Policy - Renew

Data in the city and the invisible impact of the cloud

23 Jul 2026

As AI and cloud computing drive a boom in data centre construction, Australia faces growing questions about how these energy-hungry facilities will affect electricity demand, local communities and the transition to net zero. Mia-Francesca Jones examines the trade-offs—and asks whether Australia can build the cloud more sustainably.

Pears Report

Signals of change

23 Jul 2026

From global risk assessments and climate adaptation to the complexities of ‘free’ electricity offers, Alan Pears looks at some of the forces driving change in Australia’s economy and energy system.

Climate change

When water attacks: blocking floodwaters

28 Apr 2026

As the weather becomes more unpredictable, flooding is expected to increase. So how do you minimise property damage and recover after a flood?

Climate change

Retrofitting for resilience in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands

28 Apr 2026

Mia-Francesca Jones reports on a pioneering retrofit project in the APY Lands that is improving thermal comfort in remote homes, while helping inform the future of climate-resilient housing.

Pears Report

Waiting for a replacement isn’t a climate strategy

28 Apr 2026

We can’t afford to wait for ‘end of life’ transition, especially for buildings and long-life trucks, writes Alan Pears.

Pears Report

When the market is no longer the main player

20 Jan 2026

Distributed energy, smart appliances and shared storage are creating parallel energy systems that challenge the central role of electricity markets, writes Alan Pears.

Sustainable tech

Distributed renewables in Africa

20 Jan 2026

Co-founder of CrossBoundary Group Matthew Tilleard speaks with Nathan Scolaro about how distributed renewables are reshaping energy access across Africa—and what Australia can learn from it.