Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - September, 2011
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has launched its Large-Scale Solar Policy Roadmap, finding that Australia has five years to establish the foundations for a sustainable large-scale solar industry or it will run the risk of missing out on a huge economic opportunity.
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said Australia needed to capitalise on the interest Solar Flagships had generated among international investors, who were sinking billions of dollars into projects in other countries.
In the second quarter of 2011 alone, the US Department of Energy ramped up its investment to $12 billion, divided among 12 solar projects.
Australians pay more for solar panels
Australians have been paying up to 37 per cent more for solar panels compared with other countries because of subsidies, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance group.
Solar power makes competitiveness gains
The Photovoltaic Association has said that recent drops in the cost of solar panel production has made solar power increasingly competitive with coal-generated grid power
Queensland passes electricity price reforms
The Queensland State Government has passed legislation that will remove Benchmark Retail Cost Indexes used by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) to currently set prices. The legislation will see the QCA use a new pricing and tariff structure.
University to study Home Energy Display influence
The University of Ballarat has announced a study that will research the influences on Home Energy Displays on domestic household energy consumption as part of a major project for the Central Victorian solar City program.
United States – Australia Solar Energy Collaboration Special Research Initiative - Request for comment
The Australia Solar Institute is interested in receiving feedback from the Australian solar research community in relation to a proposed Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) funded initially under the auspices of the United States – Australia Solar Energy Collaboration (USASEC).
Carnegie announces breakthrough tidal energy research
Western Australian renewable energy company Carnegie Wave Energy has announced a breakthrough technological development in wave energy generation that the company says will catapult Australia into international leadership in the field.
Reports outline the nation's electricity supply outlook
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released its two-year outlook for the adequacy of power systems across Australia, together with a report of Electrical Statement of Opportunities (ESOO), which looks at power production for the longer term over three to ten years.
Review of Tasmanian energy sector on track
The Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Resources, Bryan Green, has announced that the Expert Panel reviewing Tasmania’s electricity supply industry was on track to deliver its final report to the State Government by the end of the year.
WA approves Wheatstone LNG project
The West Australian government has given final environmental approval for the $25 billion Chevron-led Wheatstone liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the state's north-west.
$1.3 billion injected into SA renewable energy
Sulzon Energy Australia has revealed plans to spend upwards of $1.3 billion building one of the world's largest wind energy projects on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.
Changes to Victoria's Solar Feed In Tariff announced
The Victorian Government has announced that the solar feed-in tariff incentive program that currently pays 60c per kilowatt hour for surplus electricity exported to the mains grid will not be accepting new applications after the end of this month.