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Articles by James Ha
The hottest investment opportunity in the NEM
The size of the battery energy storage systems (BESS) pipeline makes clear that investor appetite for this asset class has reached fever pitch. At 130GW, more than the total installed capacity of all technologies in the NEM, proposed BESS capacity now outstrips the proposed capacity for each of solar and wind projects. But since the installation of the first few containers of lithium in 2017, the role of batteries in the NEM has evolved – and with it, their remuneration.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) issued a report recently on how the world can achieve net-zero energy emissions by 2050. It was worrying news for Australias gas exports, and worse for our coal exports. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is generally accepted as necessary for limiting global warming to 1.5C above pre-Industrial levels. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Australia is committed to limiting warming to well below 2C and pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5C.
Coal plants are closing faster than expected, governments can keep the exit orderly
Credit: Shutterstock The international climate summit in Glasgow aimed to "consign coal power to history". But while some major coal-consuming countries have agreed to phase out the fossil fuel in the 2030s, Australia is not one of them. Under its recently released plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the federal government modeled a scenario where the electricity sector still burns coal in 2050—but only a very small amount.
Coal plants are closing faster than expected. Governments can keep the exit orderly
The international climate summit in Glasgow aimed to “consign coal power to history”. But while some major coal-consuming countries have agreed to phase out the fossil fuel in the 2030s, Australia is not one of them. Under its recently released plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the federal government modelled a scenario where the electricity sector still burns coal in 2050 – but only a very small amount.
Reaching net zero is every minister's problem. Here's how they can make better decisions
The federal government has finally committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 – a target Prime Minister Scott Morrison will take to this week’s crucial United Nations climate summit in Glasgow. Though unlegislated, the target represents a rare moment of bipartisanship in Australia’s climate wars, and brings the federal government into line with the states’ and territories’ own net-zero targets. Yet the target is much closer to a ceasefire than a peace treaty.
Reaching net zero is every minister's problem. Here's how they can make better decisions
The federal government has finally committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 – a target Prime Minister Scott Morrison will take to this week’s crucial United Nations climate summit in Glasgow. Though unlegislated, the target represents a rare moment of bipartisanship in Australia’s climate wars, and brings the federal government into line with the states’ and territories’ own net-zero targets. Yet the target is much closer to a ceasefire than a peace treaty.
Towards net zero: practical policies to offset carbon emissions
Governments around the world are moving to ‘net zero’, to limit the impacts of climate change. All Australian state and territory governments have the goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest, and the Prime Minister says the national target is net zero, preferably by 2050. Australian governments can and should act now to create momentum towards the net zero goal.
The clock is ticking on net-zero, and Australia's farmers must not get a free pass
Political momentum is growing in Australia to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. On Friday, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was the latest member of the federal government to throw his weight behind the goal. But for Australia to achieve net-zero across the economy, emissions from agriculture must fall dramatically. Agriculture contributed about 15% to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 – most of it from cattle and sheep.
The clock is ticking on net-zero, and Australia’s farmers must not get a free pass
Political momentum is growing in Australia to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. On Friday, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was the latest member of the federal government to throw his weight behind the goal, and over the weekend, Prime Minister Scott Morrison acknowledged “the world is transitioning to a new energy economy”. But for Australia to achieve net-zero across the economy, emissions from agriculture must fall dramatically.
Towards net zero: practical policies to reduce industrial emissions
Australia has suffered more than a decade of policy uncertainty on climate change. Despite increasing international ambition and increasingly urgent calls for action, political differences between and within Australia’s major parties have held back progress. Nevertheless, converging international and domestic political pressures have created a window of opportunity for progress on climate change policy.
How Governments Can Best Manage Federal Relief Funds
Across the nation, grant dollars are playing a vital role in fiscal recovery and delivering impact to those who need it most–from getting PPE to hospitals, equipping homeless shelters with more beds, to helping local businesses stay afloat. While the Covid-19 pandemic has emphasized its urgency, the focus on grant funding as a revenue source has been steadily growing. Just over the last five years, federal grant spending grew from $576 billion in 2014 to more than $800 billion in 2020.
A '100% renewables' target might not mean what you think it means. An energy expert explains
In the global effort to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, achieving a “100% renewables” electricity system is considered ideal. Some Australian states have committed to 100% renewable energy targets, or even 200% renewable energy targets. But this doesn’t mean their electricity is, or will be, emissions free. Electricity is responsible for a third of Australia’s emissions, and making it cleaner is a key way to reduce emissions in other sectors that rely on it, such as transport.
What every state and local CIO should know about grant management
INDUSTRY INSIGHT What every state and local CIO should know about grant management By James Ha May 20, 2021 It’s clear that elected officials and senior leadership across the board are recognizing that the CIO is not just a technology guru, but also an individual essential to enabling the very business of government itself.
More coal-fired power or 100% renewables? For the next few decades, both paths are wrong
The big question facing Australia’s National Electricity Market is how to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 without disrupted energy supplies or skyrocketing prices. Some say coal-fired power will be needed. Others say 100% renewable electricity is the way to go. But our new report released today argues neither path is wise in the medium term. It shows renewable energy – particularly wind and solar – can get us most of the way to net-zero.
More coal-fired power or 100% renewables? For the next few decades, both paths are wrong
The big question facing Australia’s National Electricity Market is how to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 without disrupted energy supplies or skyrocketing prices. Some say coal-fired power will be needed. Others say 100% renewable electricity is the way to go. But our new report released today argues neither path is wise in the medium term. It shows renewable energy – particularly wind and solar – can get us most of the way to net-zero.
Go for net zero: A practical plan for reliable, affordable, low-emissions electricity
Go for net zero: A practical plan for reliable, affordable, low-emissions electricity by Tony Wood and James Ha Australia can achieve a net-zero carbon emissions electricity system without threatening affordability or reliability of supply. It’s a myth that Australia needs to continue to rely on coal-fired power stations to keep electricity bills down.
Three Ways Governments Can Maximize Covid-19 Funding Now
By Corry Flatt and James Ha Connecting state and local government leaders State and local governments have until December 30, 2020 to dedicate federal funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund for Covid-19 related costs. For many, the ever-nearing deadline is panic-inducing and begs the question where should these dollars go to make the most impact?
Are you letting your CARES Act funding go to waste?
To any grant or public procurement professional in local government, Dec. 30 may seem like an impossible sprint to the finish line. According to the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Grant Guidance, any governments receiving CARES Act funding, specifically those under the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), must ensure those are incurred before that day.
How we can steel ourselves for Australia to grasp new export opportunities
Turning a new page as authors go with the stream for literary launches Mining industry backs need for answers over Grosvenor blast Our lightbulb moment: Why Qld has never been more ready to back great ideas Our high school principals lead nation in feeling stressed, depressed NRL's new broadcast deal to crown record-setting week Insights Australia has an historic opportunity to build a new, export-focused manufacturing sector based on renewable energy.
Australians want industry
Australia has an historic opportunity to build a new, export-focused manufacturing sector based on renewable energy. As a bonus, it could enable a less politically fraught conversation about climate change. Global action on climate change is in Australia’s national interest. The changing climate is already reducing profits for Australian farmers. Tens of thousands of jobs depend on the again-bleached Great Barrier Reef.
Start with steel: A practical plan to support carbon workers and cut emissions
10 May 2020 Start with steel: A practical plan to support carbon workers and cut emissions by Tony Wood, Guy Dundas and James Ha Australia has an historic opportunity to create a multi-billion-dollar, export-focused manufacturing sector based on globally competitive renewable energy.
The electricity sector alone can’t meet Australia’s emissions reduction challenge
All Australian state governments have targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. This means Australia has a de facto national target of net zero emissions by 2050 too. But official Australian government projections released in early December suggest we are not on track to hit the target. Emissions come from many sources. The largest in Australia is burning fossil fuels to make electricity – around a third of total emissions.
There’s a new push for a congestion tax in Australian cities - and the rich will be the target
Peak-time drivers to the CBDs of Sydney and Melbourne typically earn much more than the average worker. (Taras Vyshnya, Shutterstock) Congestion charging should be introduced in Australia’s largest cities, as Grattan Institute’s latest report shows. Our analysis also finds that the people who commute to the Melbourne and Sydney CBDs by driving are two to three times as likely to earn six-figure salaries as other Australian workers.
Three charts on: why congestion charging is fairer than you might think
Congestion charging should be introduced in Australia’s largest cities, as Grattan Institute’s latest report shows. Our analysis also finds that the people who commute to the Melbourne and Sydney CBDs by driving are two to three times as likely to earn six-figure salaries as other Australian workers. One of the main concerns about charging drivers who use the busiest roads at the busiest times has been about fairness.
Three charts on why congestion charging is fairer than you might think
Marion Terrill, James Ha | 14 October 2019 EXPERT OBSERVERS Congestion charging should be introduced in Australia’s largest cities, as Grattan Institute’s latest report shows. Our analysis also finds that the people who commute to the Melbourne and Sydney CBDs by driving are two to three times as likely to earn six-figure salaries as other Australian workers. One of the main concerns about charging drivers who use the busiest roads at the busiest times has been about fairness.
Three charts on: why congestion charging is fairer than you might think
Congestion charging should be introduced in Australia’s largest cities, as Grattan Institute’s latest report shows. Our analysis also finds that the people who commute to the Melbourne and Sydney CBDs by driving are two to three times as likely to earn six-figure salaries as other Australian workers. One of the main concerns about charging drivers who use the busiest roads at the busiest times has been about fairness.
Transport promises for election 2019: the good, the bad and the downright ugly
Greg Moran & James Ha | 16 May 2019 GUEST OBSERVATION No matter who wins Saturday’s federal election, you can expect to see more cranes on the skyline and hi-viz vests on the roadside. Both major parties are promising to spend big on transport infrastructure: A$42 billion for the Coalition and A$49 billion for Labor. However, many of the favoured projects are unlikely to be completed for years or even decades to come. What’s being promised, and where?
Transport promises for election 2019: the good, the bad and the downright ugly
No matter who wins Saturday’s federal election, you can expect to see more cranes on the skyline and hi-viz vests on the roadside. Both major parties are promising to spend big on transport infrastructure: A$42 billion for the Coalition and A$49 billion for Labor. However, many of the favoured projects are unlikely to be completed for years or even decades to come. Read more: We hardly ever trust big transport announcements – here's how politicians get it right What’s being promised, and where?
Coalition and ALP share the road to project blow-outs
20 Mar 2019 Coalition and ALP share the road to project blow-outs by Marion Terrill and James Ha Published by the Australian Financial Review, Wednesday 20 March Labor has made stadiums the focus of the NSW election campaign, promising to scrap $1.5 billion of rebuilding and upgrades if it wins on Saturday. But follow the money and you’ll find transport is the real battleground issue. As of last week, the Coalition had committed to transport projects worth $69 billion; Labor, $50 billion.
How the NSW election promises on transport stack up
How the NSW election promises on transport stack up by Marion Terrill and James Ha Published at The Conversation, Thursday 14 March Sydney is awash with construction activity – new motorways, light rail and the Metro project are all part of an infrastructure deluge. And as New South Wales voters head to the polls, the two major parties keep raining promises on electorates of ever-larger, ever-faster transport projects. But with early voting now open, it’s time to take stock.
How the NSW election promises on transport add up
Sydney is awash with construction activity – new motorways, light rail and the Metro project are all part of an infrastructure deluge. And as New South Wales voters head to the polls, the two major parties keep raining promises on electorates of ever-larger, ever-faster transport projects. But with early voting now open, it’s time to take stock. And Grattan Institute has tallied the numbers to help make sense of it all.
Eight charts that explain Victoria’s transport election
Eight charts that explain Victoria’s transport election by Marion Terrill and James Ha Published at The Conversation, Wednesday 21 November The most magical time of the year is upon Victorians: election season. The (taxpayer-funded) gifts promised by the major parties far exceed anything Santa could bring. And the multi-billion-dollar toys on everybody’s wish list? Trains, tracks and roads.
Victorian election: The truth behind the 'astronomical' $170b in transport promises
Victorian election: The truth behind the 'astronomical' $170b in transport promises By Marion Terrill and James Ha Posted November 21, 2018 06:30:50 The most magical time of the year is upon Victorians: election season. The (taxpayer-funded) gifts promised by the major parties far exceed anything Santa could bring. And the multi-billion-dollar toys on everybody's wish list? Trains, tracks and roads.
How much will voters pay for an early Christmas? Eight charts that explain Victoria’s transport election
The most magical time of the year is upon Victorians: election season. The (taxpayer-funded) gifts promised by the major parties far exceed anything Santa could bring. And the multi-billion-dollar toys on everybody’s wish list? Trains, tracks and roads. There’s nothing unusual about politicians promising big-ticket items to curry favour with voters, but this election the size of these commitments is astronomical: more than A$170 billion worth of projects are on the table.
Does Adelaide really need to jump on the growth bandwagon?
Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently described Adelaide as a city “crying out” for more migration. And it’s true – the population has grown much more slowly than the bigger capitals in recent years. But does Adelaide really need to jump on the growth bandwagon? Is it ready for what that might entail? With Melbourne and Sydney racing ahead at about 2 per cent growth a year since 2011, it might seem like Adelaide is getting left behind.
Drunk on growth, but now sobering up
The end of the mining boom still feels like a bad hangover. And waking up bleary-eyed the next morning, Perth seems sluggish and irritable, reminiscing glumly over black coffee about last night’s shenanigans. At its peak in 2012, Perth was rushing along helter-skelter at 3.3 per cent annual population growth. Today it’s back down to 1 percent. Some politicians pine for the past, and look enviously at the burgeoning populations of Sydney, Melbourne and south-east Queensland.
The clock is ticking on net-zero, and Australia's farmers must not get a free pass
Political momentum is growing in Australia to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. On Friday, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was the latest member of the federal government to throw his weight behind the goal, and over the weekend, Prime Minister Scott Morrison acknowledged “the world is transitioning to a new energy economy”. But for Australia to achieve net-zero across the economy, emissions from agriculture must fall dramatically.
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