Australian Energy Infrastructure

How Does The Australian Energy Infrastructure Differ From Other Countries?

The future of jobs and the sustainability of our environment depends on renewable energy. Apart from Australia, other developing countries are switching to cleaner sources of energy. In the last three years, electricity prices have been more stable and lower in Norway than in Australia. This data shows the urgency that the Australian government needs before Aussies can depend on renewable energy fully. 

Coal and hydropower are two big sources of electricity generation in Australia. This article focuses on some aspect of the energy industry, infrastructure, and assets. 

Looking At the Renewable Energy per Capital Index 

Factors like climate change and energy conservation have positive impacts on energy infrastructure. In the last quarter of 2019, Australia’s renewable energy growth rate per capita rate is ten times the world’s average. The government and private investors are planning to install about 16 gigawatts of renewable energy in 2020. It means that both wind and solar investments will increase 2019’s energy per capita consumption value from 220 watts.

When we compare Australia’s energy per capital with the United States of America, the latter is struggling to meet the baseline of the former. According to the 2018 data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), each American enjoys less than 50 watts of renewable energy. However, Germany is the next biggest after Australia. This European giant is an industrialised country with a renewable energy per capita average of 80 watts.

Tackling the Effects of Climate Change

The government and private investors are serious about tackling the effects of consuming fossil fuels. Since coal, crude oil and gas contain carbon; these fuels deplete the ozone layer and threaten our health. Switching to off-grid electricity, and renewable energy in Australia can reduce the country’s average surface temperature. Unlike in 2017 when renewable energy generation was at 2.2GW, it rose to 5.1 gigawatts in 2018. 

A quick comparison with other countries shows there are over 8 million jobs in the renewable energy industry. As climate change remains a challenge, Australia will be committed to its responsibilities. More installations of solar and wind systems will help to reduce greenhouse gases from fossil-fuel electricity generation.

How Does The Australian Energy Infrastructure Differ From Other Countries?

Meeting the Target By 2030

The future of renewable energy projects is threatened by high installation rates. In 2018, long-term contracts of renewables were below A$48 per MWh. This data shows there’s enough profit for service providers. However, the bulk of this profit margin will fund installations in wind and solar systems. Aussies are enjoying benefits from the abolishment of the carbon tax. The Government’s economic policy seeks to generate is to generate 50% of its total electricity from renewables by 2030.

Infrastructure in the Transmission of Renewables

Both the federal and governments have plans for Australia to be a renewable energy leader by the end of the next decade. Apart from generation, the transmission of electricity to rural areas remains a priority. Regions around the ocean with high wind speed will be suitable for wind farm installations. Also, critical infrastructure for the transmission of renewable energy is a big constraint. These governments need to boost investments that will transmit wind and solar power from respective farms to cities.

Access to More Sources of Renewable Energy

Access to a clean source of power generation is important. Apart from the cost-efficiency, businesses and residents need innovative technology for electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, solar, and wind installations don’t produce harmful particles of indoor smoke. Cases of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases are increasing annually. However, rapid investment in renewable energy infrastructure will improve the health of Australians. As Australia leads this industry, we hope other developing countries will reduce carbon emission.

Biogas as a Source of Energy

Contrary to the gas sourced from fossil fuels reserves deep underground, biogas is produced naturally as organic materials decompose in oxygen-free environments.

There’s no lack of feedstock — waste processing facilities, water treatment plants and agricultural chips are overrun with abundant waste products. Despite this, Australia’s biogas output today is the equal of just 0.5 per cent of our electricity generation.

Isn’t Biogas another polluting source of electricity?

Typically biogas is made up of 50-70 per cent methane, with 25-45 per cent carbon dioxide and small amounts of other gasses. A lot of these components can be found in higher quantities during a sewer blockage.

While it will release carbon dioxide when combusted, because the gasoline is produced from plant matter that sequesters carbon from the air during its growth cycle, it is sometimes a carbon-neutral supply of energy.

Methane is the key component. Already created by common processes within our daily own lives, the report indicates there’s an opportunity to do more to utilise it as a resource, rather than permit it to be released to the air.

Some of the common resources are landfills, sewage treatment plants and agricultural processes. Waste materials in sewers emit biogas which makes up a huge portion of the air composition inside the drains. This is why it is dangerous for drainage professionals to come in unmasked during the sewer repair process. If the biogas emitted from these processes was captured, it could be combusted to make heat to power a boiler or warm a house, or perhaps power a generator to generate electricity.

Various Possibilities of Fraud in the Real Estate Business

Fraud and anxiety

WHAT IS FRAUD?

Fraud simply revolves around the idea of being deceptive, fake or a joke. It comes in many forms. It may be through identity theft, misrepresentation, and omission of truth. Moreover, all of these may be strongly pledged as fraud if done intentionally to gain profit or credit.

HOW DOES A REAL ESTATE BUSINESS OPERATE?

Basic knowledge goes as superficial as understanding it only as about buying and selling the property. But it involves the following segments:  

Development – This is when property and its surrounding areas get developed, built and rezoned— depending on what kind of real estate it would be (residential, commercial, industrial and land). 

Sales and marketing – tackle the price, appraisals and further development according to the kind of real estate decided upon 

Brokerage – deals with the brokers and agents and whatever agreement sales and marketing have gotten them involved

Property management – where the mortgage, estate tax and anything alike is handled. 

Lending – housing loans, mortgage loans and any kind of loan involving the purchase of a real estate property 

Professional services (law, accounting, etc.) – from notarizing the property, marking its authenticity with a lawyer’s chop, and handling of the deed of sale, it is all enveloped here. Availing services that require fees like secretarial, legal and accounting services, that pertains to a sale of a particular property falls into this segment.

As you can see, all of these can open a window to fraud. Hence, it’s important to take note of how it happens so that you can prevent it from happening.

  1. Veteran fraudsters and prankers could forge identification to present themselves as owners of properties to put them on sale.

This goes as extensive as changing their names to open bank accounts, solicit deposit money from willing buyers and then disappearing after all of it is done. They somehow find a way to sell properties that are occupied also having an excuse that tenants demand their privacy until the contract is finished so no tripping can be done. Sadly, some buyers cannot perceive this as a modus operandi. They let it go even if hearing it is shady.

  • These fraudsters and prankers disguise as interested buyers or somehow, they rent out properties to collect information from the owner via a title deed. They do it without opting for mortgage hence, they can’t be identified in the end because no information is held by the bank. They forge the title deeds they have in hand by acting out as the owners and claiming their identity in negotiating with the “real” interested parties.
  • Another worst fraud that happens is when mortgage loans are applied for by these pranksters. And, in not just one bank but they’ll do it in multiple cases. As long as they can get away with it, they’ll repeat the same process if identity theft until such time that the owner gets repayment notices by the bank and alerts the bank they made no such deals.

Here are some tips on how to prevent these crimes from being unnoticed:

  • Do guard against questionable and suspicious agents, solicitors’ firms and loan companies.
  • Report loss of property right away like wallets that contain all your identification cards, bank cards, and key cards. If you can change your identity cards with a refreshed image so that it stays updated.
  • Do corresponding checks on people you deal with. It’s good if you have connections in the real estate business because most often than not, they can inform you of every known real estate broker, business owner, and an agent there is within their perimeter.

A simple request of bill payment for any utility the month before could tell if the seller is the real owner. He/She shall have no problem providing this if he/she was the owner since bills are sent straight supposedly in their registered address.  

  • Check the notarization and registration of the title deed. Check the status of property titles diligently if it’s really for sale or not in the first place. Double-check signatures and receipts. Have a third party witness the deal for everything to stay documented. 
  • For the property owners, beware of bogus calls and suspicious emails and snail mails. If the identity of tenants is questionable such as no ID in hand, ask for paychecks to their name, billings also – to check further. Be present during on-site inspections of your property so that nobody would perceive it as ‘not attended to’.
  • For buyers, avoid scammers by continuing to educate yourself about something you want to pursue. In buying second-hand properties, be cautious and don’t just invite anybody you don’t even know to walk into your transactions.
  • Foreclosure properties may be the most convenient that you could buy so gain access to information through the bank manager or anybody available. Stay vigilant when deciding on purchasing properties.

There’s nothing wrong with being extra cautious and asking for more identification until you get satisfied that your property is authentic. Real estate fraud had left both buyers and sellers alike with the huge financial burden you don’t want to experience. So this may need some time to process. But it is worth it.

8 Fastest Growing Careers in the Trade Industry

Over the next few years, it has been predicted that the construction industry has had substantial growth with high employment projections. Between the year 2016 to 2026, extraction and construction jobs are expected to grow by 11%, faster than the 7% average projection for other types of work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said there are 758,400 new jobs for construction and extraction are expected by 2026.

The problem is the lack of skilled professionals the industry has and this is also the main point of concern for future growth. A survey made by the Associated General Contractors reveal that 75% of firms expect to increase the headcount this year and 78% of firms are having issues with finding workers who are qualified. This isn’t limited to the construction industry per se but can be extended to other industry areas such as tree arborists and steel fabrication for example. Aside from that, 82% of firms expect it to either get harder or remain difficult to find and hire competent employees in 2018.

With difficulty in filling positions and high growth in the construction industry at the same time, it is definitely a perfect moment to setting yourself up for a job in construction.

Employers in the Industry

There are a multitude of jobs in the construction industry. Several employers are looking to fill them. These employers have different categories.

  • Consultants – They design and plan the construction work. They know what the design brief is all about and change it into a workable plan. The plans tend to be detailed and include costs, quantities, and procedure needed to complete the project. Consultants include surveyors, architects, and contractors.
  • Contractors – They physically create the design to the plan’s specifications. They spend their time on the construction site. Aside from reading and interpreting the plan, they transform what is shown on paper into the finished product. These tasks include a range of disciplines from machinery operators to brick masons.
  • Subcontractors – They are hired by contractors to do specialized work. They might be specialists in electricity, steel, or foundations and are required to complete highly skilled tasks that need specific training or years of experience.

Here is our take on the construction industry’s fastest growing careers.

  1. Construction Equipment Operators – 12% growth through 2026

This job will require a person to use a wide range of equipment at job sites, such as road graders, trench excavators, bulldozers, stump removal specialists and more. Several operating engineers are taught how to operate these machineries through on-the-job training. Also available are three or four-year apprenticeship programs which are sometimes sponsored by contractors’ associations and unions. The programs entail 2,000 hours of on-the-job training as well as 14 hours of technical training. Apprentices should at least be 18 years old.

  1. Elevator Installers and Repairers – 12% growth through 2026

As the name suggests, this work involves maintenance, installation, and repairs of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The job also requires testing of installed equipment to make sure the specifications are met, interpretation of blueprints, and checking if the machine complies with safety regulations and building codes. In need of safekeeping are the repair tasks and service records of all maintenance; everything should be kept securely.

  1. Construction or Project Manager – 11% growth through 2026

The overall construction project is overseen by the construction manager. They serve as an interface between the construction workers, architects or/and owners. They are accountable for the report back on progress, issues, and costs as well as the day-to-day work. They carry out the construction plan, making sure everything is done correctly and according to the budget. They also do the hiring.

  1. Ironworkers – 13% growth through 2026

Depending on the local union requirements, an ironworker’s apprenticeship lasts three to four years. Ironworkers execute different types of tasks, following strict safety precautions while working hundreds of feet above the ground. This job entails reading blueprints in order to determine where a certain structural piece of iron fits within the edifice under construction. Ironworkers guide crane operators and connects the iron to the structures using wire work of wires, bolts, or through welding. An ironworker should be in excellent shape physically, remain cognizant of strict safety requirements at all times, and have a good sense of balance.

  1. Masons – 12% growth through 2026

Masons build the structures and walls of buildings from bricks or concrete. Aside from that, they are responsible for the aesthetics of a finished wall, either completing it in detailed brickwork, decorative plaster, or other types of materials, including glass and synthetics, even decorating it with curved glulam for a point of difference. For larger projects, there is not much difference between block and detailed brickwork. Nevertheless, masons can become brick masons or master craftsmen, focusing on ornate or intricate finishes for walls and buildings.

  1. Plumbers – 16% growth through 2026

Plumbers take care of water appliances and water pipes. They formulate how the pipelines should run throughout a structure and make sure they correctly interface with hot and cold water supplies as well as wastewater. Plumbers are also responsible for the installation and maintenance of appliance that use water, such as sinks, dishwashers, bathtubs, toilets, and water heaters. They can work in teams with pipefitters and apprentices or individually, depending on the size of the project. The job is sometimes strenuous and requires some problem solving.

  1. Solar Photovoltaic Installers – 105% growth through 2026

The growth of this role is unusually high compared to others in the list because it taps into the need of new and green solar technology. The position centers on maintenance and installation of solar panels for the generation of electricity and hot water. This job covers offices, homes, and other buildings.

  1. Glaziers – 11% growth through 2026

Glaziers are in charge of installing glass in a building. The work necessitates the cutting and placing of glass into various types of structures, from offices to skyscrapers and residential homes. The job involves physical activity and carrying heavy pieces of glass outside and getting exposed to the elements at the same time. Employers prefer an experienced glazier but having a high school diploma for qualification will suffice.

Jobs for Problem Solvers

Construction work can be very fast-paced, given the predicted upsurge in the industry and the scarcity of skilled workers. Potential employees have a number of roles to select from. Some just need a suitable apprenticeship such as carpenters with maneuvering timber beams while others need academic qualifications, like engineers and architects.

Whatever the worker’s role is, it will definitely involve problem-solving skills on top of the ability to work with a variety of tools and materials. For specialist roles, employees can fine-tune a number of these skills or they can also remain a generalist and work in the field.

While Google profit soars, its shares drop

While Google profit soars, its shares drop

Alphabet, Google’s parent company reported that its quarterly profit jumped by about 73%, largely thanks to soaring sales in their Internet advertising business.

According to Thomson Reuters, their estimates were $US6.56 billion but the overall quarterly profit was $US9.4 billion. This far exceeds their initial estimation.

Then there was that common knee-jerk excitement from investors, which drove Alphabet’s share price higher. It climbed up by as much as 3.4 per cent all in after-hours trades.

But it proved to be very short-lived. Alphabet stocks fell by 0.2 per cent at 6:00pm in New York.

In light of all this, Google’s profit margins fell in recent quarters. This is largely due to its expensive new projects in cloud computing. Despite going on large spending cuts on an unprofitable set of sub initiatives known as “other bets”, it didn’t help their profits much.