Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - February, 2013
The Australian Workers Union (AWU) has launched a new campaign aimed at securing the country’s energy future, arguing that Australia has no safeguards to ensure that domestic supply is protected.
Perth on the cusp of geothermal revolution
Perth could become the world’s first geothermally cooled city, with potential of achieving zero emissions, under the new federally funded CSIRO Geothermal Project.
Chevron ups onshore gas efforts
International gas giant Chevron has announced it has reached an agreement with Beach Energy to acquire two onshore gas blocks covering an estimated 810,000 acres in the Cooper Basin.
Water-cooling for new supercomputer
In an Australian first, the CSIRO has announced it will be using geothermal water-cooling to keep the new $80 million Pawsey Centre supercomputer in Western Australia icy cool.
New board to oversee energy merger
The Tasmanian Government has announced the ‘next major step’ in the overhaul of the State’s electricity industry with the creation of a new board to oversee the merger of Aurora Energy and Transend.
ACCC greenlights collective water bargaining for coal producers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given the go ahead for central Queensland coal producers to begin collective bargaining for water supply with SunWater.
Giants sign gas agreement
ConocoPhillips and PetroChina have announced the signing of a agreement that will see the two companies increase their stakes in three major oil and gas projects.
Origin confirms staff cuts
Origin Energy has confirmed it will be cutting its workforce by 850 by the end of the 2013 calendar year.
Queensland outlines CSG strategy
The Queensland Government has promised better community engagement, more field inspections, audits and a ‘firm approach to industry non-compliance’ as part of a new coal seam gas management plan.
Emitters pass on price finds report
Some of the country’s biggest carbon emitters are accused of passing on the full cost of the carbon price while pocketing billions of dollars worth of Government compensation, according to a new report released by industry consultants Carbon and energy Markets.
NSW announces new CSG rules
The New South wales Government has announced ‘tough new measures’ to bolster the regulation of the coal seam gas industry in the State.
UQ and RAC to assess Collinsville conversion
Energy company RATCH-Australia Corporation (RAC) has announced it has partnered with the University of Queensland (UQ) to undertake a feasibility study into converting the coal-fired Collinsville Power Station into a hybrid solar thermal/gas power station.
Energy future a mixed bag finds UQ
Coal will continue to serve as an important contributor to the Australia’s future energy production, according to a new report released by the University of Queensland.
Queensland promises consumer focus
Queensland Energy Minister Mark McArdle has chaired the Queensland Consumer and Energy Reference Group, promising a renewed focus on consumer protection and rights.
AER announces Consumer Challenge Panel
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has announced the establishment of the Consumer Challenge Panel as part of its ongoing approach to enhance engagement with consumers and their representatives.
Government hails Obama's pricing plan
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, has hailed US President Barrack Obama’s overtures for the establishment of a market-based carbon pricing mechanism.
Jobs to go as Contact restructures
New Zealand’s largest publically listed power company, Contact Energy, has announced it will be restructuring its business in a bid to reduce expenditure costs and resize the business ‘to match current market conditions’.
NT to supply gas to Gove
The Northern Territory Government has announced it will release enough gas to keep the Gove alumina refinery open for the next 10 years.
Queensland approves oil shale industry
The Queensland Government has announced that it will allow the development of a commercial oil shale industry under ‘strict environmental conditions’.
Toro announces new Managing Director
Uranium explorer and miner Toro Energy has announced the appointment of Vanessa Guthrie as the company’s new Managing Director, replacing Greg Hall who has stepped down from the position, but will remain on the company’s Board as a non-executive director.
Government grants conditional approval for projects
The Federal Government has granted conditional approval to the Maules Creek and Boggabri mine proposals, as well as the Gloucester coal seam methane gas project.