information for our energy future
information for our energy future
04 Jul 2008
The draft report into emissions trading by Ross Garnaut has called for a rapid implementation of an emissions trading scheme, which includes transport from the outset, but would phase in agriculture. The draft report does not include the results of the economic modelling, which will be released later. Source Garnaut Climate Change Review
02 Jul 2008
A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme and New Energy Finance confirms that sustainable energy is now a mainstream and accelerating investment sector. In 2007, wind power attracted more investment than nuclear or hydro, and accounted for more new generation capacity in Europe than any other power source. Investment in clean energy sources reached $148 billion in 2007. Source United Nations Environment Programme News
Report 
Global Trends In Sustainable Energy Investment 2008
24 Jun 2008
Australia's net greenhouse gas emissions fell slightly in 2006 according to the latest figures from the Department of Climate Change, but emissions from energy production continue to grow strongly, and reached 400 million tonnes CO2-e for the first time. The land use, land use change and forestry sector provided 12 million tonnes of savings which offset strong growth in the stationary energy sector. Source National greenhouse accounts
Report National Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2006
16 Jun 2008
Global demand for energy has continued to grow strongly - up 2.4% in 2007, according to the latest BP Statistical Review of World Energy. Half of this growth was due to China, and two thirds of the growth was driven by demand from the Asia-Pacific region. However energy demand in the EU was down, with Germany showing the largest decline in energy consumption. Source BP Statistical Review of World Energy
13 May 2008
The 2008 federal budget commits $2.3B to energy and climate change programs over the next 4 years, including; $500M for a Renewable Energy Fund, $500M for a National Clean Coal Fund, and $150M for an Energy Innovation Fund. The Energy Innovation Fund will support the creation of an Australian Solar Institute and support solar thermal and solar PV research and development as well as a new program targeted at general clean energy research and development, including energy efficiency, energy storage technologies and hydrogen transport fuels. Source Minister for Resources and Energy
09 Apr 2008
Leading NASA climate change expert James Hansen has written a letter to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd calling for leadership in halting the introduction of new coal-fired power plants that don't include carbon capture and storage. The letter commends the interim Report of Professor Ross Garnaut and suggests that action by Australia could provide a tipping point for much greater action from the rest of the world in reducing carbon emissions. Source James Hansen Columbia University
Letter Dear Prime Minister Rudd (pdf)
04 Apr 2008
Shell has released a new energy scenario for the period to 2050, containing two plausible pathways. One pathway, called Blueprints, relies on international cooperation and delivers 13% less energy than the alternative, called Scramble, in which nations act in their own interest. Both scenarios include a turbulent period from 2015 to 2030 when demand for energy grows strongly. Source Shell Global Scenarios
Report Shell energy scenarios to 2050
01 Apr 2008
US utility Southern California Edison has announced it will build the world's largest rooftop PV system, generating 250 MW of power when complete. The project will utilise over 6 square kilometres of commercial roof space in Southern California. The plan requires the installation of 1 MW of PV per week for the next 5 years and is expected to cost $US875 million. Source Edison International Press Room
20 Mar 2008
Professor Garnaut has released his discussion paper on an emissions trading scheme. The paper calls for: The creation of an 'Independent Carbon Bank' to monitor and enforce compliance with the scheme. - Auctioning of all permits, in order to maintain the simplicity, credibility and transparency of the scheme. - Allowing the unlimited banking or hoarding of permits, and lending of permits by the Independent Carbon Bank. - No price controls for permits, such as price caps or floors. - Application of a penalty with a make-good provision, for non-compliance. - Making the coverage as broad as possible, with a recommendation to include agriculture and forestry as soon as practicable. - Usage of permit revenue to provide assistance to households, particularly low-income households, and adjustment assistance for communities and employees of impacted sectors. - Provision of transitional assistance to trade-exposed, emissions intensive firms. Source Garnaut Review media release
Report Emissions Trading Scheme: Discussion Paper
20 Mar 2008
The Queensland government will provide $100 m towards a 2 stage CO2 capture and storage feasibility study. Stage One of the ZeroGen project involves an 80 MW coal gasification demonstration plant located near Rockhampton in Central Queensland. The proposed new plant will demonstrate capture of up to 75 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions and also demonstrate underground storage capability. Carbon dioxide will be trucked to identified geological storage sites. Given positive feasibility and financing outcomes, the new two-staged configuration plant could be a forerunner for a commercially-based larger plant by 2017. Source Queensland MInes and Energy