Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - March, 2014
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) says a recent survey showed majority support for nuclear power, and has called for renewed debate.
Carbon consideration in minimum wage talks
The Federal Government says the Fair Work Commission should take into account its promise to cut the carbon tax when setting the minimum wage.
Fortescue's massive works to bring new age in WA iron
Fortescue has completed an incredible $9.9 billion expansion in the Pilbara, opening the doors on its newest Western Australia mine.
Fossil fuels lose super favour, still big on campus
A major Australian superannuation fund has deemed fossil fuels to be ‘socially unacceptable’, and will no longer make investments in that direction.
Japan plans big step into power past
Japan is moving to remix its energy industry, adding 11,000 megawatts of gas and coal power to replace its lost nuclear supplies.
Wireless plan to move solar close to source
The United States military is working on a project to gather solar electricity from space and beam it wirelessly back to Earth.
Bodies clash on gas prices and protection
The industry lobby for Australian manufacturers says high gas prices and a domestic shortage will lead to the loss of over 100,000 jobs.
Senate retains tax some say undermines mining
The Senate has rejected the Federal Government's attempt to bury the mining tax, voting down legislation to abolish the MRRT by 35 votes to 32.
Camp energy planning can benefit all round
Mining companies often weigh environmental outcomes against economic ones, and choose actions which benefit the latter, but researchers say with better planning they can have the best of both worlds.
AGL to fight for MacGen while watchdog warnings ring out
AGL Energy will reportedly challenge the rejection of its bid for NSW state-owned electricity firm Macquarie Generation.
Funds locked awaiting future fuel review
Media outlets claim at least $1 billion worth of resource projects are on hold in Victoria alone, awaiting the review of the Renewable Energy Target.
Job loss rumours swirl around long supply line
A regional newspaper has reported that a major gas project could be getting shut down, but the company behind has said nothing.
Nuclear on list for novel, profitable, new Australian age
A new report from analysts at Deloitte Access Economics has highlighted 25 sectors that could drive the Australian economy in the future, including nuclear power generation and waste storage.
Technological leap taken with natural leg-up
Scientists have been pinching designs from nature for some time, but have now brought living and synthetic materials together in an exciting new way.
Woodside wants half-century of floating gas flows
Woodside’s floating Browse gas project will produce 17,000 barrels of LNG per day for fifty years, the company hopes.
Repeal voted down leaves carbon price alive for now
The Senate has voted down a bill to axe the carbon tax, depriving the Prime Minister of a much-touted election promise and setting the scene for another fight in July.
Pumping dams could plug holes in power supply
Using a giant battery made of water and gravity, engineers have proposed a new way to store renewable energy to meet extra demands.
Council says more power can come in a thousand little sources
A new discussion paper says technology has solutions to the major cost of living for many.
Home insulation failure fronts Commission
The Royal Commission into the tragic failure of the Rudd government’s home insulation scheme will begin today, and could prompt some intriguing revelations from politicians and public servants on the witness list.
Sparks fly from friction to power the future
New developments could see the end of giant coal, gas or nuclear turbines, and the rise of electricity gathered by simple movement and friction.
Union probe launched deep into dodgy dealings
The Governor-General has tabled papers to kick off the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.