Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - November, 2011
Chevron Australia has announced the signing of two major gas contracts in Western Australia.
Under the agreements, gas from the Chevron operated Gorgon Project will be purchased through long term contracts by Western Australia’s largest energy retailer, Synergy and the State’s leading energy generator, Verve Energy.
SA passes Olympic Dam bill
BHP Billiton will be free to commence its Olympic Dam expansion after the South Australian Government passed legislation in support of the plan.
Federal Government seeking input for energy efficiency grant structure
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) has called for input from stakeholders on the design options for the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program.
Queensland announces major power upgrades
The Queensland Government has announced major power upgrades, worth over $130 million, to nine significant projects to boost electricity supplies in and around Redcliffe, Caboolture, Morayfield, Deception Bay, North Lakes, Kallangur, Petrie, Narangba and Burpengary.
Nine new petroleum offshore permits awarded
The Federal Government has awarded nine new offshore permits in the second round of the 2010 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release to enable petroleum exploration investment worth $380 million in waters off Western Australia.
Stronger CSG regulations in the pipeline
The Federal Government has promised stronger national regulatory frameworks to assess the impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) on the environment in a bid to win key independent’s vote on the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT).
Origin secures renewable energy deal
Origin Energy will be supplied renewable energy after a long-term power purchase agreement was signed with ACCIONA.
NT delivers first mobile power station
The Northern Territory Government has announced the arrival of the territory’s first mobile substation, Nomad B.
ACT tables solar legislation
The ACT Government has tabled its Electricity Feed In (Large Scale Renewable Energy Generation) Bill 2011 before territory parliament.
Sustainable energy to help power coal port
Researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) are working with the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) to create an Australian first “advanced technology” coal terminal Dudgeon Point on the Central Queensland coast.
QUT's new microscope to boost local solar research
A new, $1.5 million nanotechnology microscope is being used by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology to assist in the development of cheap, plastic solar cells to be used in charging mobile appliances.
Geothermal energy could power Australia for 50,000 years
The Northern Territory possesses enough potential geothermal power reserves within 5 kilometres of the surfrace to power to meet Australia’s current annual energy demand for 50,000 years.
Carbon Energy rights issue falls short
Gasification developer Carbon Energy’s rights issue has raised $8.2 million – a $2.2 million shortfall on the capital raising.
Carbon Energy this week announced it had received applications for 68.7 million shares for a total value of $8.2 million under the 1 for 8 non-renounceable rights issue.
This represents a takeup of 79 percent by shareholders.
The Brisbane-based company said it anticipated placing the shortfall in the next three months, lifting the gross proceeds to $10.4 million.
Funds raised are additional to the $10 million convertible loan facility between Carbon Energy and Pacific Road Capital.
Carbon Energy was incorporated in 2006 as a joint venture between Metex and the CSIRO and Others to develop and commercialise the underground gasification of coal deposits.
The company’s aim is to build a world-class business that produces clean energy and chemicals from UCG Syngas.
Gas and wind drive electricity generation development
Statistics released by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics show that power station development has stalled, with just two projects — both windfarms — worth $488 million completed in the 12 months to October.
Australia Pacific LNG and Kansai Electric sign 20 year agreement for LNG supply
Australia Pacific LNG Pty Limited (Australia Pacific LNG) and The Kansai Electric Power Company (Kansai Electric) have signed a binding Heads of Agreement for the sale and purchase of approximately 1 million tonnes of LNG per year for 20 years.
World Energy Council ranks energy and climate policies
Australia's energy policy has ranked 22nd in the World Energy Council's Policies for the Future assessment of global energy and climate policies.
World Energy Outlook 2011 report released
Without a bold change of policy direction, the world will lock itself into an insecure, inefficient and high-carbon energy system, the International Energy Agency warned as it launched the 2011 edition of the World Energy Outlook (WEO). The agency‟s flagship publication said there is still time to act, but the window of opportunity is closing.
SMART Infrastructure Facility launched
The University of Wollongong will produce world-class research and teaching in infrastructure development with the opening of its new $62 million SMART Infrastructure Facility.
Tasmanian wind farm bidders announced
Bidders have emerged for the wind farms being sold by Hydro Tasmania.
Origin Energy exercises carbon sink options
Origin Energy has confirmed it will exercise around $30 million of planting options with carbon forest sink company Carbon Conscious.
CSG under fire as damning report suppressed
A report that 'thoroughly dismantles' the claim that coal seam gas is a clean energy source has allegedly been suppressed by the company that was contracted to publish it.