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News from October 20, 2025

948 articles found

Terry McAulay calls out officials for obvious missed 49ers penalty on game-sealing TD vs. Falcons
Technology

Terry McAulay calls out officials for obvious missed 49ers penalty on game-sealing TD vs. Falcons

The touchdown gave the 49ers the 20-10 lead over the Falcons, and that would be the final score. Had the officials called a penalty on the play, the Falcons could have gotten a stop, and the outcome of the game could have been different. But with the way McCaffrey was playing on Sunday night, he would have likely scored anyway. The 49ers running back finished the game with 129 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and two touchdowns to help the team improve its record to 5-2. The Falcons, who have won the last two games entering Sunday’s matchup, fall to 3-3. More on the Falcons-49ers matchup The game was all about McCaffrey facing Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Last week, Robinson recorded 238 yards from scrimmage to help the Falcons take down the Buffalo Bills 24-14. On Sunday, the former Texas star tallied 92 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. On3 recently spoke to 49ers legend Frank Gore about the McCaffrey-Robinson matchup. “I’m looking forward to it because they also trained this all season to get together, so you know the competition going to be real high,” Gore told On3. “That’s like when me and Shady [LeSean] McCoy used to play against each other because we trained. I wanted to outshine him so bad, he wanted to outshine me so bad. But this week I want Christian to go do his thing, like he always will, like he always do, and I want our young home defense to go shut Bijan down, man. Bijan, probably one of the top guys in the NFL right now. But we slow him down, I think we get a W.”

5 GOATs,Brian Jones
Death of baseload: World’s biggest isolated grid is reaching 84 pct wind and solar almost daily - Renew Economy
Technology

Death of baseload: World’s biggest isolated grid is reaching 84 pct wind and solar almost daily - Renew Economy

Western Australia continues to defy conventional wisdom about the running of electricity grids, reaching levels of 84 per cent penetration of wind and solar on almost a daily basis. Such percentages are not uncommon in other parts of Australia – South Australia, for instance, reaches 100 per cent renewables (as a share of grid demand) on almost a daily basis, and has hit a peak of more than 150 per cent renewables. But that’s because most state grids are able to export surplus capacity. What makes W.A. unique is that it hosts the world’s biggest isolated electricity grid, with no connections to other states or other countries. That makes its main grid – known as the South-West Interconnected System (SWIS) – wholly reliant on its own resources to manage the variability of wind and solar, and to prepare for the planned closure of the last of the state’s coal fired power generator by the end of the decade. The transition has already begun in earnest: The state has commissioned three big batteries in the SWIS, including the country’s biggest at Collie (560 MW and 2,240 MWh) and with another 500 MW, 2,000 MWh battery in the same city also working through grid permissions. It has also commissioned the country’s first large scale solar-battery hybrid, at Cunderdin in the wheat belt, which is regularly feeding solar power into the grid in the evenings, and occasionally through the night. Another eight big battery projects are under construction, or have been awarded underwriting agreements through state and federal tenders, although one of them has hit a major road hump and is suing its sacked contractors for missing equipment. The SWIS – which has maximum demand of more than 4 GW – has other challenges too. It doesn’t have any pumped hydro – the common fall back for both fossil fuel baseload plants and renewables – so it is entirely dependent on battery storage, demand management and flexible gas to fill in the gaps. Over the past week there has been a lot of discussion on LinkedIn and elsewhere about the consistently high penetration of wind and solar, mostly driven by the influence of rooftop PV in the middle of the day. Jai Thomas, the co-ordinator energy within the W.A. government, says that any time of running more than 80 per cent renewable energy during the day is significant, given that the SWIS is its own closed system. “We are down to running about 400 MW of thermal generation only in these periods,” he says. “Critically, we also charge Australia’s largest battery during those periods for discharge at evening peak. The extremely high renewable periods show what is possible as we continue to build from the average 40 per cent renewables and storage that meet electricity demand in the SWIS currently.” Ray Wills, an energy expert who helped lead the early development of the Cunderdin solar hybrid, reckoned that the state hit a new peak of 87.5 per cent renewables at 11.30am on Saturday, local time. Thomas is not so sure about that record, pointing out to the differences in calculating rooftop PV consumption in various data sources. Officially, he says, the record as recognised by the market operator stands at 85.1 per cent.. Still, even if not a record, it still points to the radical transformation of the state’s grid in recent times. Consider this graph below provided by Wills. It now highlights power “below the line”. i.e. charging into batteries, with the likes of Collie specifically contracted to soak up excess rooftop solar in the middle of the day and feed it into the grid in the evening. At times, the share of power fed into the grid from big batteries (marked in red) hits more than 20 per cent. And that will increase over time. Neoen’s Collie battery alone can account for 20 per cent of average grid demand. Wills says higher levels of renewables penetration are almost certain to occur in November and even December, with excellent conditions for wind and solar and relatively low demand, as least until air-cons are switched on in earnest as the summer heat takes hold. W.A., however, still has challenges in ensuring enough new wind and solar is built to provide the bulk energy needed to replace coal, and last month rolled out a proposed new transmission plant to provide the grid infrastructure to host new projects. In Australia’s main grid, known as the National Electricity Market, and covering NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, the highest penetration of renewables on a 30-minute trading period reached 78.6 per cent on Saturday, October 11, according to AEMO. On a five-minute trading basis, the new peak has been set at 79.8 per cent around the same time, according GPE NEMLog. And, as mentioned above, individual states have reached much higher levels of penetration. AEMO has said it is looking to accommodate up to 100 per cent instanteneous renewables as early as late 2025, although this timeline looks like to slip as it works on the engineering challenges, which including making sure there is enough essential grid services such as system strength available in the grid at such time. There have been several occasions when “available” renewables amount to more than total NEM demand, but a combination of economic curtailment (negative wholesale prices), and grid curtailment reduces that number to levels that AEMO is comfortable to handle. The market operator has been focusing on several technologies to provide these services – synchronous condensers that do not burn fuel, equipping gas generators with a “clutch”, and using grid-forming battery inverters.

Giles Parkinson
“Pay people for their time:” Six ways we should be funding regions to respond to the energy tra... - Renew Economy
Technology

“Pay people for their time:” Six ways we should be funding regions to respond to the energy tra... - Renew Economy

Every few months, another report is released with a familiar chorus: “There is a critical need for more or better community consultation.” The latest Energy and Water Ombudsman New South Wales (EWON) annual report, published last week, states that “community members do not feel there is genuine engagement.” For anyone living near or inside a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), this comes as no surprise and one wonders why so little progress has been made when we have been aware of this issue for more than a decade. Ten years ago I worked at the Dubbo arm of the former NSW office of Environment and Heritage, in what was the Regional Clean Energy Program. This program supported communities to understand more about large-scale solar and wind projects, assist with community energy initiatives, and explore benefit sharing models. A research report done at the time for the program, outlined the exact community consultation issues we are still grappling with today. What continues to be overlooked is the value regional communities bring to the energy transition, not just as passive hosts of infrastructure, but as active participants with deep local knowledge and lived experience. I live on a farm in Narromine, on the edge of the Central West Orana REZ, so have seen first-hand the consultation burden on some highly impacted towns and community groups. One Landcare representative told me she had been asked to attend five meetings from various developers and governments in the one week. People living in REZs are regularly asked to volunteer their time to provide much-needed input for research, public consultations, workshops, social impact assessments or other surveys. And this isn’t paid work. It’s unpaid emotional and intellectual labour, expected from community members who already juggle farms, jobs, families and volunteer commitments. I recognise consultation as an important part of public policy making however when the need for input ramps up alongside the energy transition, with some regions bombarded more than others, it’s a wonder governments and industry do not budget to resource regional people to respond to one of the biggest changes they will see in their lifetimes. The good intention is there. In NSW, EnergyCo’s merit criteria aims to promote strong community engagement, but it has also led to a flurry of developers scrambling to “tick the box” by engaging locals, even when many of their projects will never go ahead. This wastes time, fosters distrust, and erodes goodwill. There are not-for-profit groups attempting to build awareness about the energy transition and increase energy literacy, including Community Power Agency, RE Alliance and Farmers for Climate Actions. My own National Renewables in Agriculture Conference, supported by governments in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, outlines what the transition means for farmers and communities, how benefits can be shared, how to farm under solar panels, as well as the tax and insurance implications from hosting renewables. But much more support is needed. Here are a few ways forward: Start paying people for their time. If governments and developers truly value community input then it should be resourced accordingly. Why are hydrological consultants paid thousands while community members are expected to provide their expertise for free? If you want someone to attend a meeting, pay them as you would a consultant. If that’s not possible, cover their travel or provide a meal in a family-friendly location. The Energy Charter is leading by example in this area and offering payments for community members sitting on their advisory groups. Establish Local Energy Hubs. Re Alliance and CPA are calling for Local Energy Hubs – physical shopfronts in towns that can provide independent advice and act as trusted conduits for information. These hubs could also relieve pressure from overloaded community volunteers by answering questions, explaining development processes, and directing locals to professional support. Tap into local expertise. Why are ecological and hydrological surveys in regional NSW often carried out by consultants from Sydney or overseas, who know little about the landscape? Local farmers, Landcare groups, and regional environmental consultants often have far better knowledge of local conditions. Their insights should be used and they should be properly contracted and paid. Empower existing regional groups. Governments and industry could look to fund existing regional groups (Landcare, CWA, RDAs) to enable the employment of additional staff to lighten the consultation burden and be a trusted source of information in the regions. Governments should act as gatekeepers, screening out developers and projects that are unviable – projects unlikely to succeed due to environmental, cultural or agricultural sensitivities, or developers with little experience or a poor track record – before they even reach the community, to reduce the consultation burden. This can be based on pre-determined criteria devised through a collaborative committee including local knowledge and community leaders. Instead of flooding REZ communities with 40 projects/developers, only the 10 to 12 most feasible projects should be allowed to engage in meaningful consultation. This could reduce consultation fatigue and ensure that community input is directed where it can actually make a difference. Create an ‘Energy Transition Helpline.’ This could be a free, independent resource available to any landholders or community member, to answer questions about land acquisition process (for transmission), solar and wind in the area, submission processes, insurance, road upgrades or provide access to a vetted list of experienced lawyers (contract lawyers that specialise in renewables), accountants and advisors. There are already promising examples of what’s possible. Powerlink’s partnership with Queensland Farmers Federation is helping landholders navigate renewable energy development by funding a staff member to sit within the farming body. Let’s be clear. Community consultation isn’t just a box to be ticked. It’s foundational to the long-term success of the energy transition. If we don’t bring regional Australia along in a way that is respectful, fair and properly resourced, we risk alienating the very people whose support is most crucial. Karin Stark is a primary producer in Central West NSW, founder of the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference, director of Farm Renewables Consulting and a board member of RE Alliance.

Karin Stark
Carter 7th in 50m butterfly
World

Carter 7th in 50m butterfly

Top Trinidad and Tobago swimmer Dylan Carter could not add to his 50-metre freestyle bronze medal as the Westmont, Illinois leg of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup series ended last night in the USA. Carter finished seventh in the field of eight in the 50m butterly race in 22.48 seconds. The event was won by one of the favourites, Ilya Kharan of Canada in 21.69. Second was world record holder Noe Ponti of Switzerland in 21.80, while American Finn Brooks took third in 22.09. The final went true to form from the morning’s qualifying heats, with Kharan (22.04), Ponti (22.18) and Brooks (22.22) also being the three fastest men. In those heats, Carter was second in heat seven to be the sixth fastest qualifier going in to the final. The T&T Olympian clocked 22.62 to finish behind Ponti. On Saturday evening, Carter also finished down the pool in the 50m backstroke, taking fifth spot in 23.17 seconds. The race was won by Hubert Kos of Hungary in 22.91.

Hubert Kos
Sports stars rally round W/Cup footballers
Technology

Sports stars rally round W/Cup footballers

A powerful chorus of support is echoing across the twin islands, as four of Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting icons have united with a single, resounding message for the national football team: We Believe. With T&T’s World Cup 2026 hopes hinging on two crucial home matches in November, former international stars from football and cricket have thrown their full weight behind the squad, urging the nation to do the same. The collective voice of Shaka Hislop, David Nakhid, Carlos Edwards, and Kieron Pollard was heard on the i95.5fm ISports programme with host Andre Errol Baptiste this past Saturday, ahead of the final qualifying fixtures against Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18. Victory in both matches will secure a second-place finish in the group and a shot at a World Cup playoff, 18 years after the nation’s historic first appearance at the 2006 tournament in Germany. ESPN analyst and 2006 World Cup goalkeeper Shaka Hislop acknowledged the recent frustrations but focused on the path ahead. “Listen, I get it. The draw in the last match really does feel like an opportunity lost, but for the fourth time this World Cup qualifying campaign, we’ve been the better of the two teams. The goals will come. Our football deserves no less.” He issued a firm prediction, declaring, “the wins will come on the 13th and 18th of November against Jamaica and Bermuda. That’ll see us finish second, and we have an excellent record in World Cup playoffs. The dream is not dead.” Former winger and 2006 team-mate Carlos Edwards delivered a passionate, direct appeal to the public. “Yes. This is your boy, Carlos Edwards, in Trinidad and Tobago. November is our month. The dream ain’t over yet, so continue to believe and show we’re gonna make it.” Echoing that sentiment was former national captain and current Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, David Nakhid. “Trinidad and Tobago, crunch time. Crunch time,” Nakhid emphasised. “Games against Jamaica, against Bermuda, to decide whether we go to the World Cup or not. We need your support. We need to keep believing... Now is the time. Trinidad and Tobago, come on. Show the love. Show the belief.” Adding a powerful cross-sport endorsement, former West Indies cricket captain and T20 superstar Kieron Pollard pledged his presence and called for a united front. “Trinidad and Tobago, we need your support. On the 13th of November, our national football team continue their quest for qualification for the World Cup. Come out and be our 12th man. I’ll be there. We will all be supporting. Let’s rally together and give them the strength and the support that they need.”

Unknown
Masters T20 Festival for December
Technology

Masters T20 Festival for December

Some of Trinidad and Tobago’s best Over-40 and Over-50 cricketers will take centre stage in the first-ever Best Motors Trinidad and Tobago Masters T20 Cricket Festival, scheduled for December 18–21. The idea for the ground-breaking tournament came from Rajendra Mangalie. “The fellows know each other. They would have played alongside one another on the circuit, and the idea is to bring those players together in a competitive tournament as a way to keep the camaraderie alive and keep the players active,” explained Mangalie, current chairman of the Red Force selection panel. “It’s going to be compact and it’s going to be competitive. I’m also planning a tournament for next year featuring the best Masters teams in the region and the top teams from Trinidad.” The four-day event will feature eight top Masters teams—Real Unfit Men (RUM), Brazil Masters, Valley Boys, Lynx, Central Sports Masters, Combined Sports, Woodland Sports, and Hurricanes of Southeast—competing for cash prizes and trophies. The winners will earn $12,000, runners-up $8,000, and both third and fourth-placed teams $2,500 each. Matches will be played at the Preysal Ground and the National Cricket Centre in Couva, where fans can enjoy competitive action and hopefully reignite conversation about glory days of some of the country’s most experienced players. “In this country, there are more than 25 Over-40 teams, and the ones I have chosen are those that would have qualified for various finals on the local circuit,” Mangalie noted. “I still play cricket, but at the end of the day, I want former players to stay fit and healthy and keep playing the game they love. Masters cricket is huge around the world—players like Rayad Emrit, Imran Khan, Denesh Ramdin and others play in various tournaments.” Mangalie said his goal is simple—to give back to the game and its players. “I am about cricket and what’s best for all cricketers —upcoming players, current players, and past players —and what is good for the game.” “It’s about celebrating the passion and legacy of Trinidad and Tobago’s veteran cricketers,” Mangalie added. The tournament is being coordinated by Mangalie, along with Rajendra Poorai, Dennis Sammy, Frank Simmons, and Sharaz Mohammed.

Roger Seepersad
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