Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - July, 2012
Western Australian Environment Minister, Bill Marmion, has received legal advice from the State’s Solicitor’s Office regarding the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) assessment of the Browse LNG Precinct at James Price Point in the state’s Kimberly region.
“Based on the advice received from the State Solicitor’s Office, I have approved the EPA making a delegation specific to the assessment of the Browse LNG Precinct,” Mr Marmion said.
“I believe the EPA has taken the appropriate course of action and have confidence in the integrity of the EPA chairman Dr Paul Vogel, to provide me with informed advice and recommendations on the project.
Change ahead for Australia's gas market
Australian gas markets are expected to undergo significant change over the short and long term, particularly in eastern Australia via a rapid increase in LNG exports from the middle of this decade according to the recently released BREE Gas Market Report.
Clark appointed UNSW Chair of Energy Strategy and Policy
Former Chief Defence Scientist Professor Robert Clark has been appointed to the newly created Chair of Energy Strategy and Policy at the University of New South Wales.
LNG exports to triple in five years
The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) has released a report that predicts national exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) could more than triple to 63 million tonnes per annum by 2016-17.
Report backs Victoria's push for energy reform
A report released by an expert panel has found that Victoria’s energy consumers are being disadvantaged by the appeals system for regulatory decisions on energy network charges.
SA and NT show off resources potential
The South Australian and Northern Territory governments have joined forces to welcome delegates at the Australia China Resources Symposium, in a bid to show off their rapidly expanding minerals and energy sectors.
Smart power from water
Victoria’s Smart Water Fund has enlisted the methane-producing potential of algae and Flinders University expertise in a move to reduce the carbon emissions and the power bills of the State’s water sector through increased renewable energy use.
$200 million Clean Tech innovation grants open
The Federal Government has opened the $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program (CTIP) to provide grants for Australian businesses to find and develop innovate ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Government announces China low-emissions coal partnership
The Federal Government has launched the new $1.1 million Australia-China Clean Coal Technology Partnership Fund, aimed at accelerating the deployment of low emissions coal technology to reduce emissions from coal-fired power stations.
Queensland to legislate against early termination fees
The Queensland Government has announced plans to legislate to protect electricity customers from early termination fees if they choose to change companies.
Cockatoo Coal to prepare EIS
The Queensland Government has announced Cocaktoo Coal has been given the go ahead to prepare an environmental impact statement for its North Surat-Taroom coal project.
SA approves $900 million windfarm
The South Australian Government has announced it has granted final approval for the construction of the state’s largest windfarm.
Clean Technology Innovation Program open for applications
The Federal $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program has been launched and is now open for applications.
Renewable energy innovation programs funded
Studies into producing renewable energy from almond waste and the potential for concentrated solar thermal technologies will share in more than $117,000 in funding under the Emerging Renewables Program.
$2.3 million for BIPV system
The Federal Government has announced a $2.3 million grant under its Emerging Renewables Program (ERP) to assist BlueScope Steel’s $5 million development of a prototype building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system.
APLNG announces expansion
Australia Pacific LNG has announced plans to develop a second 4.5 million per annum production train for the coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas project on Curtis Island off Gladstone in Queensland.
Australian Energy Research Institute appoints chairman
The Australian Energy Research Institute (AERI) at the University of New South Wales has appointed George Maltabarow – an energy specialist who previously headed up Ausgrid, Australia’s largest electricity network as its inaugural Chairman.
Munmorah Power Station to close
Delta Energy has announced the imminent closure of its New South Wales Munmorah Power Station after 45 years of operation. The station has been maintained on standby since late 2010.
Report shows massive infrastructure demand
A new report published by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) confirms that the increasingly strong demand for commodities has confirmed the massive infrastructure demand in Australia’s regions.
AGL completes purchase of Loy Yang A power station and adjacent mine
AGL Energy Limited has completed the purchase of the remaining 67.46 % of shares and loan notes issued by Great Energy Alliance Corporation Pty Limited (GEAC) that it did not already own, for a value of $448 million.
AGL has also confirmed that GEAC has received from the Federal Government a cash payment of $240.1 million as part of the carbon assistance arrangements.
This transaction makes AGL the owner of the 2,210 MW Loy Yang A power station and a brown coal mine which supplies all the coal required to meet the current and future operating requirements of the power station. It brings AGL’s owned or controlled generation capacity to 6,000 MW.1
Managing Director and CEO, Michael Fraser, said: “Loy Yang gives AGL strategic benefits that will underpin the company’s growth in the years ahead. The power station provides 30 per cent of Victoria’s energy needs and is one of the lowest cost generators in the National Electricity Market.
“Loy Yang does not change AGL’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. We will continue to invest in renewable energy generation projects to retain our leadership position in the renewable industry,” said Mr Fraser.
In May the Federal Court of Australia ordered that the undertakings given in 2004 in connection with AGL's acquisition of its interests in GEAC be discharged with effect from 22 June 2012.
Clean Energy Council welcomes carbon price
The Clean Energy Council has welcomed the commencement of the carbon price, saying it represents a key step in the transformation of Australia’s energy sector.