Renewable Energy

Activists praise decision to reject energy ministry’s proposal to dam the world-famous waterfall

Conservationists in Uganda have hailed a bipartisan decision to reject the government’s plan to construct a hydro-power dam at the country’s biggest tourist attraction.

Lawmakers unanimously adopted a report by the 28 member parliamentary committee on environment on Thursday, rejecting the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development proposal to build a 360MW at Uhuru Falls on Murchison Falls national park.

Related: Uganda's thirst for hydropower raises fears for environment

Scientists have developed a 'tiny wind turbine' that can take energy from a gentle breeze, such as that made as you walk.

The device comprises two plastic strips in a tube that flutter or clap together in the presence of airflow. That energy, powered by the contact and separation of two materials, can be bottled up and stored for use, according to researchers.

Scientists in China hope the device can generate sustainable power in a low-cost, efficient manner while 'overcoming the issues that the traditional wind turbines can’t solve'

• Full story: 'Tiny wind turbine' can collect energy from a walker's swinging arm

Researchers say device can generate sustainable power from gentle breeze

Scientists have developed a “tiny wind turbine” that can scavenge energy from the breeze made while walking.

Imagine rubbing a balloon on your hair for a few seconds – can you hear the crackle of static electricity, see your hair stand on end? That energy, powered by the contact and separation of two materials, can be bottled up and stored for use, according to researchers working on the device.

There are useful elements in recent policy announcements but what we really need is a clear financial incentive to deliver emission reductions

Stationed here in Victoria under Covid lockdown and working from home day after day it can begin to feel a bit like groundhog day.

But when the Morrison government unveiled its low-emission technology roadmap – outlining its plan for how technology, not taxes, will lower our climate change emissions – I never thought I’d be reliving the same day from 2006.

Related: 'Bonkers': Turnbull criticises Angus Taylor's $18bn bet on emissions technology

Related: Morrison’s tech roadmap flags more investment in carbon capture and storage

Net zero emissions by 2050 still not on the table but ‘clean’ hydrogen, ‘low carbon’ steel and CCS part of decade-long funding, Angus Taylor says

The Morrison government will identify “clean” hydrogen, energy storage, “low-carbon” steel and aluminium, carbon capture and storage and soil carbon as priority technologies slated for investment as part of its technology roadmap.

But the government is continuing to resist pressure to sign up to a target of net zero emissions by 2050 – a concrete and increasingly uncontroversial abatement target that would give its roadmap a clear destination.

Related: The Morrison government is sabotaging its renewable energy agency | Christine Milne

Related: Morrison says you're either for gas or against it. Of course it's not as simple as that | Katharine Murphy