nomadpete

Just checked on Kogan Creek water consumption. Remember, it is air cooled. Its website reports 0.08 megalitres per GWh of generation. It is a single turbine 700Mw generator. 0.08 x .7 x 24 = 1.344 Megalitres per DAY. I seem to recall Tarong PS (Kingaroy) was using around 85 megalitres per day. Water is a real problem for all steam generators.

Back to climate change. Whilst refreshing my memory about water cooling in power stations, I came across this little gem.... "water temperature is directly correlated with air temperature, with recent studies such as a 2024 research paper by Jiang Sun et al. showing a clear warming trend, as demonstrated for central Europe’s Oder (Odra) river basin. The warming rate differs per location, varying from 0.229°C to 0.720°C per decade," It seems that although climate change is only happening in little numbers of degrees, it matters. The above quote is in relation to power stations having to throttle their outputs during hot days, due to cooling water temperatures rising. Rounding their numbers to 0.5 degrees per decade, that is an alarming rate of temperature rise. It's not much of a problem for wind turbines.

One problem with coal/gas/nuclear power stations is the fact that steam is not an efficient medium. Newer methods are avoiding steam. Yes, we really do need to build large scale energy storage. My constant complaint is that modern grubmints are afraid to invest in infrastructure such as that.

Back when folks were worried about pollution and water shortages, US coal and nuclear power companies toyed with air cooling instead of water cooling. The use of air reduced the power station outputs. Especially during heat waves. The idea was largely ditched due to that loss of efficiency. Same here in Australia. Although, more recently, Kogan Creek thermal power station uses air cooling. Water is not plentiful out west.

Confused.... Why was this baker 'flying for climate change' ? And why did he stop that?

A bloke voices a persinal opinion on social media..... and all the world is a critic.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-08/pentagon-loan-to-syerston-scandium-mine-in-nsw/107012648

But... but... in this case they only have a contract to supply 50 tons if metal (or is it concentrate) to the yanks. I was just having a snipe at mining propaganda. P.S. There was a reference to a wealthy backer, but I lost the link. Re edit... found it in the ABC article: "the project, backed by mining billionaire Robert Friedland, "

I would think that the middle east power station planners might be a little concerned about their unstable warring situation. It's bad enough to hear about bombing of civilian infrastructure, but there is a big difference between a big crater, and a big crater that used to be a nuclear power station.

But... but.... you should be grateful. I see lots of full page ads and billboards telling me how the great mining industry invests into our communites and builds our roads!

You might have heard about USA's critical shortage of Air Traffic Controllers. Fret not, the problem is solved. (Air traffic controllers who are easily bored and seek instant gratification, and have a game over - restart button, yeah that'll work.)

I don't usually read stuff from that source, but I was curious. I note:- 1. It's a loan, not a gift. 2. The US War Department actually has an Office for Strategic Planning! I would never have guessed that. 3. The US expects first option on the ptoduct. 4. No mention of the repayment plan. 5. No mention of how this mine will benefit Australia. However some wealthy backers will profit from it.

Thanks for the summary, Jerry. You have satisfied my curiosity. I was going to post a pic of a South Aust kit Heritage home, but you'd probably only think it's a pile of rocks (with potential - suit handyman).

Quit it youse guys. There's lots of bawdy ditties out there but they are not suitable for the forum.

Now, to bring this thread back to topic, Middle East..... Is the Middle East suddenly switching off conventional power stations and turning to nuclear power for their cheap electricity?

The banks are the least swayed by emotional propaganda. They seldom priotise environment above profitability. And even they are reluctant to invest in new nuclear or coal burning power stations. The money has spoken. My concerns about the environment will always be over ruled by the big money end of town. They don't see a future in coal power or nuclear power generation. There's no point in us arguing about it!

Logic dictates that we should move with the times. A long time ago, burning coal was a great step forward. Times change and new less toxic methods of making energy are developed. No need to stay locked into the old era of the industrial revolution, powered by burning fossil fuels. Every system has its drawbacks, and its solutions. Let go of the old. Move on.

Energy industry is not a level playing field. Just look at the financial assistance we taxpayers presently give to the coal industry. It would be fair play if our governments (all brands) simply stopped subsidising coal. But failing that, alternatives need some subsidy to level the financial playing field. I asked A.I. and this is what it said about subsidies: "Yes, coal mining in Australia receives government subsidies, with federal and state assistance totaling $16.3 billion in 2025–26,......"

Aahhhh, that were surely the toffs version!

Re: Our roads.... We're presently camped un Victor Harbour, S.A. My observation .... All roads in all states have been deteriorating over the past 10 years. Qld & N.S.W. are often referred to as 'narrow gauge'. Once you cross the state borders into NT / S.A. it's called 'wide gauge' (railway reference) and roads improve noticably. This trip we found S.A. roads uncomfortable - to the point of reducing highway speed for safety reasons. But since you have a flair for heritage restorations, I can recommend South Australia. The place is dotted with quaint old stone buildings in all states of need!

P.S. don't bother with the Cadbury's.

Wow, A Long read....... I need a nap now.

I don't think DJT can comprehend your statement. and 'tis unlikely that Bezo, Musk, Gina, Cliveetc could, either.

Nowadays I am forced to use the only tool that reduces that pain. It's called a debit card.

OME, You mentioned (I think) that the first fleet brought hemp seeds with the intent of starting a hemp industry. We are familiar with the popular first fleet stories. Did you find any documentary evidence to support your view on the first fleet intending to start hemp industry? Particularly with regard to that influencing the intention to colonise? It's an interesting angle.