Tony's recent articles

The government will underwrite risky investments in renewables – here’s why that’s a good idea

The government will underwrite risky investments in renewables – here’s why that’s a good idea

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen last week announced a scheme to underwrite the risk of investing in new renewable energy generation and storage.

Power meltdown: putting Australia’s energy transition back on track

Power meltdown: putting Australia’s energy transition back on track

We know Australia’s got a problem when a cautious, technical, energy market operator says: “Imminent and urgent investment is needed, or the reliability of the NEM [National Electricity Market] will be at risk.” More broadly, Australia’s energy transition is at risk. But the federal government has the challenge and the opportunity to get things back on track.

Avoiding a gas shortage is one thing, but what’s needed is action on prices

Avoiding a gas shortage is one thing, but what’s needed is action on prices

The Albanese government has accepted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s recommendation to “initiate the first step” to trigger the controversial Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism to avert a supply crisis in eastern Australia.

Jobs versus climate

Jobs versus climate

A debate between having a job and acting on climate change is painful for everyone involved and will not end well. Yet the absence of a clear narrative from our political leaders to clarify the issue is leaving many Australian communities in exactly that position.

MARION TERRILL AND TONY WOOD. The dos and don'ts of fiscal stimulus

Long lines at Centrelink are a sobering sight. The fear of sustained mass unemployment has led to a renewed push for fiscal stimulus, including for governments to fast-track road and rail projects, re-establish a serious manufacturing sector in this country, invest directly in gas supply projects, and increase subsidies for big renewal energy projects.