Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals
Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has announced that the Government’s planned carbon tax will be introduced before parliament in September and could be legislated before the end of the year.
"I'll be bringing the legislation into the House of Reps in September," Mr Combet told Sky News.
The tax will see Australia’s heaviest 500 polluters pay $23 per tonne of carbon emission with a view to implementing a full emissions trading scheme by 2015.
Silex Solar cuts back manufacture of solar cells
Solar energy R&D and manufacturing company, Silex Solar, has announced a restructure of its silicon PV panel business at Sydney Olympic Park that will result in cells made by Silex being replaced by "third party cells from a new strategic partner", believed to be Chinese, with the loss of around 30 Australian jobs.
Renewable energy storage researcher awarded Laureate Fellowship
Professor Maria Forsyth, Chair in Electromaterials and Corrosion Sciences at Deakin University and Associate Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science has been awarded a 2011 Australian Laureate Fellowship.
Horizon Power signs ICT contract with Fujitsu
Western Australian energy utility Horizon Power has signed a three year ICT managed services contract with Japanese IT services giant Fujitsu, in one of the vendor’s first major deals in the state since opening a new datacentre in the region in late 2010.
Power consumption drops to historic low
Ausgrid, one of Australia’s largest electricity distributors, has reported that the company is experiencing an unprecedented drop in household power demand.
IPART releases solar feed-in tariffs issues paper
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released an issues paper into solar feed-in tariffs as part of its review into the Solar Bonus Scheme, which was closed to new participants on July 1st.
ERAWA warns against higher prices due to renewable energy incentives
A report has been released by the Economic Regulation Authority of Western Australia which finds that the electricity market in the South West of Western Australia is at a cross-road and warns against higher power prices due to renewable energy incentives.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory update released
The Federal Government has released the Australia's National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Update report which provides estimates of Australia's national greenhouse gas inventory based on the latest available data and the accounting rules that apply for the Kyoto Protocol.
Carbon price could cut more emissions than expected
Australia could achieve significantly greater than expected emissions reductions by 2020 if the Federal Government passes it successfully implements its carbon package, according to research conducted by environmental think-tank ClimateWorks Australia.
Hays launches major projects job website
International recruitment specialist Hays has launched its major project jobs website where jobseekers can view positions in major oil, gas, resources and mining and energy and construction projects in Western Australia.
WA Government to retain 16 per cent domestic gas reservation
The Western Australian Government will retain its 16 per cent domestic gas reservation requirement for all gas projects, and implement measures to improve transparency in the gas market.
Carbon Energy succesfully trials syngas electricity generation
Brisbane-based Carbon Energy Limited has announced that it has achieved electricity generation using syngas produced through its unique process of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG).
Origin finalises Australia Pacific LNG deal with Sinopec
Origin Energy has completed the subscription agreement facilitating the acquisition by Sinopec of a 15% ownership interest in Australia Pacific LNG Pty Ltd in Gladstone, Queensland.
Ocean energy technology tested and ready for sea trials
Ocean energy company, BioPower Systems, has completed testing of its full-scale O-Drive power conversion module, successfully delivering stable power to the grid over extended periods with a high level of efficiency. The technology will now be used in a pilot demonstration off the Port Fairy coastline in western Victoria.
Applications open for Emerging Renewables program
The Australian Government has called for applications for its $126 million Emerging Renewables program established to support promising renewable energy technology projects such as geothermal, solar and ocean.
Geothermal projects fail to attract funding
Four geothermal companies have been forced to return Federal Government funding due to inability to attract matching private sector funds for the grants.
Xstrata halts uranium attempts
Xstrata has announced it will halt its attempts to break into the uranium market, blaming hostile attitudes and a highly competitive local market.
AER makes draft determination on Victorian smart meter costs and charges
The Australian Energy Regulator has issued its draft determination on the Victorian distribution network service providers (DNSPs) Advanced Metering Infrastructure (‘smart meter’) budgets and charges for 2012 to 2015.
Queensland energy companies call for apprentices
Two Queensland state-owned energy organisations are offering apprenticeships to meet workforce needs in the sector.
Industry Consultation on the draft GEMS Bill commences
The latest phase in the development of national legislation for Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) has begun with the commencement of industry consultation on the draft GEMS Bill.