News Today Explored Friday 18th Feb, 2022
Coal out, batteries in
The closure of NSW coal powered power station brings forward NSW’s plans to move into renewable energy, with the installation of a 700-megawatt battery as a replacement.
NSW Minister of Energy And Treasurer, Mr Matt Kean, said that the battery would be the biggest in the southern hemisphere. The battery will be installed by the private sector, yet to be disclosed.
Mark McGowan adds working hours to WA : Perrotet causes losses to working hours in NSW
In spite of the negative commentary towards WA premier Mark McGowan's cautious approach to dealing with the virulent omicron, his state has benefited with an increase in working hours, and low unemployment. WA was the only Australian state to show a lift in production, while all other states lost working hours after easing restrictions in the mistaken belief that normality would ensue. Instead, due to increased sickness and isolation, businesses suffered and workers lost chunks of their pay checks, at a time when federal government support was withdrawn.
NSW suffered the greatest loss with a decline of 13.5 per cent, compared to the national average of 8.5 per cent.
Unemployment remained steady in NSW while in WA it fell to the lowest rate in the country at 3.7 per cent.
Emission levels to determine new pipelines in US
U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has introduced an interim policy that will take greenhouse gas emissions into consideration before approvals are given for any new natural gas pipelines to be built.
FERC Commissioner Allison Clements said, "FERC will consider all factors bearing on the public interest, including the impact of natgas projects on the environment, landowners, and environmental justice communities."
It is the first time the policy has been updated since 1999.
Covid Protest Updates
Anti-vaccination protests continue in Ottawa, though police say that they are prepared to take action this weekend, to end the disruption to Ottawa residents.
"The action is imminent," said Ottawa Police Service interim chief, Steve Bell. "In the past few days, we have been communicating directly with the unlawful protestors. We have told them they must leave, and we have warned them the consequences of disobeying these rules."
Protestors attempt to camp out in Langley park in Perth, Australia, was met by riot police and the towing of cars parked illegally.
In Wellington, NZ, protestors have vowed to continue their fight, with more and more supporters arriving daily. Protesters have taken control of access to to Parliament forecourt and grounds, refusing entrance to journalists and police. Cars continue to blockade the surrounding streets.
Wellington community leaders' request for an end to the illegal protest has fallen on deaf ears by authorities.
Dangerous storm heading to UK
Storm Eunice, due to arrive in the UK today, could bring winds of up to 160 kmh (100mph). Severe gusts are expected from 7am for up to 5 hours. The storm is expected to be the worst in thirty years and comes hard on the heels of Storm Dudley which left thousands without power, and caused the date of a man in his sixties. Three major London parks will be closed as the storm approaches.