. We need stronger laws and a robust Federal EPA to protect our unique wildlife.
You're invited to the 2024 National Evening with the Minister - Strengthening Our Nature Laws Webinar on Thursday, August 15th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
We need to show Minister Plibersek that Australians care about protecting our wildlife. Lets make sure that hundreds of people attend.
This event is hosted by the State and Territory Conservation Councils of Australia. Conservation Councils represent hundreds of environmental organisations and hundreds of thousands of Australians. We've long advocated for the national parks and protected areas across Australia, standing with Traditional Owners in their efforts to care for country.
From our friends at Alliance to Save Hinchinbrook:
Please WRITE A LETTER to The Hon. Ms. Leanne Linard, Minister for the Environment, (environment@ministerial.gov.au).
Let her know your thoughts about privatisation of Hinchinbrook Island National Park (HINP), whether by leases or other long term, exclusive commercial arrangements.
ALL of Hinchinbrook Island must be owned by the state, managed by the state and funded by the state - on behalf of all the people of Queensland, whether now or in future generations. It must not be handed over to privateers at the expense of the general public, not used for adventure recreation, and not left in a mess because walkers and campers have not been advised about their responsibilities as privileged visitors on this most exceptional of national parks. Appropriate behaviour on Hinchinbrook Island is respectful of its natural processes and biodiversity, and appreciative of its intrinsic qualities - those unique natural elements of its dramatic and beautiful landscape and wildlife.
The existing permitting system allows for personal visitors and small commercial guided day tours; it has worked well when the permittee, whether individual or small guided tour, has been properly informed as to appropriate behaviour. Ensuring that visitors are properly informed is a responsibility of the Department. To carry out this part of their work, the Department must be properly funded and staffed.
For more information contact - hinchinbrookforever@gmail.com