Originally Posted by
DiscoMick
There is a plan to spend $20b to upgrade the energy transmission network with 3 upgraded corridors in Qld, one in NSW (Snowy Hydro 2.0) and one in Victoria, so more renewable sources can be connected.
The states are also installing big batteries at a rapid rate, some to replace worn-out coal power stations, to store surplus power locally and release it when needed.
We spend about $30b a year importing oil, which makes us vulnerable to overseas threats, so becoming more self-sufficient will help national security.
We're not short of energy, we just have to be smarter about using it.
BTW I see Ford is about to release EV Rangers and Transits and Mitsubishi an EV Triton, so the trend is happening.
If we move to Euro6 or better vehicle emission standards that will stimulate a flood of EVs, rather than us being a dumping ground for vehicles with dirty exhausts, as at present.
Long haul trucks will remain diesel for a while, but there are EV big trucks coming from Volvo, Ford and others. Battery charging depots along major routes will see trucks roll in and forklifts used to pull out the used batteries and slide in charged replacements. I read about a plan for battery depots in Brisbane, Coffs, Taree and Sydney, for example.
It's happening.