Queenwood Junior School hosted the Zero Emissions School Network Meeting for Term 3 20220. Thank you to Mrs Sandwell and the Year 6 hosts. The Network enjoyed a waste free afternoon tea, tour and presentation of initiatives.
We also enjoyed a presentation from Geert Hendrix about Farmwall. Farmwall provides educational tools and student engagement programs to activate interest in agritech, through the STEM curriculum. From regenerative farming to growing food on Mars, they plan to get the students on board in one way or the other. Learn more about Farmwall here: https://farmwall.com
Zero Emissions Solutions teamed up with Take 3 for the Sea, Mosman Council and environment conservation community groups for the Balmoral Seaside Scavenge in September. Take 3 is known all over Australia for its educational programs that teach people about the problem of plastic pollution and inspire them to take action to protect the ocean.
The event showcased local waste-wise and environmentally conscious initiatives while entertaining with music, face painting and art, and nourishing us with pedal-powered smoothies! We were delighted to participate in this fun, family-friendly day to share information about how to reduce emissions and protect our beautiful local environment.
We had a great lineup of Electric Vehicles – Tesla and Hyundai – along with their enthusiastic owners who could talk till the cows come home to anyone who wanted to know about EVs. There was a lot of interest from young and old, the curious and the skeptical.
If bicycles are more your thing Lug+Carrie had a selection of eBikes available to try out. Whether it’s for your daily commute or getting the kids to school, these eBikes make cycling a breeze and are designed to carry your kids or your shopping or your laptop.
With sunshine and blue skies, Balmoral Beach was at its beautiful best. A great day made possible with our brilliant team of volunteers.
Thank you to our largest volunteer crew ever: Louise, Michael, Fay, Tony, Narween, Jenni Chris, Gill, Alan, Adrienne, Milo, Leesa, Leon, Kate, Ann-Charlott, Ursula, Daryl, with Marieken organising us, plus Neroli from Lug+Carrie doing Tern e-cargo bike test rides!
Zero Emissions Schools Network had the honour of being the recipient of a Mosman Community Grant for 22/23 for the second year in a row! This funding means the Zero Emissions Schools Network will be able to continue providing all the schools in the Mosman LGA with quarterly meetings, newsletters and one on one consulting.
The Network is a great space to have schools collaborate, share and learn more ways they can become more sustainable. Thank you to Mosman Council and Mayor Corrigan for your ongoing support of the program.
The ZESN Schools Network has been awarded the Mosman Community Grant for the second year in a row.
The energy and passion to become more environmentally sustainable is a delight to behold and the program highlights the value of networking together for a positive outcome.
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan, Mosman Municipal Council
About the ZESN Schools Program
The Zero Emissions Schools Program was designed and developed by Jenni Hagland (Program Leader), with Ursula Hogben (Co-Founder), in consultation with Loani Tierney, Environment Education Officer, Mosman Council.
Engineer and ZESN solar leader Chris explains how virtual power plants work to harness renewable energy and reduce emissions. We are working with Clean Energy for Eternity and Clear Sky Solar Investments to help reach the Northern Beaches Council ambitious target of 50% of suitable premises in the LGA installing solar panels by 2030.
What is a Virtual Power Plant?
A Virtual Power Plant consists of a network of distributed solar power and battery systems co-ordinated by a central VPP operator that:
Releases some (or all) of the batteries’ stored energy into the grid during periods of peak demand when wholesale electricity prices are high.
May direct the batteries to charge from the grid when electricity demand is so low that grid stability is threatened.
How does it work
The provision of these grid services can be very lucrative for the VPP operator and they will share some of this benefit with their network members in different ways, including periodic fees, payment for battery energy used, and enhanced feed-in tariffs for exported energy, reduced consumption rates, etc.
By being part of a Virtual Power Plant you allow your battery to play an active role in the operation of the grid, supporting it in handling increasing levels of renewable energy – so it’s a good thing to do in principle. You’ll also get some financial reward.
But for this you’ll be giving up control of your battery to a third party, may find your battery has insufficient charge for your needs at times and will have your battery worked harder than if used by yourself alone.
A VPP operator will generally become your Retailer, or may operate through another designated Retailer.
Choose your VPP operator carefully
It’s really important to read the small print on any VPP offer, as the mix of rights (the operator’s) and benefits (yours) vary considerably and can be hard to understand and compare.
A couple of points to keep in mind:
The VPP operator is focused on making money for themselves, not for you – and it’s your battery which is the asset they’re going to be using, so be sure you’re getting a fair slice of the benefits
The big ‘gentailers’ (Energy Australia, AGL, Origin) have a strong interest in maximising output and extending the life of their fossil fuel power stations, and excessive market power within the NEM, so consider if you want to give them control of your battery as well! Look instead for a VPP operator focused on renewable energy only.
In conclusion
If you do your research and decide you can put your battery to work in supporting the grid, and get more than enough benefit to compensate for the sacrifices, then go for it – but do so with an VPP operator that shares your commitment to renewable energy!
There are several sources comparing current VPP offers, including this one from Energy Matters.
Solarquotes and Energy Matters have very good information about VPP on their websites, which we’ve drawn on substantially for this article.
Need assistance with solar for your business or home?
Chris Lee is happy to discuss solar for your business or house, you can email Chris here.
Australian clean energy challenges, innovations and solutions
Day 1 highlights
The first day focused on significant issues affecting the energy industry including Australia’s potential as a clean energy superpower, the politics of clean energy, and financing renewable energy development.
How do we position Australia as a global clean energy superpower? In his Plenary address, Kane Thornton, Clean Energy Council. set the stage for Australia’s clean energy future: “Our industry now stands ready to electrify Australia and establish us as a global clean energy superpower.”
Australia has faced recent energy challenges but there is a long-term pathway to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy for Australian homes and businesses explained Daniel Westerman, CEO, Australian Energy Market Operator.
On the scope and urgency of the clean energy transition, Chris Bowen, Australia’s new Energy Minister says “This is not a whole of government effort. This is a whole of society effort. We have 90 months to do it.”
In the panel discussion on Australia becoming a clean energy superpower. Angela Carl, QIC Global Infrastructure, explained the investment scale needed to transition to clean energy: “There is currently $1 trillion annually being invested in renewables globally, however we need to be investing $5 trillion annually to meet global emissions reduction targets by 2050!”
Finally, how will Australia decarbonise heavy industries? Australia’s decarbonisation efforts have been focused on electricity generation. With net zero targets to meet, Australia needs to accelerate its decarbonisation of heavy industry.
Day 2 highlights
Day two had several streams focusing on the key parts of Australia’s clean energy transition including renewable energy zones, integrating distributed energy resources into networks to enable the export of low-cost clean energy into adjacent networks, clean energy careers, and Australia’s hydrogen opportunity.
The breakfast briefing on the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap discussed the roles of government and corporates in providing clarity and on swiftly building new renewable energy generation.
Saul Griffith, author of The Big Switch for electrifying Australia, explained pathways for households and businesses to accelerate the clean energy transformation. It’s exciting to see how electrification reduces energy requirements. The blue line is the cost of solar and electric households with electric vehicles, and the black is the cost of a fossil fuel business-as-usual approach.
Energy Next 2022
Energy Next was a two day exhibition showcasing the latest solutions from clean energy and energy management companies, it was located next to the Australian Clean Energy Summit.
Energy Next also featured a Solar Masterclass from the Clean Energy Council, providing solar designers and installers with current expert advice on major design and installation issues currently facing the solar industry.
We’re talking with Nigel Morris, electric motorcycle aficionado of the first hour.
With a background in manufacturing, Nigel knew how to make things, but the world of electronics and batteries was all new to him. In the early 1990s, every single system had energy storage before grid-connected solar was a thing and Australia had a small but innovative off-grid solar industry.
A baptism of fire in how to make solar, electronics, and batteries reliable, combined with a passion for motorcycles was the perfect breeding ground for an electric motorcycle obsession.
In the early 2000’s Morris got his first ride on an electric motorcycle in the US and was instantly hooked “For the next ten years, every time I rode my motorcycle, I daydreamed of how to get all the fun without the emissions.”
No less than twelve years after his first taste of an electric motorbike, Nigel became the proud owner of a 2010 model Zero DS from California’s Zero motorcycles, a pioneer in electric motorcycling. Limited to a maximum range of around 40km the bikes were strictly inner-city commuters and short duration off-road, but renowned as fun and loaded with torque.
in 2015 he swapped his vintage Zero for a new 2014 model, a bike that could do almost 100mph, required virtually zero maintenance, and range had more than doubled to around 150km.
2014 Zero model
Zero emissions
All Electric Riders
Long distance riding
Long-distance riding on a Zero was possible but it utilised a low voltage battery pack, with a nominal 120VDC battery, whereas DC Fast Charging has a minimum DC voltage of 300V, therefore rendering the few fast charging stations available, useless to electric motorcycle owners. From about 2017 onwards announcements and prototypes were starting to flow from well-known brands – KTM, Piaggio, Honda, BMW, and even Harley Davidson. In 2020, Morris got a phone call from a friend and fellow journalist, podcaster, and blogger Giles Parkinson who is the editor for The Driven, an EV-focused website. “Nige – Harley have invited us to go to the Australian launch of their new all-electric Harley Davidson Livewire. We assumed you might like to go and have RSVP’d for you?”
And the rest as they say is history.
Nigel never thought of himself as a potential Harley Davidson rider, but the way the Livewire looks and handles, combined with its power – 0-100 km within 3 seconds- justified the fairly heft price tag for Nigel. He now can complete a 420km zero-emissions ride in a day, demonstrating the huge difference that DC fast charging makes. And needless to say, without having to spend a dollar on fuel.
Riding without the sound
The single most common question about riding an electric bike is if one doesn’t miss the sound that has been synonymous with motorbikes ever since they came into existence. Morris: “I have a deep and visceral emotional connection between the sound of a motorcycle and the thrills that it embodies. We emotionally interpret them to be one and the same. But I have utterly re-learned this. The conventional sound of a motorcycle remains evocative, but it’s become superfluous to how I get my kicks – along with heat, vibration, and maintenance.”
Thank you for your interest! With electricity prices and petrol prices rising we enjoyed discussions with over 100 people and families keen to save money and reduce emissions.
Net Zero Information Stall
Solar and Net Zero House, Strata, Businesses and Schools Info and Q&A
Marieken, Louise, Narween, Kate and Jane answered many questions and gave out our Guides on ways to reduce emissions and save money on bills. We love explaining that you can approx halve your household emissions simply by switching to a renewable energy company! Find out more
We ask would you like to save money on energy bills for 25+ years? We had many discussions about rooftop solar. Costs have come down, prices are from approx $1k per kW. Warranties have gone up, some panels have 25+ year warranties. Solar can repay your investment in as little as 3 years, and provide you with free renewable energy for many more. We have guidance, case studies and videos for Solar My House, Solar My Strata and Solar My Business.
Louise & Marieken our stall leaders
Answering your questions
Ready to help with guides and prizes
Net Zero Q&A and information with Marieken, Louise, Narween, Kate and Jane. Thank you also to stall set up and pack up crew Michael and Douglas
Electric cars display and Q&A
Q&A about Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Our car owners David, Milo, Narween and Alan answered many questions about electric cars, range, features and charging at home and out and about. It was a cold day and Ursula and Narween were glad to make Ioniq-powered-Ecoffee and tea for guests.
Our next car will be electric, it’s great to see options and sizes, hear what it’s like to own one, and understand what real life range is like and how often we need to charge, thank you – David & Felicity
Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUV is an electric SUV with a 72.6kWh battery and approx 450 km of range, charging to 80% in approx 18 minutes at a fast charger.
Tesla Model 3 Sedan is an electric sedan with a 62.3kWh battery and approx 450 km of range, charging to 80% in approx 20 minutes at a fast charger (Standard Range model).
Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a hybrid with an electric motor and a petrol engine, giving greater fuel efficiency and with less emissions than a petrol only car.
EV display and Q&A
EV display with Tesla 3
EV display with Hyundai Ioniq 5
EV display with Toyota Corolla
E-Coffee with Gill, David and Chris
E-Coffee with Narween and Ursula
EV Display and E tea and coffee with David, Milo, Narween, Alan and Ursula
Electric bike conversion workshop
How to convert your push bike to an electric bike
Chris and Gill brought their E-bikes and answered many questions about speed, range and price. Chris converted his pushbike into an E-bike using a DIY Swytch E Bike conversion kit and explained how easy this is to do.
The E-bike conversion kit looks small and easy, a great option for people that have a bike and want the option of electric assistance – Michael
Chris and E-bike conversion
E-Bike display
Gill, Chris & guests
Chris, Gill, guests and E-Bikes
What’s next?
Our next Info Day and EV Display is in September, let us know if you’d like to be part of our volunteer crew. we provide a T-shirt and coffee 🙂
If you can’t come along, you can access all of our info online, and you can pledge your low carbon switches and win a signed copy of Saul Griffith’s new book The Big Switch here.
Did you know that most pool pumps run at more than twice the speed they need to for 99% of the time?
Chris Lee does. Chris, a key member of our Solar My House and Solar My Business programs, has made a short video about how to dramatically improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your pool pump with a pool pump controller. It’s an easy fix which has an immediate impact on carbon emissions (and your electricity bill). If you’ve got a pool, it’s a no-brainer!
Check out Chris’s video here, and find further information below.
If you’ve got a home energy efficiency idea, let us know or, better still, join us!
After the incredible federal election results last weekend, ZESN thought we’d take a look at the climate policies of the three Independent MPs in the Sydney North region to see their climate change ambitions, and how they plan to get there…
Zali Steggall, OAM, MP for Warringah
Target: 60% GHG emissions reduction by 2030, net zero by 2050
The ‘5 Steps to Net Zero’ would put Australia on an immediate path to Net Zero, targeting a 60% reduction on emissions by 2030, and unlock all the benefits that come with that effort. Australia could add over 250,000 jobs and $680 billion to the Australian economy by pursuing policies that get us to Net Zero (Deloitte Access Economics). All policies would be funded through phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and ensuring all fossil fuel companies pay a reasonable rate of royalty.
Provide a climate change framework for Australia to get to Net Zero: passing the Climate Change Bills will provide a legislative framework for emissions reductions by 2030 and 2050, and the ability to increase the targets and emissions reduction progress
Transform Energy: commit to an orderly transition to 80% renewable energy by 2030 with no new coal or gas developments.
Clean Up Transport: Support a minimum 76% target of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030 through tax incentives, investment in charging networks, and improved emissions and fuel standards.
Modernise Industry: Halve industry emissions through incentives for the production of green steel, green aluminum and green hydrogen and establish a fund to support communities.
Regenerate Australia and future-proof agriculture: Roll out 8 mega hectares of tree planting and soil carbon sequestration and invest in low-carbon agricultural practices and innovative technologies.
Kylea Tink, Zali Steggall and Dr Sophie Scamps
Dr Sophie Scamps, MP for McKellar
Target: 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030, net zero by 2050
Legislating Australia’s 2050 net-zero target and setting a minimum 50% emission reduction target by 2030.
Supporting Australia’s electricity market regulator to deliver 80-94% renewable energy by 2030.
Making Australia a renewable energy superpower with policies that support new jobs and industries in the global cleantech and energy boom.
Making electric vehicles accessible to everyday Australians.
Developing risk assessment and long-term adaptation strategies to protect our infrastructure, supply chains and communities from the impacts of climate change.
Protecting and investing in Australia’s natural environment to regenerate our nation.
Protecting Australians from the health impacts of climate change.
Kylea Tink, MP for North Sydney
Target: 60% GHG emissions reduction by 2030, net zero by 2040
• A clear and actionable plan to reduce national emissions guided by experts to achieve at least 60% by 2030. • Removing the politics from the climate debate by introducing an independent climate change body to develop an evidence-based plan to achieve net-zero by 2040. • Active collaboration with local councils and state government to make the federal seat of North Sydney one of the first Net Zero Urban Zones in Australia, to transition to a fully electrified community as quickly as possible (target date 2035). • Improved fuel emission standards and initiatives that increase the rate of adoption of electric vehicles across Australia. • The gradual and planned removal of subsidies for coal and gas, with no new coal and gas extraction projects. • Protecting and enhancing our green corridors that are fundamental to the nature of our community and ensuring that any infrastructure projects undertaken in our electorate provide solutions for the next century, including: – demanding transparency from the Prime Minister on commitments related to the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link; and – calling for a suspension of any further work until key stakeholders (including local councils and resident groups) are satisfied that all alternatives have been fully explored and concerns addressed and mitigated.
How do these policies compare to the major parties?
All three targets are marked improvements on the Liberal Party’s target of 26%-28% reduction by 2030 and the ALP’s target of 43% reduction by 2030. Both parties are also planning to reach net-zero by 2050.
How do these policies compare to the science?
This recent report, titled Aim High, Go Fast, released by Australia’s Climate Council states that Australia should be aiming for a 75% reduction of 2005 emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2035. This is consistent with the IPCC’s Special Report on 1.5 degrees of warming, which states that globally we need to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, and that under the principle of equity high income nations that have long benefited from fossil fuel use and are highly developed need to reduce emissions by a larger percentage, to give developing nations more time to increase their standard of living.
What does ZESN love about these policies?
There is lots to love about these policies! In particular:
• The removal of coal, oil and gas subsidies • No new coal and gas development • The promotion of renewable energy and electric vehicles • Support for green industrial processes • The ability to increase net-zero targets and emissions reduction progress
What further policies could Australia have to support the IPCC goals and recommendations?
• A greater focus on eliminating fossil fuels via a legally binding planned reduction of fossil fuel use of 10% each year until they are virtually phased out by 2035. • Car ownership reduction targets of 15%-25% reduced car ownership by 2030, and targets for an increase in active transport infrastructure and high-quality public transportation. • Home efficiency improvements via insulation and electrification of homes (no gas) by 2030. • Policies that support the localisation of food growing. • 50% reduction in overall cattle numbers in Australia by 2030. • A frequent flyers payment to reflect the environmental cost of heavy airline use.
All in all, the climate policies of the three Sydney North MP’s are a vast improvement on what Australia has had in place over the last 9 years. We look forward to seeing our MP’s achieve these goals, and Australia aiming even higher, and show the world even more climate leadership.
We’ve helped over 100 households switch and save money so far, and in 2022 we’re helping 100 more local homes, schools and businesses make big switches for a low carbon future.
We’d love you to join us. Switching to low carbon solutions and talking about climate solutions are things we can all do for a safer climate.
1. What difference will my switches make?
100 local homes, businesses and schools, making a few key switches could save money, and reduce 2000+ tonnes of CO2 per year – that’s the equivalent of planting 30,000 trees!
2. Award partners
We would like to encourage and reward “local heroes” to join Our Big Switch for a low carbon future. The first 100 households, businesses or schools will receive a signed copy of Saul Griffith’s newly released book The Big Switch, and early entries will also receive a signed copy of Dr Rebecca Huntley’s How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way That Makes a Difference. These will power your switches and climate conversations!
Research shows climate conversations with friends and family make a difference, and that people are considerably more likely to make low carbon switches if they know other people who are taking action.
3. How do I participate in Our Big Switch?
1. Check out our website for switches to support renewable energy and significantly reduce your emissions 2. Enter to let us know what you’ve done and are doing next, including switching to a renewable energy company (required to win an award) ENTER TO WIN 3. Share this page and the entry form with your friends and family. Share your switches on social media.
Once you’ve entered we’ll contact you about your award and share your story online.
4. Acknowledgements
Our Big Switch program is made possible by the 2022 Federal Volunteers Grant program, with thanks to our local Federal MP Zali Steggall OAM.
5. About Us
Zero Emissions Solution Inc is a local community group united by a common goal: taking swift, practical action on climate change. We’re a not-for-profit association of volunteers working across the Northern Beaches and the North Shore, operating as part of the national Beyond Zero Emissions zero carbon community network. We focus on practical projects that will accelerate our transition to net zero emissions solutions.
Hello sunshine! Come join like minded people taking swift, practical action on climate change. Join Our Big Switch here.
