Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - July, 2012
The City of Sydney has selected Solgen Energy to undertake a $6 million project to fit solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to more than 30 sites over the next two years to generate 12.5 per cent of the electricity needs of all City properties.
The panels will have a total electrical capacity of more than 1,250 kWp (kilowatt peak), making it Australia's largest building-mounted solar PV program, and covering some 9,000 square metres (greater than the area of a regulation football field - 6,800 square metres).
The panels could produce nearly 2,000,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity a year and are expected to reduce the City's annual carbon pollution by 2,100 tonnes.
68-turbine windfarm proposed for Collector
RATCH-Australia, a company jointly owned by Thai power generation company, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL and Transfield Services Limited, is proposing a $350 million wind farm in the Southern Tablelands of NSW.
Electricity cost study predicts a different energy future
The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics has released its Australian Energy Technology Assessment (AETA) Report and Model, prepared in consultation with WorleyParsons, the Australian Energy Market Operator, CSIRO, and a stakeholder reference group drawn from industry and research/academic organisations with interests and expertise in a diverse range of electricity generation technologies.
HRL Dual Gas Project funding withdrawn
The Australian Government will not proceed with funding the Dual Gas Project in Victoria after operator HRL did not meet the required conditions set out in the funding deed.
Chairman appointed to Australian Energy Research Institute
The Australian Energy Research Institute (AERI) at UNSW has appointed George Maltabarow – an energy specialist who previously headed up Ausgrid, Australia’s largest electricity network - as its inaugural Chairman.
COAG considers report on environmental approval processes and electricity pricing
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting this week received a report from its Future Competition and Regulatory Reform Taskforce which has been consulting with peak business bodies and organisations including conservation groups which have an interest in environmental regulation reforms.
Van Breda appointed CEO of Stanwell Corporation
Richard Van Breda has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Government owned electricity generator Stanwell Corporation Limited.
Potential for electricity from the ocean: CSIRO report
A study by CSIRO has found that the waves in the ocean could supply about 10 per cent of Australia’s electricity by 2050.
Victoria consults on insulation incentives
The Victorian Government has released an issues paper on the possible provision of incentives for the installation of ceiling insulation under Victoria's Energy Saver Incentive (ESI) scheme.
$1.3 million for solar research
The Federal Government has announced $1.3 million in funding for Australia’s next generation of solar researchers.
New turbine opened for Katherine
The Northern Territory Government has officially opened the $6.2 million, 12.5MW gas turbine at Katherine Power Station, forming part of the ongoing $1.8 billion infrastructure program aimed at upgrading the Territory’s power and water network.
Solar could power Victoria twice over
A new report released by the Climate Commission has found that Victoria is failing to capitalise on near ideal conditions for solar and wind energy.
$70 million program to support coal mining abatement technology
The Federal Government’s $70 million Coal Mining Abatement Technology Support Package has been launched, providing funding to accelerate the development of abatement technologies and processes for the Australian coal mining industry.
Australian Innovation Challenge open for entries
Innovative individuals and projects across seven fields have an opportunity to secure cash prizes and national recognition as part of the Australian Innovation Challenge, an initiative of The Australian newspaper in association with Shell Australia.
APPEA conference kicks off in Darwin
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association’s (APPEA) Conference on workforce development and productivity has commenced in Darwin, marking the first time the conference has been hosted in the city.
EPA recommends James Price Point for approval
The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has delivered its final assessment of the proposed James Price Point Liquefied Natural Gas precict, recommending the project for approval.
Melbourne to fund green retrofitting
Changes to legislation in Victoria is set to allow property trusts to gain access to financing for environmental upgrades, likely to result in significant increases to opportunities for green retrofitting in Melbourne’s city centre.
Report shows mounting pressure of energy prices
A new report published by the Australian Industry Group has found that while energy efficiency continues to rise, energy prices are still placing mounting pressure on businesses.
Energy Watch slugged with $2 million for misleading ads
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has won its Federal Court action against Energy Watch, which ordered the company to pay $1.95 million for misleading advertising, while former CEO, Benjamin Polis, designated as the “figurehead of Energy Watch”, to pay $65,000 for his voiceover role in the misleading radio advertisements.
MBA argues for retrofitting
Master Builders Australia has argued that the release of the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency’s National Building Energy Standard Setting Assessment and Rating Framework shows the underlying need to focus more on retrofitting current buildings.