Cleanas - Clean Energy Association of Newcastle and Surrounds

07/04/2026

Newcastle-born Bolero Surf launches surfboard fins made from recycled Aussie wind turbines https://www.hbrmag.com.au/article/read/newcastle-born-bolero-surf-launches-surfboard-fins-made-from-recycled-aussie-wind-turbines-3367

19/01/2026

The latest STEM and environmental newsletter for the Hunter region enviroBYTES is out. It's a little quieter this time of year. Upcoming events include: SMART squad: Hands-on science workshops and the Circulate Expo & Pitch Fest. Find out about citizen science projects to get into this summer, TechCreate Girls Program, interesting local podcasts to listen to on citizen science and sustainability, targeted surveys, and a raft of different grant opportunities.
https://mailchi.mp/57bb271e0acc/smart-squad-hands-on-science-workshop-circulate-expo-pitch-fest

05/12/2025

Price parity is here in Australia with the 2026 BYD Atto 1 EV cheaper than its petrol equivalents (Mazda 2 and Suzuki Swift). Base model $24K and longer range premium model $28K plus on-road costs.

The price of Australia's cheapest new EV has dropped below $25,000 for the first time with the release of a tiny BYD.

31/10/2025

Dangerous anti-renewables rhetoric, bullying and intimidation creates growing chasm in rural communities
- A powerful piece by ABC on the bullying and intimidation some farmers are facing for supporting renewable energy projects. And Michael McCormack MP’s response? “I’m not going to take any responsibility. I’m sorry. I’m just not.” Honestly, that’s disgraceful.

There are grave concerns that dangerous language and bullying of farmers who are hosting renewable energy projects on their properties could turn into violence.

31/10/2025

The latest STEM and environmental newsletter for the Hunter region enviroBYTES is out. There are a record 75 events on this November including festivals: Sounds of Sustainability, Sustainable Future Festival, Before the Tide Festival, and Sustainable Living Festival. There's also Rathmines Repair Cafe and the Great Bicycle Recycle. Find out about STEM training, competitions, Citizen Science activities and podcasts, and Landcare volunteers, conference recordings, registering your land and survey. Renewables information on nature and renewables, community benefits, community energy incubator, solar/battery program webinar, and EV and solar for apartment buildings. Lots.
https://mailchi.mp/4a0ad707fb35/great-bicycle-recycle-4-sustainability-festivals-75-events

22/10/2025

The lastest CLEANaS newsletter Clean Sweep is out! Volunteers are needed for the Sounds of Sustainability Festival (Valentine NSW) and the Rathmines Repair Cafe & Community Event. Find out about the new Solar Neighbourhoods program with discounted rooftop solar and home battery systems.

https://mailchi.mp/dee36d06e482/clean-sweep-sounds-of-sustainability-festival-solar-neighbourhoods

20/10/2025

enviroBYTES - the latest environmental and STEM news for the Hunter Region is out. With over 100 events listed in October and November pick something that takes your interest. The festival season continues with Sounds of Sustainability Festival at Valentine, Sustainable Future Festival at The Entrance, and the Sustainable Living Festival at Medowie. Citizen science activities include Aussie Bird Count and Australian Pollinator Count. Find out about the latest joint initiative between Lake Mac, City of Newcastle and Maitland Council: Solar Neighbourhoods - Battery and/or Solar bulk-buy. There's also interesting podcasts, feedback requests, targeted surveys, and award recommendations.
https://mailchi.mp/884cfb96554c/sounds-of-sustainability-festival-ai-and-the-environment

18/10/2025

Rooftop Solar Energy record broken (only 2 days after previous record broken). At 12:30pm today (18 Oct) on the Australian National electricity market the amount of rooftop solar alone made up 54% of power in the grid, and large-scale solar added another 15% - meaning Australia’s largest grid was 69% solar powered and overall 75% Renewable Energy. Please note that nearly 17% of Utility Solar was being curtailed at the time (Coal can't turn off easily).

02/10/2025

Renewables overtake coal for first time on monthly basis in September in Australia’s main grid
https://reneweconomy.com.au/renewables-overtake-coal-for-first-time-on-monthly-basis-in-australias-main-grid/
Image: Cattle Hill Wind farm Tasmania - a snowy scene showing five wind turbines in a natural bushland setting overlooking Lake Echo in central Tasmania

Renewables overtook coal on a monthly basis for the first time in September, with one wind farm delivering average capacity factor of 67.9 pct.

02/10/2025

Firefighters say pose no increased risk https://esdnews.com.au/firefighters-say-renewables-pose-no-increased-fire-risk/

Paper by Australian Firefighters Climate Alliance: Renewables and fire risk – what are the facts? https://australianfirefightersclimatealliance.org/2025/09/30/renewables-and-fire-risk-what-are-the-facts/

Why renewables? Australia and other high-emission nations must take drastic action to stop climate change impacts becoming irreversible. As was noted recently by Professor Mark Howden, Director of …

16/08/2025

Lots of anticipation for the opening of the Hunter Science Festival at Newcastle Museum. Science Ignite