Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals
Xstrata has announced it will halt its attempts to break into the uranium market, blaming hostile attitudes and a highly competitive local market.
Managing Director Mick Davis announced that the miner would not make any future bids because the miner ‘has enough difficulty managing relationships with governments”.
The announcement by Mr Davis comes after the miner failed to aquire WMC Resources, which owns the world’s largest uranium deposit in Olympic Dam, after BHP Billiton trumped the offer in 2005.
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.
WA halts new installation subsidies and draws fire from industry
Western Australian Energy Minister Peter Collier has announced that the state’s feed in tariff installation quota has been met and the program will be suspended for new connections.
Uranium uncertainty in NSW
The New South Wales Government has denied allegations of plans to lift the state’s ban on uranium mining and exploration, despite the state Opposition and Greens claiming the State Government would readily change its stance.
Queensland solidifies LNG position
Queensland has moved to strengthen its position as an emergent liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hub after the proponents of the Australia Pacific Liquefied Natural Gas (APLNG) project have made their final investment decision.
Tequila plant found to be efficient biofuel
Large scale farms of the agave plant used to make the drink tequila could be established in Australia's arid inland as a solution to transport fuel problems, a University of Sydney academic has found.
Contract signed for Mackay bagasse power plant
Mackay Sugar has appointed local company G&S Engineering to erect the plant and major machinery for its $120 million Cogeneration Project.
MBD Energy to prepare IPO
Victorian based renewable energy company MBD Energy has announced plans to launch its initial public offering next year, bringing forward its plans in the face of growing public support for carbon capture technology.
Queensland engineering firm trials soy biodiesel
Shadforths Civil Engineering Contractors on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is trialling B20 soy biodiesel in 20 machines at the Sunshine Coast Council’s new Nambour landfill site.
AER releases metering draft
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released its Advanced Metering Infrastructure draft determination for consideration and comment by interested parties.
Government seeks input on clean energy legislation
The Federal Government is seeking comment from the public, stakeholders and legal experts on the details of its Clean Energy Legislative Package.
Biggest solar power station opens
Australia’s largest solar power station has begun to supply power to Alice Springs and surrounding communities.
New funding for plastic solar cells
The Australian Federal and Victorian State Governments are jointly providing funding of $3.5 million to further develop plastic solar cells currently being produced in Victoria.
Ferguson promises green compensation for states
Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson has promised that states stand to benefit directly from the carbon policies.
Low Carbon Australia and Wagga Wagga City Council announce energy efficiency partnership
Low Carbon Australia and Wagga Wagga City Council, NSW are to cooperate on energy efficiency in the first agreement of its kind for regional Australia in the second major agreement for the new agency.
AEMC releases draft Rule for the Application and Operation of Administered Price Periods Rule Change Proposal
The Australian Energy Market Commission has released its draft Rule determination for the Application and Operation of Administered Price Periods Rule Change Proposal.
Research challenges conventional approaches to wind farm design
California Institute of Technology researchers have revisited some of the fundamental assumptions that have guided the wind industry for the past 30 years, and now believe that a new approach to wind farm design -- one that places wind turbines close together instead of far apart -- may provide significant efficiency gains.
$66.5 million for solar research
The Federal Government has announced a $66.5 million grant under the Education Investment Fund (EIF) to fund ‘world-leading’ research that will assist in the construction of one of the largest solar power plants in the world.
Queensland Government to expedite sustainable infrastructure projects
The Queensland Government has released its Green Door policy which will see the state government agencies work with local government and referral agencies to accelerate the development assessment of projects that that demonstrate exemplary sustainability performance.