Rachel Williamson

Rachel Williamson is a science and business journalist, who focuses on climate change-related health and environmental issues.

Recent articles by Rachel Williamson

Rio Tinto flags early closure of Queensland’s biggest coal generator as LNP prepares new energy plan

Rio Tinto flags early closure of Queensland’s biggest coal generator as LNP prepares new energy plan

The clock is now ticking for the ageing Gladstone coal-fired power station after its owners told the Australian Energy Market Operator that they’re bringing forward the closure date of the biggest power plant in Queensland by six years, to March 2029.

Wind energy faces 'existential challenge' as solar and battery hybrids beat it on costs

Wind energy faces 'existential challenge' as solar and battery hybrids beat it on costs

The Australian wind industry has gathered in Melbourne to confront an uncomfortable but unavoidable truth: The cost of wind turbines has almost doubled from just a few years ago, and the technology is now being beaten on price by the combined forces of solar and battery storage.

'Act of bastardry': Queensland LNP Government kills another giant wind project

'Act of bastardry': Queensland LNP Government kills another giant wind project

The Queensland state LNP Government has scrapped another approved wind project in what is being called “an act of bastardry”, and accusations that the state is openly rejecting renewables as it moves to re-open coal country.

Dutton’s stuff-ups: Nuclear plan will blow up Paris and emissions targets, CCA says

Dutton’s stuff-ups: Nuclear plan will blow up Paris and emissions targets, CCA says

Choosing a nuclear power future over renewables will blow up Australia’s carbon emissions budget and create a carbon time bomb of up to two billion tonnes in extra greenhouse gases by 2050, a new analysis from the federal government’s Climate Change Authority says.