Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - June, 2012
Electricity giant AGL has been selected by the Federal Government as the successful proponent in the solar photovoltaic (PV) category of the Solar Flagships Program. The company, together with manufacturer First Solar, will deliver large-scale solar PV power projects totalling 159 MW at two sites in New South Wales.
AGL will develop a 106 MW project at Nyngan and a 53 MW project at Broken Hill. First Solar will provide engineering, procurement and construction services for both projects, using its advanced thin-film PV modules.
AGL’s Managing Director, Michael Fraser, said: “AGL is delighted to be working with the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, our project partner First Solar, and the people of Broken Hill and Nyngan to deliver these significant renewable energy projects. They represent a tremendous opportunity for AGL and the broader solar industry to begin the roll-out of solar power as a meaningful source of generation supply in Australia.
“This investment is also a clear demonstration of AGL’s commitment to renewable energy and is a natural next step for us to build on our strong track record of wind, hydro and biomass renewable generation assets.
First CTIP grants announced
The Federal Government has announced the first 13 grants from its $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Program, aimed at assisting manufacturers significantly reduce their energy bills.
More gas investment for the Northern Territory
A new agreement between Santos, ConocoPhillips and major Korean energy company, SK E&S, will advance the development of gas discoveries in the Timor Sea. The agreement will see the progression of the development of the Caldita and Barossa gas discoveries.
New subsea gas technology developed
Curtin University researchers have developed a new process to dehydrate subsea gas that could open up gas fields currently deemed unviable.
NSW to fund uptake of mining and gas best practice
The New South Wales Government has announced it will provide $13 million on a cost-recovery basis for improved compliance measures to support the uptake of best practice regulatory regimes for the mining and gas industries in the state.
Solar Hybrid works finished in NT
Works have been completed on the Northern Territory’s first Solar Hybrid Power System at the Ormiston Gorge Rangers Station in the Territory’s West MacDonnel National Park.
Queensland greenlights Grosvenor mine
The Queensland Government has approved the construction of the $1.7 billion Grosvenor Coal Mine after the state granted Anglo American the requisite mining lease.
$45 million energy efficiency boost for Local Government and communities
The Federal Government has announced the remaining $45 million funds from the solar Hot Ware Rebate Scheme will be used to support two separate national programs assisting local communities become more energy efficient.
Burke to determine Alpha's future
The Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, and the Queensland Deputy Premier, Jeff Seeney, have met for the first time tor resolve their differences over the disputed environmental approval process of the multi-billion dollar Alpha Coal mine.
Low productivity threatens major projects
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has warned that waning productivity and inflating costs are risking Australia’s unprecedented $921 billion pipeline of major investment in resources, energy and economic infrastructure. New research released by the council shows for the first time just how much capital investment is driving the economy.
Australia still lagging in clean tech race
A recent study by the WWF has found that Australia is lagging behind in the global clean tech race, falling to 26th spot in thethird edition of the Clean Economy, Living Planet study.
IEA predicts bright future for gas
The International Energy Agency has released a new report that predicts China will more than double its current demand for natural gas over the next five years, while the world will experience a 2.7 per cent growth in demand per year.
AuSES calls for solar papers
The Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) is calling for submissions for its50th annual conference at the Swinburne University of Technology on 6 and 7 December later this year. The event will showcase the latest solar research and highlight the most recent solar energy projects.
QCA backs Federal electricity price estimates
The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) has released its Final Price Determination on the 2012-13 regulated retail electricity prices for all regulated retail electricity tariffs in Queensland.