Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - September, 2012
After 14 months of managing the project, Noske Wind Energy Logistics has announced it has delivered the final component for the Macarthur Wind Farm site.
$20 million for electrical apprenticeships
The Federal Government has announced a new partnership with EE-Oz Training Standards to introduce vital reforms to electrical apprenticeships and improve apprenticeship retention rates.
ACCC hails win against door salespeople
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has won its Federal Court action against Neighbourhood Energy and Australian Green Credits, with both companies consenting to pay $1 million for illegal door-to-door electricity selling.
New Chairman for Nexus Energy
Nexus Energy has announced the appointment of Seven West’s CEO Don Voelte as the company’s new Non-Executive Chairman, and will take over the roll mid next month.
Productivity Commission to launch exploration inquiry
The Productivity Commission has announced it will conduct a new inquiry into regulatory barriers faced by mineral and resource exploration companies.
Regulator issues first carbon credits
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has issued the first carbon credits under the Federal Government’s carbon pricing mechanism, signalling the commencement of the Australian carbon market.
Electricity use booming
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the September Australian Social Trends which has revealed Australian households are using 25 per cent more electricity and 22 per cent more gas, than they were ten years ago.
More flexible pricing for Victorian customers
More Victorians will have the option of moving to flexible pricing plans for electricity from the middle of 2013 after the State Government lifted an moratorium on flexible pricing.
Future of renewable energy industry under threat
The WWF and Climate Risk have co-published a report that shows that investment in renewable energy resources could stall by 2020 unless the Federal Government’s Renewable Energy Target is increased to 2030.
GE launches mining unit
Global giant General Electric (GE) has announced the opening of its newest arm, GE Mining, to be headquartered in Brisbane.
SCREF makes debut investment
The Southern Cross Renewable Energy Fund (SCREF) has made its debut investment, funding a novel Australian solar technology that has the potential to significantly increase the efficiency of solar panels.
BREE publishes forecast
The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) has published its quarterly forecasting of the country’s resources and energy commodity export earnings for the 2012-13 year, which are now tipped to be in excess of $189 billion.
CEC argues for electricity market reform
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has argued that energy market reform is crucial to keeping power prices down.
Government launches pricing trial
A new trial has been launched aimed at electricity users in New South Wales greater control over their energy use and providing them with greater opportunities to reduce their energy bills.
LNG Precinct legislation before WA Parliament
The Western Australian Government has introduced legislation before State Parliament that will ensure the Browse LNG Precinct is the only site that will process Browse Basin gas on the Kimberly coast.
Report shows changing energy use
A report published by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) shows that between 1990 and 2011, energy intensity fell in most business sectors, the residential sector and in some transport modes.
WA successfully tests algae biodiesel
The Western Australian Government has announced the successful demonstration of Aurora Algae’s algae production facility in Karratha, calling it a major development in the process towards using algae as a future biodiesel source in the state.
Government to fund geothermal research
The Federal Government has announced a $1.25 million funding injection for a research project into geothermal energy potential.
Spanish company to build Australia's largest PV plant
Spanish Company Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) has been given the green light to develop the country’s largest photovoltaic solar plant in the ACT.
Government grants new offshore exploration leases
The Federal Government has announced the grant of seven new offshore petroleum permits as part of the second round of the 2011 Exploration Acreage Release.
New Australian energy efficiency framework introduced
A new national framework to set common standards and energy efficiency ratings on appliances, machinery and other materials will come into effect on 1 October, following the passage of legislation through Federal Parliament.