The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper.

Energy Smart

Closure of solar plant casts cloud over industry

In a body blow for Australia's solar industry, the nation's biggest solar-panel factory will close early next year, taking 200 skilled jobs with it, equal to one-eighth of the total Australian solar workforce.

Why car rescue is at risk of stalling

The Prime Minister says the $3.2 billion lifeline to the car industry would underwrite Australian manufacturing and ensure car makers build the "green" cars critical to tackling climate change.

We'll go solo on solar: Tebbutt

Solar panels will soon be earning their keep. The State Government is moving to introduce feed-in tariffs if the Federal Government does not introduce a national scheme.

How a quick snooze can help save the planet

Simon Webster explains how to reduce the energy use of computers.

Rees launches $62m energy-efficient funding

The Premier has blasted his former colleague and NSW Treasurer Michael Costa for being a global warming sceptic, and said a new era of climate change action will start from today.

Something's stirring in Warragamba

Solar-powered water churners have been dropped into Sydney's main water supply to reduce the risk of another toxic blue-green algae outbreak this summer.

Mass use of electric cars four years away

Within just four years, most Australians will be able to drive an electric car and recharge it at special plug-in points at home, the office or shopping centres.

Quantum leap for solar cells

Sydney researchers have achieved solar technology's version of running the three-minute mile.

New jobs in a clean economy

Tackling the threat of climate change will destroy some jobs but replace them with others, Kelsey Munro reports.

Solar power stops prices going through the roof

Why don't we all have solar panels on our roofs, Simon Webster asks.

Doubts cast over solar rebate

A rebate for solar panels is proving so popular there are concerns it could be axed or cut back.

Devoting energy to a fun park with a difference

There are only 11 students at Talbingo Public School but they know more about renewable energy than most children.

Solar rebates go sky high

The national solar-panel rebate for Australian homes is so popular that the Federal Government has handed out $150 million - the equivalent of three years' funding - in 16 months.

Subsidy for bulbs 'wasted'

The flawed scheme to cut greenhouse gas abatements by giving away lightbulbs has squandered an estimated $60 million of NSW taxpayers' money, the State Opposition says.

PM's fuel excise plan deemed nonsensical

The Australian Industry Group criticises the Rudd Government's plan to cut fuel excise to compensate motorists for price rises triggered by its emissions trading scheme.

A corridor under the wires

James Woodford turned his back on city life to build a solar-powered house. In this excerpt from his new book, he finds a way to improve some of his degraded land.

China is open to renewable power

The solar power magnate and Chinese-Australian billionaire Zhengrong Shi has not made his fortune by being pessimistic.

Money for bright ideas to make world of difference

Schools, universities, councils and clubs will embrace better environmental practices after winning grants from the State Government's climate change fund.

Waves could power third of Australian needs: report

Clean power group says more than a third of Australia's base-load power needs could be economically generated by wave technology.

Waste, so want not for energy

A "green energy" company is promoting technology to turn solid waste or sewage sludge into pellets that can be used to produce gas.

Qantas in international fuel trial

Qantas is preparing to take part in an international trial designed to cut fuel consumption amid soaring fuel prices.

Green makeover would save $400 on power bills

Unions want a "green revolution" to sweep the country's homes, saving more than $400 on annual household electricity bills.

Rebate program blows hot and cold

The inner city and Lower North Shore appear to be lagging behind the suburban fringe and regional NSW when it comes to installing energy-saving solar hot water systems.

Google and GE allies in quest for clean energy

Internet titan Google and technology colossus General Electric are joining forces to promote a "smart" US electric power grid and clean energy policies.

Green roofs growing in popularity

The sky's the limit when it comes to tackling the effects of climate change in our cities, writes Tim Elliott.

Sustainability begins at home

There's more to being green than changing a few light bulbs, writes Vivienne Reiner.

Shadow falls over solar panels

Government rebates of up to $8000 for households installing solar panels are one of the most inefficient ways of tackling climate change.

Fuel-efficient cars to get a break, say Greens

Wayne Swan has offered a tax break on expensive but highly fuel-efficient vehicles in return for critical Senate support for his budget plan to increase the luxury-car tax.

Higher gas bills a gift for WA Libs

Kevin Rudd and Woodside Petroleum have locked horns after the oil and gas giant said it would pass on to consumers the $2.5 billion tax impost on condensate.