Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals
Mr Greg Bourne has been appointed acting chair of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board (ARENA).
ARENA commences on 1 July 2012 as a key component of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future package, consolidating $3.2 billion in funding for renewable energy innovation.
The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP has also appointed Dr Brian Spalding to the ARENA board, in addition to the ex-officio appointment of Mr Drew Clarke, Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET).
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.
Origin Energy sells gas to rival
Origin Energy has signed an agreement with the Santos-led Gladstone LNG (GLNG) project with 365 petajoules of gas across 10 years from 2015: about 7 per cent of its gas requirements.
NSW Senate publishes inquiry into CSG
The New South Wales Senate’s General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5 has published a report into the environmental, economic and social impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) mining in NSW, delivering 35 recommendations for Government action.
Victoria announces energy security spend
The Victorian Government has announced $33.7 million spend over four years for a package of energy security measures in the State’s Budget.
Funding announced for WA wave plant
The Federal Government has announced $10 million in funding for Western Australia’s Carnegie Wave Energy’s Perth Wave Energy Project on Garden Island near Fremantle.
Pluto LNG Project produces its first Liquefied Natural Gas
Woodside’s $14.9 billion Pluto Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project has produced its first LNG.
Work begins on Marine Supply Base
Construction of the $110 million offshore gas Marine Supply Base has begun in the Northern Territory.
CEM meeting held
The third annual Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) meeting has convened in London, bringing together energy ministers and business leaders from around the world with an aim of driving greater corporation between governments and the private sector on clean energy development.
CSIRO pushes for cheaper electronics
A group of leading Australian scientists have come together to further the development of lower-cost, flexible optoelectronic devices that promises to transform the country’s consumer electronics industry.