Daily Energy News Podcast | Fortescue's Green Iron Breakthrough & Victoria's Transmission Showdown

In today's episode for Wednesday, 19 August 2026, Fortescue produces "first hot metal" from its electric smelting furnace at Christmas Creek, proving a viable commercial pathway for zero-coal green iron in the Pilbara. In state politics, the Victorian Coalition vows to scrap the multi-billion-dollar VNI West interconnector and revive gas exploration ahead of the November election. Meanwhile, UNSW researchers solve microscopic defects in tandem solar cells using "baking" principles, Squadron Energy applies for a commercial electricity retail licence, and an NRMA survey of 42,000 drivers confirms fuel price anxiety has officially overtaken EV range concerns. Proudly brought to you by EServices4U—from commercial solar and battery storage modeling to Single Line Diagram audits, EServices4U is your trusted partner in technical energy compliance. Visit eservices4u.com.au today.