Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - May, 2012
Santos has announced the loading of the 1000th cargo from its Port Bonython liquids processing plant in South Australia.
Port Bonython has been in operation since 1983, and has loaded over 40 million tonnes of product, including crude oil, LP and naphtha.
Cargoes from the port have gone to all Australian domestic refineries, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Hawaii, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Taiwan, South Korea and China.
Tasmanian energy sector reforms announced
The Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings has released the Government’s blueprint for energy reform, announcing that power retailing will be privatised, but the wholesale electricity market will be kept in public hands, despite a recommendation by the Expert Panel that it be open to competition.
Government seeks comment on building energy efficiency framework
The Federal Government is seeking comments on the Draft National Building Energy Standard-Setting, Assessment and Rating Framework.
Coalworks urges shareholder rejection of takeover bid
The Board of Coalworks has urged the company’s shareholders to reject Whitehaven Coal’s takeover offer, describing the move as ‘inadequate and opportunistic and that it significantly undervalues’ the company.
Geoscience Australia releases gas assessment
Geoscience Australia has released its Australian Gas Resource Assessment 2012, detailing key findings of in the industry and what it anticipates for the industry.
SA releases gas roadmap
The South Australian Government has released a draft roadmap aimed at maximizing the potential of the state’s unconventional gas resources in an environmentally sustainable way.
Victoria moves on regional natural gas strategy
The Victorian Government has announced details of the next phase of the rollout of its $100 million Energy for the Regions program.
Government opens new acreage for exploration
The Federal Government has announced the 2012 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release, comprising of 27 areas across nine basins in waters off the coast of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
New appointments to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board
Mr Greg Bourne has been appointed acting chair of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board (ARENA).
Strike disables Australian mine
An African uranium mine owned by Australia’s Paladin Energy has stopped work for 22 hours due to strike action from its employees.
Victorian electricity comparative performance report
The Australian Energy Regulator has issued the 2010 electricity performance report for the Victorian distribution network service providers (DNSPs).
ABS publishes environmental capital statistics
Australia’s natural capital or environment assets are worth $4,574 billion and accounted for more than half of Australia’s total economic wealth in 2009-10 found the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The value of our natural capital in current price terms, trebled between 2000-01 and 2009-10, driven by rises in mineral commodities and land values.
First appointments to ARENA board announced
The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson has announced the appointment of Mr Greg Bourne as acting chair of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board.
Federal funding for energy reform
The Federal Government will provide $5.0 million over four years to progress further work on the reform of Australia's energy markets, including:
High Court slams Energy Watch
The Federal Court has ruled that Energy Watch breached consumer law over 80 times, misleading consumers in relation to its energy price comparison service and the savings that could be achieved through the service.
New CEO for Eureka Energy
Eureka Energy has appointed former BP executive, Robert Willes, as the company's new CEO.
Offshore petroleum exploration permits awarded
Twelve new offshore petroleum exploration permits have been awarded in waters off Western Australia and Victoria, and will see $303 million in new investment over the next three years.
ACT energy efficiency bill passes Legislative Assembly
Legislation that requires electricity retailers in the ACT to provide energy efficiency services to households who want to reduce their carbon emissions and reduce their electricity bills has been passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly, with the support of the ACT Greens.
Low Carbon Australia urges businesses to become energy efficient
Low Carbon Australia’s CEO Meg McDonald addressed the Property Funds Association Conference at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast about the opportunities that existed for transforming existing buildings into greener, more highly desirable commercial space.
Queensland calls for input on GasFields Commission
The Queensland Government has called for community input on the role and membership of the new GasFields Commission.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Government was establishing the GasFields Commission to better manage the coexistence between landholders, regional communities and the coal seam gas industry in Queensland.
“Industry and community groups and members of the public have a real opportunity to provide input into who should be represented on the Commission and what powers it should consider,” Mr Seeney said.
Mr Seeney appointed Mr John Cotter as Chairman last month and submissions from the public can be made directly to the Chairman.
He said the Commission would be based in Toowoomba with a statewide focus.
“The Commission will be formed as a statutory body under legislation to make sure we get the right balance in place between landholders, local governments and the industry itself,” Mr Seeney said.
“It will give local communities a more direct voice into government and ensure programs and services match the priorities in those areas affected by CSG operations.
“A number of skills-based commissioners will be appointed to advise and assist the Commission in carrying out its work with government, industry and communities affected.
Energy Watch found guilty of misleading advertising
The Federal Court has found that Energy Watch Pty Ltd misled consumers in relation to its energy price comparison service and the savings that could be achieved using the service following action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.