Colin Packham

Generation output from NSW’s largest coal power station hit a five-year high, the plant’s owner Origin Energy has revealed as government policies installed to lower household and business bills incentivised Australia’s largest electricity and gas retailer to ramp-up production.

Australia's largest renewable energy developers have sought permits to build large-scale projects in a sparsely populated part of NSW as they seek to overcome prohibitive planning laws.

Marinus Link has signed a manufacturing and installation deal worth nearly $1bn with an Italian company, to lock in a 2030 start date for the infrastructure project.

Most of the carbon credits that Rio Tinto examines in the US are unsatisfactory, underlining the task facing big miners as they try to meet emission reduction targets.

Esso had proposed to remove some decades-old oil and gas infrastructure to 55m below sea level, but has pulled it after signs the regulator would not approve.

EnergyAustralia has posted a half-year profit but there are still concerns about how Australia's third largest electricity and gas retailer will fund its transition.

The deal will counter environmentalist pressure, but shareholders may feel aggrieved with the company making two major outlays in as many weeks.