Latest news with #electricitysector
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IEEFA urges broader review of emissions reduction policies in Australia
An interim report by the Australian Government's Productivity Commission has identified gaps in the country's emissions reduction policies, particularly concerning the electricity sector post-2030, industrial facilities exempt from the Safeguard Mechanism, and heavy vehicles. The report, titled 'Investing in Cheaper, Cleaner Energy and the Net Zero Transformation', is part of an initiative aimed at bolstering Australia's productivity but has overlooked several potential levers for achieving net zero emissions at minimal cost, according to the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The overlooked areas include enhancing energy efficiency and flexibility, revising inefficient electricity network revenue regulation and pricing, reducing fugitive methane emissions from coal and gas extraction, and critically assessing the net economic cost-benefit of new coal and gas projects. IEEFA has calculated that more than 1.7 million inefficient gas and electric appliances are installed annually in Australia, costing households more than A$3bn ($1.9bn) in unnecessary energy expenses. There is a significant opportunity to improve national electric appliance efficiency, which could save more electricity per year than the amount required for the transition from gas to electric appliances. IEEFA's analysis indicates that electricity distribution and transmission networks have made supernormal profits of A$15bn over 2014-2023, in addition to "allowed" profits of A$17.6bn, resulting in higher consumer electricity bills and diminished economic productivity. With the rise of distributed energy resources, current monopoly-based electricity network regulations are outdated. The growth in household batteries offers a significant chance to reduce household bills and investment in large-scale electricity system assets. IEEFA's research suggests that rooftop solar and batteries could significantly reduce peak demand, often to zero or below, in most states during summer and winter. However, appropriate tariffs and incentives are necessary to encourage optimal outcomes for the energy system. At least 20% of Australia's emissions, and potentially up to 25% if methane emissions underreporting is accounted for, are attributable to coal and gas extraction. Methane emissions are projected to remain stable until 2035, with the Safeguard Mechanism proving insufficient for driving reductions. IEEFA estimates that approximately 76 petajoules of methane, valued at around A$950m, could be recovered annually from the coal and gas sector, which is more than double the anticipated gas demand for power generation in the National Electricity Market in 2025. IEEFA has also highlighted the economic risks of new coal and gas developments, especially those aimed at liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Eastern Australia's existing LNG projects have yielded disappointing financial outcomes and have tripled domestic gas prices, leading to industrial facility closures and reduced gas generation. LNG projects are also associated with significant gas use and emissions that cannot be sufficiently mitigated by carbon capture and storage. In conclusion, IEEFA urges the Productivity Commission to consider a wider array of opportunities that can advance Australia's emissions reduction goals while simultaneously reducing costs for Australians. "IEEFA urges broader review of emissions reduction policies in Australia" was originally created and published by Energy Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Zawya
04-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Electricity minister directs measures to stabilise grid amid rising demand in Egypt
Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat has held a meeting with leaders of the electricity sector and the heads of production, transmission, and distribution companies. The Saturday meeting forms part of the ministry's broader work plan to enhance operational quality, improve performance levels, reduce energy losses, cut fuel consumption, and ensure a stable, high-quality electricity supply. It also supports the ongoing implementation of maintenance programmes aligned with international standards and codes, carried out within predefined timelines coordinated with the national electricity grid operator, all aimed at achieving greater operational efficiency. During the meeting, Esmat reviewed each company's performance and assessed progress made in recent months under the phased work plan. This includes measures to raise preparedness levels, increase the number of emergency teams, and closely monitor operational efficiency across the sector. The Minister also examined sales and collection rates alongside technical and commercial energy losses. Oversight mechanisms to guarantee service quality and strengthen communication with citizens were discussed, as were efforts to stabilise electricity supply, meet growing demand with high standards, and improve overall network performance. Customer service was another focus, including mechanisms for handling complaints through the ministry's integrated citizen service system. Emphasis was placed on ensuring accurate meter readings under the unified reading programme, conducting regular meter audits, expanding the installation and monitoring of prepaid meters, and intensifying judicial inspections in areas with high energy losses to combat electricity theft. For electricity production companies, discussions covered operational plans, fault management procedures, unit outage handling, and pre- and post-emergency measures designed to prevent disruptions. All actions are to be fully documented and mandatory for relevant work teams. Esmat also addressed the ongoing fuel-saving strategy, adherence to quality, safety, and security standards, and performance reviews from previous periods aimed at improving generation quality and efficiency. Maintenance systems were discussed in depth, including the automated link between maintenance programmes and spare parts warehouses, predictive maintenance to prevent faults, and maintaining a strategic stock of spare parts that require long procurement lead times. Inspection committee observations were also reviewed, along with actions taken to address them and enhance the performance of power stations, as well as an update on the actual status and total generated electricity. The Minister directed continued implementation of the phased plan to handle rising loads and increased consumption during the summer months. He also stressed the need to follow up on the progress of projects that support the national grid, ensuring sufficient electricity supply for all sectors—particularly national projects that form a cornerstone of Egypt's reconstruction and development plans. Esmat concluded by emphasising the importance of coordination, cooperation, and teamwork across all parts of the electricity sector. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to further developing the national grid to absorb growing demand, achieve the highest possible efficiency, and ensure sustainability and continuity of electricity supply. © 2025 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
