The Wimmera Mail-Times, Page: 8
Friday, 21 July 2006
THE Wimmera could benefit from a State Government introduction of a mandatory renewable energy scheme. The State Government has introduced the scheme where electricity retailers must gather at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2016.Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Bill Braithwaite welcomed the State Government's introduction of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. He described the scheme as a 'step in the right direction'.
Mr Braithwaite said the city would now sit down with government officials and renewable energy companies to discuss the impact of the legislation and any opportunities for further regional development. Ararat is home to the Challicum Hills wind farm. The farm's owner Pacific Hydro also welcomed the State Government's decision. Spokeswoman Emily Wood said the company was pleased with the decision but did not have any current plans to further develop Challicum.
"But we've got several other projects in Victoria under development and this announcement certainly supports those plans," she said. But Ms Wood said the company still faced tough legislation in order to develop wind farm projects in Victoria."This new legislation will not change any of the processes or the current stringent requirements," she said."We will also continue to be involved in community consultation.
"A multi-million dollar wind farm is also set to go ahead after the State Government introduced the scheme. Acciona Energy, a division of the Spanish Acciona Group, announcedthis week it would start construction on the $400-million project at Waubra, north of Ballarat. The managing director of the company's Australasian operations Brett Thomas said the decision was a direct result of the State Government's introduction of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. Mr Thomas said the scheme ensured the company's investment in renewable energy.
'"The announcement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the State Government has given us the confidence to commit $50 million to commence construction of the 200-megawatt wind farm," he said. Mr Thomas said the project would provide jobs to Waubra and surrounding districts during the wind farm's construction set to begin in September. He said construction would take two years. Mr Thomas said the company would also now consider other developments in Victoria.
Sunday, 23 July 2006
Ararat backs energy target
The Wimmera Mail-Times, Page: 8
Friday, 21 July 2006
THE Wimmera could benefit from a State Government introduction of a mandatory renewable energy scheme. The State Government has introduced the scheme where electricity retailers must gather at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2016.Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Bill Braithwaite welcomed the State Government's introduction of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. He described the scheme as a 'step in the right direction'.
Mr Braithwaite said the city would now sit down with government officials and renewable energy companies to discuss the impact of the legislation and any opportunities for further regional development. Ararat is home to the Challicum Hills wind farm. The farm's owner Pacific Hydro also welcomed the State Government's decision. Spokeswoman Emily Wood said the company was pleased with the decision but did not have any current plans to further develop Challicum.
"But we've got several other projects in Victoria under development and this announcement certainly supports those plans," she said. But Ms Wood said the company still faced tough legislation in order to develop wind farm projects in Victoria."This new legislation will not change any of the processes or the current stringent requirements," she said."We will also continue to be involved in community consultation.
"A multi-million dollar wind farm is also set to go ahead after the State Government introduced the scheme. Acciona Energy, a division of the Spanish Acciona Group, announcedthis week it would start construction on the $400-million project at Waubra, north of Ballarat. The managing director of the company's Australasian operations Brett Thomas said the decision was a direct result of the State Government's introduction of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. Mr Thomas said the scheme ensured the company's investment in renewable energy.
'"The announcement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the State Government has given us the confidence to commit $50 million to commence construction of the 200-megawatt wind farm," he said. Mr Thomas said the project would provide jobs to Waubra and surrounding districts during the wind farm's construction set to begin in September. He said construction would take two years. Mr Thomas said the company would also now consider other developments in Victoria.
Friday, 21 July 2006
THE Wimmera could benefit from a State Government introduction of a mandatory renewable energy scheme. The State Government has introduced the scheme where electricity retailers must gather at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2016.Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Bill Braithwaite welcomed the State Government's introduction of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. He described the scheme as a 'step in the right direction'.
Mr Braithwaite said the city would now sit down with government officials and renewable energy companies to discuss the impact of the legislation and any opportunities for further regional development. Ararat is home to the Challicum Hills wind farm. The farm's owner Pacific Hydro also welcomed the State Government's decision. Spokeswoman Emily Wood said the company was pleased with the decision but did not have any current plans to further develop Challicum.
"But we've got several other projects in Victoria under development and this announcement certainly supports those plans," she said. But Ms Wood said the company still faced tough legislation in order to develop wind farm projects in Victoria."This new legislation will not change any of the processes or the current stringent requirements," she said."We will also continue to be involved in community consultation.
"A multi-million dollar wind farm is also set to go ahead after the State Government introduced the scheme. Acciona Energy, a division of the Spanish Acciona Group, announcedthis week it would start construction on the $400-million project at Waubra, north of Ballarat. The managing director of the company's Australasian operations Brett Thomas said the decision was a direct result of the State Government's introduction of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. Mr Thomas said the scheme ensured the company's investment in renewable energy.
'"The announcement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the State Government has given us the confidence to commit $50 million to commence construction of the 200-megawatt wind farm," he said. Mr Thomas said the project would provide jobs to Waubra and surrounding districts during the wind farm's construction set to begin in September. He said construction would take two years. Mr Thomas said the company would also now consider other developments in Victoria.
Wind turbine for Hopetoun
The Esperance Express, Page: 12
Thursday, 20 July 2006
Two remote Western Australian towns - Hopetoun and Denham - are cutting their diesel fuel consumption and improving environmental outcomes through increased electricity generation from two new wind turbines.
Minister for the environment and heritage, Senator Ian Campell, said the wind turbine expansion was supported by $1.8 million Australian government funding through the renewable remote power generation program.
"Hopetoun and Denham are two towns where wind generation of electricity is making a big difference to their economic and environmental health," senator Campbell said. "In Hopetoun, the expansion project will provide an additional 1100 magawatt hours each year. The town will reduce its annual diesel consumption by 220,000 litres and prevent around 600 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere."
Both projects include the installation of additional "low load" diesel generators specifically designed to integrate with the wind turbines, which allow more wind generated electricity to be included in the power suppy.
"With development of the Ravensthorpe nickle mine, nearby to Hoptoun, clever technological solutions were needed to ensure future high quality electricity supplies. These supplies are now assured in the town will benefit from the economic boost the mine brings."
Thursday, 20 July 2006
Two remote Western Australian towns - Hopetoun and Denham - are cutting their diesel fuel consumption and improving environmental outcomes through increased electricity generation from two new wind turbines.
Minister for the environment and heritage, Senator Ian Campell, said the wind turbine expansion was supported by $1.8 million Australian government funding through the renewable remote power generation program.
"Hopetoun and Denham are two towns where wind generation of electricity is making a big difference to their economic and environmental health," senator Campbell said. "In Hopetoun, the expansion project will provide an additional 1100 magawatt hours each year. The town will reduce its annual diesel consumption by 220,000 litres and prevent around 600 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere."
Both projects include the installation of additional "low load" diesel generators specifically designed to integrate with the wind turbines, which allow more wind generated electricity to be included in the power suppy.
"With development of the Ravensthorpe nickle mine, nearby to Hoptoun, clever technological solutions were needed to ensure future high quality electricity supplies. These supplies are now assured in the town will benefit from the economic boost the mine brings."
Thursday, 20 July 2006
Winds of profit blow for Waubra landowners
The Age, Page: 5
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
LAWRENCE Gallagher was grinning yesterday despite a cold, strong wind that was doing its best to cut into his bones. For Mr Gallagher - and 29 other farmers and landowners in the Waubra region just north of Ballarat - that wind means money. Their properties will be the location for Spanish group Acciona's 128-turbine wind farm. Mr Gallagher will have six turbines on his 320 and 200-hectare properties.
At $7000 per tower a year, indexed for inflation, that's an extra $42,000 income. "We see them as drought-proofing our property," he said. Like many farmers in the region, Mr Gallagher runs sheep and lambs, and harvests potatoes. The past decade has been a killer, with the last year particularly dry.
Only last weekend's rain put a nice green tinge on the bare hills and paddocks. The dry weather has also made Mr Gallagher, 44, more conscious of global warming, with the threat of future drier seasons. He sees the wind farm as a way to help cut carbon dioxide emissions.
"It's a start. I know China and India and others will be creating emissions, but we are making a start to fix the problem," he said. Mr Gallagher is also happy that the wind farm will bring money to the community in Waubra, which will receive $500 per tower. The primary school, fire brigade, horticultural society and football club will be among the beneficiaries. Locals will also have the chance to obtain some of the jobs that will be available to maintain the turbines.
Mr Gallagher acknowledged that there had been opponents of the wind farm. "They thought land and house prices would be badly affected, but that hasn't happened," he said.
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
LAWRENCE Gallagher was grinning yesterday despite a cold, strong wind that was doing its best to cut into his bones. For Mr Gallagher - and 29 other farmers and landowners in the Waubra region just north of Ballarat - that wind means money. Their properties will be the location for Spanish group Acciona's 128-turbine wind farm. Mr Gallagher will have six turbines on his 320 and 200-hectare properties.
At $7000 per tower a year, indexed for inflation, that's an extra $42,000 income. "We see them as drought-proofing our property," he said. Like many farmers in the region, Mr Gallagher runs sheep and lambs, and harvests potatoes. The past decade has been a killer, with the last year particularly dry.
Only last weekend's rain put a nice green tinge on the bare hills and paddocks. The dry weather has also made Mr Gallagher, 44, more conscious of global warming, with the threat of future drier seasons. He sees the wind farm as a way to help cut carbon dioxide emissions.
"It's a start. I know China and India and others will be creating emissions, but we are making a start to fix the problem," he said. Mr Gallagher is also happy that the wind farm will bring money to the community in Waubra, which will receive $500 per tower. The primary school, fire brigade, horticultural society and football club will be among the beneficiaries. Locals will also have the chance to obtain some of the jobs that will be available to maintain the turbines.
Mr Gallagher acknowledged that there had been opponents of the wind farm. "They thought land and house prices would be badly affected, but that hasn't happened," he said.
Compromise plan to push clean energy
The Australian Financial Review, Page: 10
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
Renewable energy generators are pushing the federal government to introduce a mandatory scheme to encourage development of low emission technology, after Prime Minister John Howard again ruled out carbon trading. The scheme is being pushed as a first step towards a carbon price signal and as a replacement for the 2001 Mandatory Renewable Energy Target , which has been achieved. The Renewable Energy Generators of Australia and the Australian Wind Energy Association are behind the push and expected to present detailed modelling to the government within weeks. One option is to only include energy retailers and generators in the first phase of the scheme, so as not to damage energy-intensive industries such as cement and aluminium.
It may also involve a tradeable certificate that will reward low emission technologies such as dean coal, natural gas, wind, solar and biomass. Mr Howard outlined his vision for Australia's energy future on Monday and said the country would take a pragmatic view to policy and not introduce renewables at the expense of the economy. He branded a state government plan to introduce emissions trading as irresponsible and said it could hinder Australia's ability to become an energy super power. But the state Labor premiers are not backing down and plan to push on with a trading scheme which could be introduced as early as 2010. The proposal by the renewable energy generators is thought to have some support from a section of the coal industry, which has acknowledged a price on carbon is required to develop clean-coal technology.
It is seen as a compromise to a broad-based emissions 'trading scheme, which will penalise all polluters equally and is strongly opposed by energy-intensive industries. Victoria introduced plans for a similar mandatory target on Monday, which will require the state's energy retailers to source 10 per cent of their power from renewable sources by 2016. The plan received an immediate boost yesterday when Acciona Energy announced the first stage of a $400 million wind farm investment near Ballarat. Roaring 40s Renewable Energy also said it was reviewing its farm in south-west Victoria.
But the state government's claim that it would have a minimal impact on power bills, costing the average family less than $1 a month, has come under fire from the Energy Users Association. An Access Economics study shows it will raise costs by up to 5 per cent and have a negative impact on energy-intensive industries.
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
Renewable energy generators are pushing the federal government to introduce a mandatory scheme to encourage development of low emission technology, after Prime Minister John Howard again ruled out carbon trading. The scheme is being pushed as a first step towards a carbon price signal and as a replacement for the 2001 Mandatory Renewable Energy Target , which has been achieved. The Renewable Energy Generators of Australia and the Australian Wind Energy Association are behind the push and expected to present detailed modelling to the government within weeks. One option is to only include energy retailers and generators in the first phase of the scheme, so as not to damage energy-intensive industries such as cement and aluminium.
It may also involve a tradeable certificate that will reward low emission technologies such as dean coal, natural gas, wind, solar and biomass. Mr Howard outlined his vision for Australia's energy future on Monday and said the country would take a pragmatic view to policy and not introduce renewables at the expense of the economy. He branded a state government plan to introduce emissions trading as irresponsible and said it could hinder Australia's ability to become an energy super power. But the state Labor premiers are not backing down and plan to push on with a trading scheme which could be introduced as early as 2010. The proposal by the renewable energy generators is thought to have some support from a section of the coal industry, which has acknowledged a price on carbon is required to develop clean-coal technology.
It is seen as a compromise to a broad-based emissions 'trading scheme, which will penalise all polluters equally and is strongly opposed by energy-intensive industries. Victoria introduced plans for a similar mandatory target on Monday, which will require the state's energy retailers to source 10 per cent of their power from renewable sources by 2016. The plan received an immediate boost yesterday when Acciona Energy announced the first stage of a $400 million wind farm investment near Ballarat. Roaring 40s Renewable Energy also said it was reviewing its farm in south-west Victoria.
But the state government's claim that it would have a minimal impact on power bills, costing the average family less than $1 a month, has come under fire from the Energy Users Association. An Access Economics study shows it will raise costs by up to 5 per cent and have a negative impact on energy-intensive industries.
Wind energy blows fresh
The Mercury, Page: 13
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
TASMANIA should follow the lead of Victoria and provide incentives for renewable energy generation, says a former Hydro Tasmania chairman. This week Victoria detailed a scheme to obtain 10 per cent of its energy from renewable sources - in contrast to a federal move away from renewable sources. Former Hydro chairman Peter Rae, now chair of Renewable Energy Generators of Australia, said Tasmania should look at its own incentives for clean energy. Mr Rae said with Tasmania's energy supply almost totally renewable, any impetus for development would have to take some other form.
"But Tasmania could join in projects to encourage further development, and there is an opportunity with the Musselroe wind farm which has stalled," Mr Rae said. The Victorian move is expected to stimulate local energy development up to its 2016 deadline, similar to the now complete Federal Mandatory Renewable Energy Target . The interstate move has been welcomed by Tasmanian wind energy company Roaring 40s which says it should encourage Canberra to sustain the momentum. Roaring 40s managing director Mark Kelleher said the Victorian Government should be congratulated for promoting sustained investment in renewable energy.
"However, while the news is good for those developers operating in Victoria, further work is now needed at the federal level to ensure that Australia builds a national renewable energy industry that can provide the necessary response to climate change and maintain the momentum started under the MRET scheme," Mr Kelleher said. "Australia has some of the world's best renewable resources, including wind which is the fastest growing energy source in the world. "REGA believes developing more renewable energy can simultaneously improve supply and reduce the impact of greenhouse gases. Mr Rae said the commitment to renewable energy was endorsed by the G8 meeting in St Petersburg this week.
Tasmanian Energy Minister David Llewellyn welcomed the Victorian legislation. "I hope it will provide investment opportunities for Roaring 40s in Victoria," Mr Llewellyn said.
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
TASMANIA should follow the lead of Victoria and provide incentives for renewable energy generation, says a former Hydro Tasmania chairman. This week Victoria detailed a scheme to obtain 10 per cent of its energy from renewable sources - in contrast to a federal move away from renewable sources. Former Hydro chairman Peter Rae, now chair of Renewable Energy Generators of Australia, said Tasmania should look at its own incentives for clean energy. Mr Rae said with Tasmania's energy supply almost totally renewable, any impetus for development would have to take some other form.
"But Tasmania could join in projects to encourage further development, and there is an opportunity with the Musselroe wind farm which has stalled," Mr Rae said. The Victorian move is expected to stimulate local energy development up to its 2016 deadline, similar to the now complete Federal Mandatory Renewable Energy Target . The interstate move has been welcomed by Tasmanian wind energy company Roaring 40s which says it should encourage Canberra to sustain the momentum. Roaring 40s managing director Mark Kelleher said the Victorian Government should be congratulated for promoting sustained investment in renewable energy.
"However, while the news is good for those developers operating in Victoria, further work is now needed at the federal level to ensure that Australia builds a national renewable energy industry that can provide the necessary response to climate change and maintain the momentum started under the MRET scheme," Mr Kelleher said. "Australia has some of the world's best renewable resources, including wind which is the fastest growing energy source in the world. "REGA believes developing more renewable energy can simultaneously improve supply and reduce the impact of greenhouse gases. Mr Rae said the commitment to renewable energy was endorsed by the G8 meeting in St Petersburg this week.
Tasmanian Energy Minister David Llewellyn welcomed the Victorian legislation. "I hope it will provide investment opportunities for Roaring 40s in Victoria," Mr Llewellyn said.
Ire at project delays
The Standard (Warrnambool), Page: 6
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
THE developer of the Ryan's Corner and Hawkesdale wind farm projects has criticised the State Government for delaying planning decisions on wind farms. Gamesa Energy project manager Neil Weston said while he welcomed the Government's new Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) scheme, he was concerned projects appeared to be held up in the decision-making stage. "It is one element of concern to developers it has been a year since he (Planning Minister Rob Hulls) last approved a wind farm project," Mr Weston said. "I can think of half a dozen that have been waiting for a decision for a year or more.
"Mr Weston said wind farms waiting for a decision from the minister included Naroghid, Macarthur and Mount Gellibrand, as well as Dollar in Gippsland and Mount Mercer near Ballarat. "All those are sitting in the planning system. They've all been through the panel and are awaiting the minister's decision. "Mr Weston said Gamesa planned to lodge applications for the 31-turbine Hawkesdale wind farm and 68-turbine Ryan's Corner project within the next month.
Australian Wind Energy Association manager of media and community relations Rob Clancy said he hoped VRET might help speed-up wind farm decisions. A spokeswoman for Mr Hulls said wind farms were major developments with broad environmental, economic and social implications. "These need to be thoroughly examined and assessed, including wide public consultation," she said. "The process is exhaustive, but it is necessary in the interests of making sound decisions.
"The backlog of wind farm applications also suggests there could be a long wait for a decision on the 183-turbine Macarthur project for which a panel hearing was held in March. The spokeswoman said the department was still assessing the panel's report.
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
THE developer of the Ryan's Corner and Hawkesdale wind farm projects has criticised the State Government for delaying planning decisions on wind farms. Gamesa Energy project manager Neil Weston said while he welcomed the Government's new Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) scheme, he was concerned projects appeared to be held up in the decision-making stage. "It is one element of concern to developers it has been a year since he (Planning Minister Rob Hulls) last approved a wind farm project," Mr Weston said. "I can think of half a dozen that have been waiting for a decision for a year or more.
"Mr Weston said wind farms waiting for a decision from the minister included Naroghid, Macarthur and Mount Gellibrand, as well as Dollar in Gippsland and Mount Mercer near Ballarat. "All those are sitting in the planning system. They've all been through the panel and are awaiting the minister's decision. "Mr Weston said Gamesa planned to lodge applications for the 31-turbine Hawkesdale wind farm and 68-turbine Ryan's Corner project within the next month.
Australian Wind Energy Association manager of media and community relations Rob Clancy said he hoped VRET might help speed-up wind farm decisions. A spokeswoman for Mr Hulls said wind farms were major developments with broad environmental, economic and social implications. "These need to be thoroughly examined and assessed, including wide public consultation," she said. "The process is exhaustive, but it is necessary in the interests of making sound decisions.
"The backlog of wind farm applications also suggests there could be a long wait for a decision on the 183-turbine Macarthur project for which a panel hearing was held in March. The spokeswoman said the department was still assessing the panel's report.
Acciona will build Victoria's second biggest wind farm
Herald Sun
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
SPANISH renewable energy company Acciona will build Victoria's second biggest wind farm, at Waubra in Western Victoria.
The $400 million project, generating 192 megawatts from 128 turbines on land leased from farmers, was approved more than a year ago by the state government when the Melbourne-based firm Wind Power was the developer. The Spanish firm took over the project last year.
Brett Thomas, managing director of its Melbourne arm, Acciona Energy Oceania , said the company had acquired the project "on the belief" the government would impose a Mandatory Renewable Energy Target on the state's energy sector.
Mr Thomas said yesterday's announcement of the 10 per cent target "has given us the confidence" to invest $50 million in the first stage of the project. Mr Thomas said there was no further development of renewable energy possible under the federal government's target, now capped at two per cent.
But the Victoria's new target meant energy retailers must tap at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable sources - such as wind, solar and hydro generators - by 2016. "That places a demand on the market for renewable technology (and) renewable generation," he said.
Wind farms produce only 104 megawatts of energy in Victoria currently, but there is approval for another 491 megawatts, including a 195 megawatt wind power generator at Portland on the southwest coast.
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
SPANISH renewable energy company Acciona will build Victoria's second biggest wind farm, at Waubra in Western Victoria.
The $400 million project, generating 192 megawatts from 128 turbines on land leased from farmers, was approved more than a year ago by the state government when the Melbourne-based firm Wind Power was the developer. The Spanish firm took over the project last year.
Brett Thomas, managing director of its Melbourne arm, Acciona Energy Oceania , said the company had acquired the project "on the belief" the government would impose a Mandatory Renewable Energy Target on the state's energy sector.
Mr Thomas said yesterday's announcement of the 10 per cent target "has given us the confidence" to invest $50 million in the first stage of the project. Mr Thomas said there was no further development of renewable energy possible under the federal government's target, now capped at two per cent.
But the Victoria's new target meant energy retailers must tap at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable sources - such as wind, solar and hydro generators - by 2016. "That places a demand on the market for renewable technology (and) renewable generation," he said.
Wind farms produce only 104 megawatts of energy in Victoria currently, but there is approval for another 491 megawatts, including a 195 megawatt wind power generator at Portland on the southwest coast.
$1m for ocean power
The Standard (Warrnambool), Page: 3
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
WORK on Australia's first commercial wave-power electricity plant could start off Portland early next year after the State Government yesterday chipped in $1 million. The funding was part of a $13.3 allocation in addition to $500,000 previously provided to develop green energy technologies. Australian company Energetech is studying wave activity at Portland ahead of the first stage of the $40-million development.
Energetech chief financial officer John Bell said each unit would supply electricity for between 1500 and 2000 homes. "We expect it to develop into a commercial wind farm (size) where you have five, 10 or 15 units able to generate a small town's power," he said. The plant would be based on a prototype which has been built at Port Kembla. Mr Bell described the steel unit as like the original lunar landing module sitting in the water.
The waves' energy produces a vertical movement of air which drives a turbine, powering a generator. "Wave energy is quite an active area worldwide at the moment particularly in the United Kingdom and Portugal," Mr Bell said. "It is dependent on an appropriate level of wave activity. In the south-west it is quite good.
" Mr Bell said the plant would probably be near or linked to the Portland smelter. "Now this has been announced we will start getting more active about it and will start talking to local businesses," he said. "There is incentive and attraction there. We'd like to make it with as much local content as possible."
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
WORK on Australia's first commercial wave-power electricity plant could start off Portland early next year after the State Government yesterday chipped in $1 million. The funding was part of a $13.3 allocation in addition to $500,000 previously provided to develop green energy technologies. Australian company Energetech is studying wave activity at Portland ahead of the first stage of the $40-million development.
Energetech chief financial officer John Bell said each unit would supply electricity for between 1500 and 2000 homes. "We expect it to develop into a commercial wind farm (size) where you have five, 10 or 15 units able to generate a small town's power," he said. The plant would be based on a prototype which has been built at Port Kembla. Mr Bell described the steel unit as like the original lunar landing module sitting in the water.
The waves' energy produces a vertical movement of air which drives a turbine, powering a generator. "Wave energy is quite an active area worldwide at the moment particularly in the United Kingdom and Portugal," Mr Bell said. "It is dependent on an appropriate level of wave activity. In the south-west it is quite good.
" Mr Bell said the plant would probably be near or linked to the Portland smelter. "Now this has been announced we will start getting more active about it and will start talking to local businesses," he said. "There is incentive and attraction there. We'd like to make it with as much local content as possible."
Wind power not intermittent
The Magazine of Engineers Australia, Page: 8
Monday, 17 July 2006
Graham Shepherd's letter (Engineers Australia June) exaggerates the problems of intermittency of wind power. For a start the term intermittency is misleading, because it implies incorrectly that wind power commonly switches on and off sharply. In general, the power output from a number of dispersed wind farms varies smoothly and very rarely drops to zero, as shown by the forthcoming paper in Energy Policy by Graham Sinden, based on over 30 years of data from multiple sites in the UK. Wind power is more appropriately described as variable and the particular kind of variability associated with forced outages of thermal power stations is better described as intermittent.
There is no such thing as totally firm or reliable power. Even in the absence of wind power, the electricity system is a balancing act between two stochastic variables - demand and supply. Integration of wind power merely adds a third stochastic variable, which can be predicted quite well on an hour-to-hour and day-to-day basis. In the modelling of the integration of wind power into grid, there are studies of diverse quality.
Some of the better studies find that the additional costs incurred by quite large penetrations of wind power (eg in balancing supply and demand) are small. And they still over estimate the total costs, because they do not take into account the economic benefits of optimising the mix of conventional base, intermediate and peak load plant in the presence of wind power. In doing this, my own studies, in co-operation with Martin, showed that wind power substitutes for the capacity and cost of baseload power stations with the same annual energy generation. To maintain reliability of the generating system at the pre-wind level, some additional peak-load plant (eg. gas turbine) has to be installed.
But, since this is rarely used (for wind energy penetrations below 20%), it is simply a form of reliability insurance with low premium. There is no sharp technical limit to the penetration of wind power into a grid. In at least three isolated small grids in Australia (Denham and Hopetoun in WA and the Australian Antarctic base at Mawson) wind power supplies more than 40% of annual electricity generation, while low-load diesels supply the rest. Technically, it is easier to integrate wind power into a large grid, which offers both dispersed sites for wind farms and a mix of conventional base, intermediate and peak load plant for balancing.
The real issue is economics: as the wind penetration increases beyond about 10%, the additional costs gradually increase. Nevertheless, Denmark already generates 20% of its electricity from wind and is planning to increase this to around 30% in the near future.
Monday, 17 July 2006
Graham Shepherd's letter (Engineers Australia June) exaggerates the problems of intermittency of wind power. For a start the term intermittency is misleading, because it implies incorrectly that wind power commonly switches on and off sharply. In general, the power output from a number of dispersed wind farms varies smoothly and very rarely drops to zero, as shown by the forthcoming paper in Energy Policy by Graham Sinden, based on over 30 years of data from multiple sites in the UK. Wind power is more appropriately described as variable and the particular kind of variability associated with forced outages of thermal power stations is better described as intermittent.
There is no such thing as totally firm or reliable power. Even in the absence of wind power, the electricity system is a balancing act between two stochastic variables - demand and supply. Integration of wind power merely adds a third stochastic variable, which can be predicted quite well on an hour-to-hour and day-to-day basis. In the modelling of the integration of wind power into grid, there are studies of diverse quality.
Some of the better studies find that the additional costs incurred by quite large penetrations of wind power (eg in balancing supply and demand) are small. And they still over estimate the total costs, because they do not take into account the economic benefits of optimising the mix of conventional base, intermediate and peak load plant in the presence of wind power. In doing this, my own studies, in co-operation with Martin, showed that wind power substitutes for the capacity and cost of baseload power stations with the same annual energy generation. To maintain reliability of the generating system at the pre-wind level, some additional peak-load plant (eg. gas turbine) has to be installed.
But, since this is rarely used (for wind energy penetrations below 20%), it is simply a form of reliability insurance with low premium. There is no sharp technical limit to the penetration of wind power into a grid. In at least three isolated small grids in Australia (Denham and Hopetoun in WA and the Australian Antarctic base at Mawson) wind power supplies more than 40% of annual electricity generation, while low-load diesels supply the rest. Technically, it is easier to integrate wind power into a large grid, which offers both dispersed sites for wind farms and a mix of conventional base, intermediate and peak load plant for balancing.
The real issue is economics: as the wind penetration increases beyond about 10%, the additional costs gradually increase. Nevertheless, Denmark already generates 20% of its electricity from wind and is planning to increase this to around 30% in the near future.
PM, Premier agree on problem, but differ on solution
The Age, Page: 4
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
THE debate about global warming is over in Australia. John Howard and Steve Bracks made major statements yesterday on how the country can better prepare for what our political and scientific elite now acknowledge is the inevitability of climate change. But while the Liberal Prime Minister and the Labor Premier agree on the problem, they have very different views on a solution. Howard is encouraging Australia down the nuclear path to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the Premier of this "nuclear-free" state is demanding increased reliance on wind, solar and other renewable energy sources.
The environment lobby says the Bracks blueprint is best. "We need less hot air and more action on climate change," Australian Conservation Foundation executive director Don Henry said after both leaders had spoken yesterday. "On the one hand, we have the Prime Minister talking about nuclear power and carbon sequestration. They are dangerous and slow technologies that won't do a thing for at least a decade.
"On the other hand, here we have a state government taking action, with a Mandatory Renewable Energy Target that will mean we start cutting greenhouse pollution today. "The Premier's "environmental sustainability action statement" is a classic compromise between the "green" and "brown" forces in the cabinet. Environment Minister John Thwaites, head of the cabinet greens, and Energy Minister Theo Theophanous, normally much more pro-industry, worked closely on its centrepiece, the requirement that electricity retailers buy at least 10 per cent renewable energy by 2016, up from about 4 per cent now. Thwaites and Theophanous expect the renewable energy target will come to be seen as one of the Bracks Government's most important and enduring legacies.
Bracks will be pleased that business yesterday signalled its acceptance of the need for such measures. But he will be particularly delighted by yesterday's enthusiastic applause from the mainstream conservation groups, because green issues and the Greens party will play prominent roles in the lead-up to November's state election.
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
THE debate about global warming is over in Australia. John Howard and Steve Bracks made major statements yesterday on how the country can better prepare for what our political and scientific elite now acknowledge is the inevitability of climate change. But while the Liberal Prime Minister and the Labor Premier agree on the problem, they have very different views on a solution. Howard is encouraging Australia down the nuclear path to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the Premier of this "nuclear-free" state is demanding increased reliance on wind, solar and other renewable energy sources.
The environment lobby says the Bracks blueprint is best. "We need less hot air and more action on climate change," Australian Conservation Foundation executive director Don Henry said after both leaders had spoken yesterday. "On the one hand, we have the Prime Minister talking about nuclear power and carbon sequestration. They are dangerous and slow technologies that won't do a thing for at least a decade.
"On the other hand, here we have a state government taking action, with a Mandatory Renewable Energy Target that will mean we start cutting greenhouse pollution today. "The Premier's "environmental sustainability action statement" is a classic compromise between the "green" and "brown" forces in the cabinet. Environment Minister John Thwaites, head of the cabinet greens, and Energy Minister Theo Theophanous, normally much more pro-industry, worked closely on its centrepiece, the requirement that electricity retailers buy at least 10 per cent renewable energy by 2016, up from about 4 per cent now. Thwaites and Theophanous expect the renewable energy target will come to be seen as one of the Bracks Government's most important and enduring legacies.
Bracks will be pleased that business yesterday signalled its acceptance of the need for such measures. But he will be particularly delighted by yesterday's enthusiastic applause from the mainstream conservation groups, because green issues and the Greens party will play prominent roles in the lead-up to November's state election.
Wind is the fastest growing energy industry
The Ararat Advertiser, Page: 16
Friday, 14 July 2006
Wind is the fastest growing energy industry in the world as can be seen with a visit to the Challicum Hills Wind Farm, near Ararat. The problem of climate change is not slowing down. The wind energy industry has never claimed to be the single answer to our future electricity needs, instead it aims to be a significant part of the mix of technologies that will supply our power for years to come. The difference between wind and many other emission-free energy sources is that wind is available and working now, both here and overseas, with proven, reliable technology.
Australia is blessed with some of the best and most reliable winds on earth. The Federal Government can ensure it is ready to take advantage of this inexhaustible natural resource by providing incentives for investment in wind. Despite misleading claims that there are now 600 wind farms in Australia, the real figures are:. Australia currently has 41 wind farms in operation, with two more now under construction.
In total there are 505 wind turbines now operating with another 93 yet to begin operating. Including those under construction, that amounts to one wind turbine per 12.739 square kilometres. South Australia, which has 51% of Australia's wind energy, has one turbine per 4, 553 square km.
Renewable wind energy contributes significant amounts of green electricity:. Australia's wind resources are already being harnessed to produce up to 738 megawatts of power. In an average year that creates 2, 262 Gigawatt-hours of electricity -enough to power 314,000 homes, or almost 80% of Adelaide's domestic consumption. This green electricity helps Australia cut its greenhouse gas emissions because:.
2, 262GWh of pollution-free wind energy means a saving of almost 3,000,000 tonnes of C02 every year. That is the equivalent of taking 680,000 cars off our roads or planting 4.39 million trees. The Australian wind energy industry does not exist because of taxpayer subsidies.
An individual wind farm project may cost anywhere from $100 million to $400 million and the renewable energy company must carry the entire financial liability without government funding. The only guarantee the wind energy sector receives is guaranteed access to a share of half a percent of the electricity market through the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MEET) scheme. MRET was created in. part to level the disparity between high carbon emitting and low carbon emitting generation systems.
MRET is now fully subscribed. Wind energy exists in a competitive market along with various other sources of electricity. The price of electricity from fossil fuel does not include any charge for the cost of the pollution it produces. If a carbon penalty was added the cost of wind energy would be easily competitive with so-called clean coal, nuclear or any fuel source that relied on carbon geosequestration.
Wind's electricity contribution:Wind power currently provides about 0.5% of Australia's electricity requirements, but this could easily rise as high as 20% without any negative effects on the distribution network. With an appropriate number of wind farms over a wide area this would provide consistent, reliable power to the grid. Denmark gets 20% of its electricity from wind, Germany gets 5%, and Europe is aiming to produce 12% of its total electricity consumption from wind by 2020. China has legislated for renewable sources, including wind, to provide three times as much electricity as nuclear power by 2020. This year alone the USA plans to install 3.000MW of wind power, which is four times Australia's total installed capacity.
Wind's economic contribution: The wind energy industry in Australia currently has $1.7 billion in capital investment with the potential for billions more, if there were incentives to invest. Already, every year, $2.5 million goes directly to landholders who host wind turbines on their land, while another $19 million is spent on operational and maintenance costs, much of it in regional areas.
This investment has created hundreds of jobs and a guaranteed income for many farmers who are still able to carry out normal farming activities on 98% of their land. Hundreds more workers in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are directly employed in the manufacture and export of components for wind turbines. These jobs are not subsidised or government funded.
Friday, 14 July 2006
Wind is the fastest growing energy industry in the world as can be seen with a visit to the Challicum Hills Wind Farm, near Ararat. The problem of climate change is not slowing down. The wind energy industry has never claimed to be the single answer to our future electricity needs, instead it aims to be a significant part of the mix of technologies that will supply our power for years to come. The difference between wind and many other emission-free energy sources is that wind is available and working now, both here and overseas, with proven, reliable technology.
Australia is blessed with some of the best and most reliable winds on earth. The Federal Government can ensure it is ready to take advantage of this inexhaustible natural resource by providing incentives for investment in wind. Despite misleading claims that there are now 600 wind farms in Australia, the real figures are:. Australia currently has 41 wind farms in operation, with two more now under construction.
In total there are 505 wind turbines now operating with another 93 yet to begin operating. Including those under construction, that amounts to one wind turbine per 12.739 square kilometres. South Australia, which has 51% of Australia's wind energy, has one turbine per 4, 553 square km.
Renewable wind energy contributes significant amounts of green electricity:. Australia's wind resources are already being harnessed to produce up to 738 megawatts of power. In an average year that creates 2, 262 Gigawatt-hours of electricity -enough to power 314,000 homes, or almost 80% of Adelaide's domestic consumption. This green electricity helps Australia cut its greenhouse gas emissions because:.
2, 262GWh of pollution-free wind energy means a saving of almost 3,000,000 tonnes of C02 every year. That is the equivalent of taking 680,000 cars off our roads or planting 4.39 million trees. The Australian wind energy industry does not exist because of taxpayer subsidies.
An individual wind farm project may cost anywhere from $100 million to $400 million and the renewable energy company must carry the entire financial liability without government funding. The only guarantee the wind energy sector receives is guaranteed access to a share of half a percent of the electricity market through the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MEET) scheme. MRET was created in. part to level the disparity between high carbon emitting and low carbon emitting generation systems.
MRET is now fully subscribed. Wind energy exists in a competitive market along with various other sources of electricity. The price of electricity from fossil fuel does not include any charge for the cost of the pollution it produces. If a carbon penalty was added the cost of wind energy would be easily competitive with so-called clean coal, nuclear or any fuel source that relied on carbon geosequestration.
Wind's electricity contribution:Wind power currently provides about 0.5% of Australia's electricity requirements, but this could easily rise as high as 20% without any negative effects on the distribution network. With an appropriate number of wind farms over a wide area this would provide consistent, reliable power to the grid. Denmark gets 20% of its electricity from wind, Germany gets 5%, and Europe is aiming to produce 12% of its total electricity consumption from wind by 2020. China has legislated for renewable sources, including wind, to provide three times as much electricity as nuclear power by 2020. This year alone the USA plans to install 3.000MW of wind power, which is four times Australia's total installed capacity.
Wind's economic contribution: The wind energy industry in Australia currently has $1.7 billion in capital investment with the potential for billions more, if there were incentives to invest. Already, every year, $2.5 million goes directly to landholders who host wind turbines on their land, while another $19 million is spent on operational and maintenance costs, much of it in regional areas.
This investment has created hundreds of jobs and a guaranteed income for many farmers who are still able to carry out normal farming activities on 98% of their land. Hundreds more workers in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are directly employed in the manufacture and export of components for wind turbines. These jobs are not subsidised or government funded.
$1 billion investment
The South Eastern Times, Page: 1
Thursday, 13 July 2006
Lake Bonney Wind Farm proponents, Babcock and Brown Wind Partners (BBW) could spend approximately $1 billion in the region over the coming decade. The company has already outlaid over $300m. on stage one of their wind farm and work has begun on stage two, involving the construction of another 53 turbines worth $400m. When completed in March 2008, BBW will have 99 turbines operating along the Woakwine Range, overlooking Lake Bonney.
The two stages will create the largest wind farm in Australia and one of the largest in the world. At council's development assessment panel meeting on Tuesday (July 11), Mayor Don Ferguson said Babcock and Brown had intimated they were considering the construction of a 35 megawatt biomass plant near Millicent and 400MW of extra wind farms. "I, and the council CEO Frank Brennan, have been in constant contact with Babcock and Brown regarding renewable energy in South Australia, and I recently spent time with them in Canberra and Adelaide talking to government officials," Mayor Ferguson said. "The State Government are hoping to have 20 per cent renewable energy in SA by 2014 and 50% by 2050. I have written to the Premier, Mike Rann, pointing out BBW's interest in being part of the plans to meet the 20% target."
The Mayor said the next stage of the wind farms would stretch from Beachport to Cape Jaffa and the biomass plant would cost about $70m and would involve the employment of 150 people during construction. Legislation for the renewable energy targets are expected to go before State Parliament at the end of this year or early in 2007. Babcock and Brown spokesman, Miles George said the renewable energy Bill could be the trigger to allow them to go forward with further projects in the region.
"The draft Bill is a great step forward with incentives for retailers to purchase wind power. It will be up for consultation shortly before being put to parliament," he said BBW is a specialised investment fund focussed on the wind generator sector, and was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in October 2005, with a market capitalisation of approximately $A800m.
Thursday, 13 July 2006
Lake Bonney Wind Farm proponents, Babcock and Brown Wind Partners (BBW) could spend approximately $1 billion in the region over the coming decade. The company has already outlaid over $300m. on stage one of their wind farm and work has begun on stage two, involving the construction of another 53 turbines worth $400m. When completed in March 2008, BBW will have 99 turbines operating along the Woakwine Range, overlooking Lake Bonney.
The two stages will create the largest wind farm in Australia and one of the largest in the world. At council's development assessment panel meeting on Tuesday (July 11), Mayor Don Ferguson said Babcock and Brown had intimated they were considering the construction of a 35 megawatt biomass plant near Millicent and 400MW of extra wind farms. "I, and the council CEO Frank Brennan, have been in constant contact with Babcock and Brown regarding renewable energy in South Australia, and I recently spent time with them in Canberra and Adelaide talking to government officials," Mayor Ferguson said. "The State Government are hoping to have 20 per cent renewable energy in SA by 2014 and 50% by 2050. I have written to the Premier, Mike Rann, pointing out BBW's interest in being part of the plans to meet the 20% target."
The Mayor said the next stage of the wind farms would stretch from Beachport to Cape Jaffa and the biomass plant would cost about $70m and would involve the employment of 150 people during construction. Legislation for the renewable energy targets are expected to go before State Parliament at the end of this year or early in 2007. Babcock and Brown spokesman, Miles George said the renewable energy Bill could be the trigger to allow them to go forward with further projects in the region.
"The draft Bill is a great step forward with incentives for retailers to purchase wind power. It will be up for consultation shortly before being put to parliament," he said BBW is a specialised investment fund focussed on the wind generator sector, and was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in October 2005, with a market capitalisation of approximately $A800m.
Monday, 17 July 2006
Energy stance comes at a price
The Australian, Page: 4
Monday, 17 July 2006
POWER bills will rise in Victoria and hundreds more wind turbines will be dotted across the state as the Bracks Government goes it alone on its renewable energy program. Under a compromise deal with the power industry, the Government will today announce plans to have a 10 per cent renewable energy target by 2016, six years later than its initial goal of 2010. The Victorian program is based on the Howard Government's mandated renewable energy target scheme, which forces power retailers to buy specified amounts of renewable energy and spread the extra cost across their customers. Victorian Energy Industries and Resources Minister Theo Theophanous said the state scheme would require retailers to buy a minimum of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2016, up from the current 4 per cent.
Mr Theophanous said an extra 3274 gigawatt hours would be created over the life of the scheme, allowing for the establishment of about 500 more wind turbines across the state. Household electricity bills would rise by about $1 a month from 2008, and the Government said the rise would be offset by recent cuts to power bills. Mr Theophanous said the scheme would lead to the creation of 2200 jobs and would save 27 million tonnes of greenhouse gas-the environmental equivalent of removing every car from Victoria's roads for two years. The wind energy sector welcomed the scheme yesterday, despite pushing for an earlier introductory date of between 2012 and 2014. It is believed the coal generators had lobbied for a start date of 2018. "We think it's a step in the right direction," said Dominique La Fontaine, the chief executive of the Australian Wind Energy Association.
"It's the first state government to introduce a market mechanism. It's going to give us some incentive to invest beyond the federal MRET scheme." Ms La Fontaine urged the Howard Government to further action on renewable energy. The renewable energy program is a key plank of the $100 million Environmental Sustainability Action Statement that will be released today by Premier Steve Bracks.
The statement will include plans to purchase 150 hybrid cars for the state Government's vehicle fleet. Drivers of government vehicles will be required to fill up with ethanol-blended petrol when it is available. Environment Minister John Thwaites said the Government wanted to lead by example, because hybrid vehicles used about half as much fuel per kilometre as a comparable-sized regular car. Today's statement will include a $4.5 million allowance to combat pollution of the Yarra River, smart energy meters for households, increased levies on waste going to landfill, new controls on trail bikes and training programs in energy and water efficiency for trades workers.
Monday, 17 July 2006
POWER bills will rise in Victoria and hundreds more wind turbines will be dotted across the state as the Bracks Government goes it alone on its renewable energy program. Under a compromise deal with the power industry, the Government will today announce plans to have a 10 per cent renewable energy target by 2016, six years later than its initial goal of 2010. The Victorian program is based on the Howard Government's mandated renewable energy target scheme, which forces power retailers to buy specified amounts of renewable energy and spread the extra cost across their customers. Victorian Energy Industries and Resources Minister Theo Theophanous said the state scheme would require retailers to buy a minimum of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2016, up from the current 4 per cent.
Mr Theophanous said an extra 3274 gigawatt hours would be created over the life of the scheme, allowing for the establishment of about 500 more wind turbines across the state. Household electricity bills would rise by about $1 a month from 2008, and the Government said the rise would be offset by recent cuts to power bills. Mr Theophanous said the scheme would lead to the creation of 2200 jobs and would save 27 million tonnes of greenhouse gas-the environmental equivalent of removing every car from Victoria's roads for two years. The wind energy sector welcomed the scheme yesterday, despite pushing for an earlier introductory date of between 2012 and 2014. It is believed the coal generators had lobbied for a start date of 2018. "We think it's a step in the right direction," said Dominique La Fontaine, the chief executive of the Australian Wind Energy Association.
"It's the first state government to introduce a market mechanism. It's going to give us some incentive to invest beyond the federal MRET scheme." Ms La Fontaine urged the Howard Government to further action on renewable energy. The renewable energy program is a key plank of the $100 million Environmental Sustainability Action Statement that will be released today by Premier Steve Bracks.
The statement will include plans to purchase 150 hybrid cars for the state Government's vehicle fleet. Drivers of government vehicles will be required to fill up with ethanol-blended petrol when it is available. Environment Minister John Thwaites said the Government wanted to lead by example, because hybrid vehicles used about half as much fuel per kilometre as a comparable-sized regular car. Today's statement will include a $4.5 million allowance to combat pollution of the Yarra River, smart energy meters for households, increased levies on waste going to landfill, new controls on trail bikes and training programs in energy and water efficiency for trades workers.
Farmers left out in cold as Federal Government claims credit on climate change
The Warialda Standard, Page: 5
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Chair of the NSW Farmers' Association's Conservation and Resource Management Committee, Louise Surge says Australia can only claim to be meeting its greenhouse commitments because of restrictions imposed on agricultural land, primarily native vegetation restrictions. "Australian Greenhouse Office reports show that agriculture is effectively subsidising the greenhouse gas pollution of other industries, leaving family farming businesses to foot the bill for other industry sectors," Mrs Burge said. "There is no compulsion on these greenhouse emitters to pay agriculture for the burden imposed, In fact Government policies have created this inequity via agreements made in relation to the Kyoto Protocol, where potential future carbon credits schemes can only apply to vegetation planted or regrown since 1990 should Australia sign the convention," Mrs Burge said. Mrs Burge says the real sting in the tail comes from the Federal Government's recent change to the taxation arrangements in regard to renewable fuels.
"On the one hand Government policy is directing industries, including agriculture to become more greenhouse efficient - yet supports policies that don't fully recognise the environmental importance of renewable fuels such as biodiesel that can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70%," Mrs Burge said. "Now, with many farmers wishing to reduce their fuel costs and reduce their impacts on the environment, Governments should be aware of the benefits of renewable fuel and support the use of biodiesel as a way of meeting international emissions," Mrs Burge said. Mrs Burge is also concerned that a report by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) due to be released in December will place yet more of the greenhouse burden on agriculture and still fail to address the major greenhouse pollution caused by the energy and transport sectors. "COAG's report may well find farmers facing new restrictions on the use of fertilisers or having to find solutions to prevent their cows passing too much wind," Mrs Burge said.
"In New Zealand a flatulence tax on cattle almost became a political reality. If Australia heads in this direction, the cynicism of government will be confirmed - why should they take on the powerful mining, energy and transport sectors when it is politically easier to impose the burden on farmers?" Mrs Surge concluded.
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Chair of the NSW Farmers' Association's Conservation and Resource Management Committee, Louise Surge says Australia can only claim to be meeting its greenhouse commitments because of restrictions imposed on agricultural land, primarily native vegetation restrictions. "Australian Greenhouse Office reports show that agriculture is effectively subsidising the greenhouse gas pollution of other industries, leaving family farming businesses to foot the bill for other industry sectors," Mrs Burge said. "There is no compulsion on these greenhouse emitters to pay agriculture for the burden imposed, In fact Government policies have created this inequity via agreements made in relation to the Kyoto Protocol, where potential future carbon credits schemes can only apply to vegetation planted or regrown since 1990 should Australia sign the convention," Mrs Burge said. Mrs Burge says the real sting in the tail comes from the Federal Government's recent change to the taxation arrangements in regard to renewable fuels."On the one hand Government policy is directing industries, including agriculture to become more greenhouse efficient - yet supports policies that don't fully recognise the environmental importance of renewable fuels such as biodiesel that can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70%," Mrs Burge said. "Now, with many farmers wishing to reduce their fuel costs and reduce their impacts on the environment, Governments should be aware of the benefits of renewable fuel and support the use of biodiesel as a way of meeting international emissions," Mrs Burge said. Mrs Burge is also concerned that a report by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) due to be released in December will place yet more of the greenhouse burden on agriculture and still fail to address the major greenhouse pollution caused by the energy and transport sectors. "COAG's report may well find farmers facing new restrictions on the use of fertilisers or having to find solutions to prevent their cows passing too much wind," Mrs Burge said.
"In New Zealand a flatulence tax on cattle almost became a political reality. If Australia heads in this direction, the cynicism of government will be confirmed - why should they take on the powerful mining, energy and transport sectors when it is politically easier to impose the burden on farmers?" Mrs Surge concluded.
Drilling for oil in Antarctica could become profitable.
ABC Tasmania abc.net.au
Friday, 14 July 2006
An Iranian oil expert in Hobart for an international conference on Antarctica says the world needs to adapt as oil supplies diminish. Ali Samsam Bakhtiari says if oil prices reach $US200 per barrel, drilling in Antarctica could become profitable. He says he hopes it never happens, but doubts any international treaty could protect the frozen continent. "It will certainly not happen tomorrow, you need time, you need much higher prices," he said.
"Antarctica is the last frontier and, in my opinion, it is the home of 20 million penguins." Meantime, the Australian Antarctic Division says rising fuel costs are forcing it to re-examine its work on the frozen continent. The division's director, Tony Press, says Australia is already looking at a number of changes to respond to higher fuel costs. "We're looking at things like alternative energy, we've got industrial size wind generation in Antarctica, we're looking at hydrogen," he said.
"But there are other economies we need to look at, including how efficiently we operate, but that might mean how we collaborate with other countries."
Friday, 14 July 2006
An Iranian oil expert in Hobart for an international conference on Antarctica says the world needs to adapt as oil supplies diminish. Ali Samsam Bakhtiari says if oil prices reach $US200 per barrel, drilling in Antarctica could become profitable. He says he hopes it never happens, but doubts any international treaty could protect the frozen continent. "It will certainly not happen tomorrow, you need time, you need much higher prices," he said."Antarctica is the last frontier and, in my opinion, it is the home of 20 million penguins." Meantime, the Australian Antarctic Division says rising fuel costs are forcing it to re-examine its work on the frozen continent. The division's director, Tony Press, says Australia is already looking at a number of changes to respond to higher fuel costs. "We're looking at things like alternative energy, we've got industrial size wind generation in Antarctica, we're looking at hydrogen," he said.
"But there are other economies we need to look at, including how efficiently we operate, but that might mean how we collaborate with other countries."
Friday, 14 July 2006
Energy Crisis
Geelong Advertiser, Page: 17
Thursday, 13 July 2006
ENERGY is the basis of modem civilisation. We have easier lives than our grandparents did because we use much more energy: electricity, gas and transport fuels. Our energy use is equivalent to 40 human slaves working for us in shifts, doing what slaves used to do: it produces our food, transports us, washes our clothes, entertains us, fans us when we are hot and so on. Energy has also been used to ease other shortages.
Cities without water have processed seawater - using energy. We have increased food supply for our growing population by farming more intensively - using energy. As we exhausted rich metal ores, we moved on to poorer deposits - but that takes more energy. Without usable energy, our society would literally grind to a halt.
We now face two serious problems. We are near the end of the age of cheap petroleum fuels. The second problem is that present use of fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - is seriously changing the global climate. Both problems are compounded by huge inequalities.
Australians use about half as much energy as US citizens, but about five times as much as Chinese and 50 times as much as people in the poorest parts of the world. We have known about the problems of peak oil and climate change for decades. Science was telling us in 1987 that climate change was a real threat to civilised society, demanding a new approach to energy supply and use. But we still have no overall energy policy to plan the transitions from cheap oil and large-scale coal use.
Petroleum fuels are becoming more expensive as increasing demand faces slowing production. We could be paying $2 by the end of the year and $5 by 2010. That will have a dramatic impact. The response should include both supply options, such as other transport fuels, as well as the demand side of the equation: how can we reduce our need for oil products? Some alternative transport fuels have been known and used for decades: alcohol from sugar cane and synthetic liquid fuel from gas.
There are new forms of transport energy on the horizon; hydrogen produced from water by renewable energy is the most likely to be sustainable. These alternatives will cost much more to move people and goods around. So we need to develop alternatives like better public transport, bikeways and footpaths, but we urgently need urban planning to make services more accessible. We also needto put much less carbon dioxide into the air.
There are two ways to do this. First, we must use cleaner fuels. It is much better to use gas than electricity. We can't afford to keep using old technologies that are changing the global climate - like coal-fired electricity.
Using electricity to heat water or cook, rather than burning gas, puts about four times as much carbon dioxide into the air. Renewable energies, such as solar or wind power, are cleaner still. These natural energy flows arc huge, far greater than human energy needs. As a specific example, the entire worlds energy use for a whole year is only about double the solar energy hitting Australia in one summer day.
We should get much more of our energy from sun, wind and other renewable sources. It will cost a bit more than burning coal but it won't impose the large and growing costs of climate change. The second part of the solution is turning energy more efficiently into the services we want. We don't actually want energy; we want hot showers and cold drinks, the ability to cook our food, wash our clothes and move around.
Most of the technology we use is very wasteful. Several European countries now have a target of cutting energy use to a quarter of the present level by efficiency improvements. Around the world, 1.2 billion people still need clean water, 800 million are hungry and hundreds of millions lack decent shelter.
To meet their basic needs within the limits of global systems, we must use cleaner energy and use it more efficiently. What you and I do every day makes a difference. We are all creating the future. It will only be sustainable if it is equitable, resourced and respects the limits of the Earth.
Professor lan Lowe is emeritus professor of science, technology and society at Griffith University.
Thursday, 13 July 2006
ENERGY is the basis of modem civilisation. We have easier lives than our grandparents did because we use much more energy: electricity, gas and transport fuels. Our energy use is equivalent to 40 human slaves working for us in shifts, doing what slaves used to do: it produces our food, transports us, washes our clothes, entertains us, fans us when we are hot and so on. Energy has also been used to ease other shortages.Cities without water have processed seawater - using energy. We have increased food supply for our growing population by farming more intensively - using energy. As we exhausted rich metal ores, we moved on to poorer deposits - but that takes more energy. Without usable energy, our society would literally grind to a halt.
We now face two serious problems. We are near the end of the age of cheap petroleum fuels. The second problem is that present use of fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - is seriously changing the global climate. Both problems are compounded by huge inequalities.
Australians use about half as much energy as US citizens, but about five times as much as Chinese and 50 times as much as people in the poorest parts of the world. We have known about the problems of peak oil and climate change for decades. Science was telling us in 1987 that climate change was a real threat to civilised society, demanding a new approach to energy supply and use. But we still have no overall energy policy to plan the transitions from cheap oil and large-scale coal use.
Petroleum fuels are becoming more expensive as increasing demand faces slowing production. We could be paying $2 by the end of the year and $5 by 2010. That will have a dramatic impact. The response should include both supply options, such as other transport fuels, as well as the demand side of the equation: how can we reduce our need for oil products? Some alternative transport fuels have been known and used for decades: alcohol from sugar cane and synthetic liquid fuel from gas.
There are new forms of transport energy on the horizon; hydrogen produced from water by renewable energy is the most likely to be sustainable. These alternatives will cost much more to move people and goods around. So we need to develop alternatives like better public transport, bikeways and footpaths, but we urgently need urban planning to make services more accessible. We also needto put much less carbon dioxide into the air.
There are two ways to do this. First, we must use cleaner fuels. It is much better to use gas than electricity. We can't afford to keep using old technologies that are changing the global climate - like coal-fired electricity.
Using electricity to heat water or cook, rather than burning gas, puts about four times as much carbon dioxide into the air. Renewable energies, such as solar or wind power, are cleaner still. These natural energy flows arc huge, far greater than human energy needs. As a specific example, the entire worlds energy use for a whole year is only about double the solar energy hitting Australia in one summer day.
We should get much more of our energy from sun, wind and other renewable sources. It will cost a bit more than burning coal but it won't impose the large and growing costs of climate change. The second part of the solution is turning energy more efficiently into the services we want. We don't actually want energy; we want hot showers and cold drinks, the ability to cook our food, wash our clothes and move around.
Most of the technology we use is very wasteful. Several European countries now have a target of cutting energy use to a quarter of the present level by efficiency improvements. Around the world, 1.2 billion people still need clean water, 800 million are hungry and hundreds of millions lack decent shelter.
To meet their basic needs within the limits of global systems, we must use cleaner energy and use it more efficiently. What you and I do every day makes a difference. We are all creating the future. It will only be sustainable if it is equitable, resourced and respects the limits of the Earth.
Professor lan Lowe is emeritus professor of science, technology and society at Griffith University.
Emu Downs energy milestone
Midwest Times, Page: 3
Thursday, 13 July 2006
THE Emu Downs Wind Farm installed its 48th and final turbine last week, marking its entry into the final stages of the $180million project. The 80 Megawatt wind farm is being constructed 30 kilometres east of Cervantes as part of a joint venture between Stanwell Corporation Limited (Stanwell) and Griffin Energy. Griffin Energy Power Generation executive general manager Wayne Trumble said the project had progressed successfully thanks to good weather conditions, thehard work of the project team and local Input and support." Local businesses have been responsible for much of the work carried out onsite and the project has created local opportunities for training, tradespeople, suppliers and other service providers," he said.
The project, which will power more than 50,000 homes each year, will now move into its commissioning phase and project manager Bruce Mitchell said it was on schedule to be completed later this year. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Francis Logan has called for expressions of interest from consumers to be part of a ministerial advisory committee on electricity supply. "We will want committee members to identify issues associated with standards of electricity supply, comment on the effectiveness of consumer protection mechanisms and advise on existing or emerging issueswith electricity supply standards," Mr Logan said.
"It will be invaluable to have the input of the end users who deal with the impact of electricity supply issues on a daily basis." Mr Logan said the committee would include residential electricity users from both metropolitan and regional areas, as well as owners and operators of small, medium and large businesses. The committee will be established and chaired by the Minister. Expressions of interest close on July 28.
For information call 9420 5600 or visit www.energy.wa.gov.au
Thursday, 13 July 2006
THE Emu Downs Wind Farm installed its 48th and final turbine last week, marking its entry into the final stages of the $180million project. The 80 Megawatt wind farm is being constructed 30 kilometres east of Cervantes as part of a joint venture between Stanwell Corporation Limited (Stanwell) and Griffin Energy. Griffin Energy Power Generation executive general manager Wayne Trumble said the project had progressed successfully thanks to good weather conditions, thehard work of the project team and local Input and support." Local businesses have been responsible for much of the work carried out onsite and the project has created local opportunities for training, tradespeople, suppliers and other service providers," he said.
The project, which will power more than 50,000 homes each year, will now move into its commissioning phase and project manager Bruce Mitchell said it was on schedule to be completed later this year. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Francis Logan has called for expressions of interest from consumers to be part of a ministerial advisory committee on electricity supply. "We will want committee members to identify issues associated with standards of electricity supply, comment on the effectiveness of consumer protection mechanisms and advise on existing or emerging issueswith electricity supply standards," Mr Logan said.
"It will be invaluable to have the input of the end users who deal with the impact of electricity supply issues on a daily basis." Mr Logan said the committee would include residential electricity users from both metropolitan and regional areas, as well as owners and operators of small, medium and large businesses. The committee will be established and chaired by the Minister. Expressions of interest close on July 28.
For information call 9420 5600 or visit www.energy.wa.gov.au
Shire declares: We're up for job
Yarram Standard News, Page: 11
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Wellington Shire Council has assured the community that council officers are well equipped to make the right decision on the community's behalf in regards to the Devon North wind farm. Council's development services manager Kirn Phillips said officers have the necessary skills to analyse the complex data submitted as part of the planning permit application for the wind farm."Council officers have all the necessary skills to assess the application against the relevant planning criteria," she said."Officers will consult with other authorities, such as the Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, as required for expert comment or other technical advice on planning issues such as noise impacts.
"This is the first application for a wind farm development, so it is in some ways a first for us, but as with all planning applications, assessment is made of the individual planning merits of the application."
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Wellington Shire Council has assured the community that council officers are well equipped to make the right decision on the community's behalf in regards to the Devon North wind farm. Council's development services manager Kirn Phillips said officers have the necessary skills to analyse the complex data submitted as part of the planning permit application for the wind farm."Council officers have all the necessary skills to assess the application against the relevant planning criteria," she said."Officers will consult with other authorities, such as the Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, as required for expert comment or other technical advice on planning issues such as noise impacts.
"This is the first application for a wind farm development, so it is in some ways a first for us, but as with all planning applications, assessment is made of the individual planning merits of the application."
Geothermal energy permits offered
Discovery, Page: 5
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Victoria's embrace of alternative energy resources has led to a call for applications to explore for deep underground geothermal energy resources which can be utilised for the greenhouse friendly generation of electricity. Geothermal energy utilises the power of hot, dry rocks and water reservoirs from deep beneath the earth's surface to operate electricity generation turbines. A total of 31 blocks across Victoria have been offered to explorers to locate the state's best geothermal resources. The permit areas were unveiled at a recent function led by Victorian Energy Industries and Resources Minister, Theo Theophanous, with more than 70 industry participants attending.
Mr Theophanous said that unlike New Zealand, Australia's geothermal potential was not obvious on the surface, but he said that vast reserves of hot rocks and water potentially existed below ground. "Like wind energy, geothermal energy has minimal impact on the environment. However, it has significant potential to provide us with a clean form of power," he said. "We expect that within six months there will be significant activity. Several companies have already expressed interest in this and have projects ready to go."
One company which has declared its interest in geothermal energy is Petratherm, which is already drilling for hot rocks in South Australia. Petratherm managing director Peter Reid said the Gippsland and Otway basins had the right geological features to host geothermal energy resources and added thai the areas were also well served with existing infrastructure which could aid the development of any resources discovered in the areas. Oil and gas exploration group, Lakes Oil Ltd is also keen to participate in the geothermal energy application process.
Chairman Rob Annells said the company's drilling activities in the Gippsland Basin area and in the Otway Basin west of Melbourne had already provided Lakes with a large amount of knowledge about potential geothermal energy resources in Victoria. "We've got a fair idea of where there are some good areas," Mr Annells said, adding that Lakes has advocated for geothermal energy for a number of years. New legislation to promote large-scale geothermal operations was adopted in Victoria last year to support investment in geothermal energy. The Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005 (GER Act) puts in place a framework that gives secure title to the resource, provides efficient and effective allocation processes, and establishes transparent, fair and efficient land use, environment planning and land access processes.
The legislation ensures that health, safety and environmental issues are considered as part of geothermal operations. It is designed to apply only to major energy investment projects so it does not require exploration permits or extraction licences where the in situ temperature is less than 70°C or the heat source is less than 1 kilometre below the earth's surface. Small-scale commercial projects such as fish farms or the heating of municipal swimming pools are unlikely to be affectec by the GER Act. DPI's GeoScience Victoria group has produced a free geoscience data DVD for companies considering exploring Victoria for sites of likely geothermal power generation.
Groups interested in applying for one or more geothermal permit areas must submit an exploration work plan for the area of interest which will be assessed against set criteria. Closing date for applications is 11 October 2006 with new permits likely to be granted in late 2006 or early 2007.
For more information visit: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/geothermal
Contact: Roger Buckley, Manager Business Development Department of Primary Industries Phone: 03 9658 4402
Email: roger.buckley@dpi.vic.gov.au
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Victoria's embrace of alternative energy resources has led to a call for applications to explore for deep underground geothermal energy resources which can be utilised for the greenhouse friendly generation of electricity. Geothermal energy utilises the power of hot, dry rocks and water reservoirs from deep beneath the earth's surface to operate electricity generation turbines. A total of 31 blocks across Victoria have been offered to explorers to locate the state's best geothermal resources. The permit areas were unveiled at a recent function led by Victorian Energy Industries and Resources Minister, Theo Theophanous, with more than 70 industry participants attending.
Mr Theophanous said that unlike New Zealand, Australia's geothermal potential was not obvious on the surface, but he said that vast reserves of hot rocks and water potentially existed below ground. "Like wind energy, geothermal energy has minimal impact on the environment. However, it has significant potential to provide us with a clean form of power," he said. "We expect that within six months there will be significant activity. Several companies have already expressed interest in this and have projects ready to go."
One company which has declared its interest in geothermal energy is Petratherm, which is already drilling for hot rocks in South Australia. Petratherm managing director Peter Reid said the Gippsland and Otway basins had the right geological features to host geothermal energy resources and added thai the areas were also well served with existing infrastructure which could aid the development of any resources discovered in the areas. Oil and gas exploration group, Lakes Oil Ltd is also keen to participate in the geothermal energy application process.
Chairman Rob Annells said the company's drilling activities in the Gippsland Basin area and in the Otway Basin west of Melbourne had already provided Lakes with a large amount of knowledge about potential geothermal energy resources in Victoria. "We've got a fair idea of where there are some good areas," Mr Annells said, adding that Lakes has advocated for geothermal energy for a number of years. New legislation to promote large-scale geothermal operations was adopted in Victoria last year to support investment in geothermal energy. The Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005 (GER Act) puts in place a framework that gives secure title to the resource, provides efficient and effective allocation processes, and establishes transparent, fair and efficient land use, environment planning and land access processes.
The legislation ensures that health, safety and environmental issues are considered as part of geothermal operations. It is designed to apply only to major energy investment projects so it does not require exploration permits or extraction licences where the in situ temperature is less than 70°C or the heat source is less than 1 kilometre below the earth's surface. Small-scale commercial projects such as fish farms or the heating of municipal swimming pools are unlikely to be affectec by the GER Act. DPI's GeoScience Victoria group has produced a free geoscience data DVD for companies considering exploring Victoria for sites of likely geothermal power generation.
Groups interested in applying for one or more geothermal permit areas must submit an exploration work plan for the area of interest which will be assessed against set criteria. Closing date for applications is 11 October 2006 with new permits likely to be granted in late 2006 or early 2007.
For more information visit: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/geothermal
Contact: Roger Buckley, Manager Business Development Department of Primary Industries Phone: 03 9658 4402
Email: roger.buckley@dpi.vic.gov.au
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
A blast of vital power
The Weekly Times, Page: 17
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
The Federal Government is ill-informed on the wind energy debate, says Dominique La Fontaine
THE time has come to set the record straight on wind energy, after a great deal of recent debate prompted by illinformed comments. Despite misleading claims to the contrary, the Australian wind energy industry does not exist because of taxpayer subsidies. An individual wind farm project may cost anywhere from $100 million to $400 million and the developer must carry the entire financial liability without government funding. The only guarantee the wind energy sector receives is guaranteed access to a share of half a per cent of the electricity market, through the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target scheme.
MRET was created in part to level the disparity between high carbon dioxide emitting and low carbon dioxide emitting generation systems. The MRET is now full, meaning under the current federal regulations there is no incentive for anyone to invest in renewable energy in Australia. Recent comments by Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran (The Weekly Times, July 5) that the wind energy industry was "exaggerating its energy credentials and using government subsidies to build massive wind farms" are illinformed on several levels. Apart from the technical facts, which I will touch on shortly, it was disappointing to see the Federal Minister reject out of hand a technology that provides regular guaranteed income to hundreds of farmers while also helping to tackle climate change, the greatest medium to long-term threat to their livelihoods.
The wind energy industry does not pretend to be the single answer to our future electricity needs. Instead it aims to be a significant part of the mix of technologies that will supply our power for years to come. The difference between wind and many other emission-free energy sources is that wind is available and working now, both here and overseas, with proven, reliable technology. There are 41 wind farms operating, with a total of 505 turbines.
Another two wind farms, with 98 more turbines, are under construction. On average, Australia has one single wind turbine for every 12,739 square km of land. Australia's present total installed capacity is 738 megawatts. In an average year that creates 2262 gigawatt-hours of electricity-enough to power 314,000 homes, or more than a quarter of Melbourne's domestic consumption.
At the same time, it is preventing the production of almost three million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, which is the equivalent of taking 680,000 cars off our roads or planting 4.39 million trees. Compared to other energy sources, wind uses a freely available, naturally occurring, unprocessed and inexhaustible fuel source, has zero security risk and produces no emissions. At least 98 per cent of the land used for wind turbines is also available for cropping or grazing, and at the end of its working life (20-25 years) a wind turbine can be easily and safely removed.
Now consider the cost. The best available modelling shows that if electricity from burning fossil fuels included the cost of pollution mitigation, be it geosequestration, so-called "clean" coal, or some other technology, wind power would be easily competitive. As for nuclear power, present cost estimates show it to be at a similar level to wind, but still with no long-term answer or guarantees about radioactive waste disposal. Wind is the fastest growing energy industry in the world.
China, India, the US, Canada and many European nations are leading the way in wind power. Australia is blessed with some of the best and most reliable winds on earth. The Federal Government can ensure it is ready to take advantage of this free natural resource by providing incentives for investment in wind. This would be a concrete step toward truly tackling our greenhouse gas emissions while also providing the power that modern society demands.
Dominique La Fontaine is the chief executive of Auswind, the Australian Wind Energy Association.
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
The Federal Government is ill-informed on the wind energy debate, says Dominique La Fontaine
THE time has come to set the record straight on wind energy, after a great deal of recent debate prompted by illinformed comments. Despite misleading claims to the contrary, the Australian wind energy industry does not exist because of taxpayer subsidies. An individual wind farm project may cost anywhere from $100 million to $400 million and the developer must carry the entire financial liability without government funding. The only guarantee the wind energy sector receives is guaranteed access to a share of half a per cent of the electricity market, through the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target scheme.
MRET was created in part to level the disparity between high carbon dioxide emitting and low carbon dioxide emitting generation systems. The MRET is now full, meaning under the current federal regulations there is no incentive for anyone to invest in renewable energy in Australia. Recent comments by Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran (The Weekly Times, July 5) that the wind energy industry was "exaggerating its energy credentials and using government subsidies to build massive wind farms" are illinformed on several levels. Apart from the technical facts, which I will touch on shortly, it was disappointing to see the Federal Minister reject out of hand a technology that provides regular guaranteed income to hundreds of farmers while also helping to tackle climate change, the greatest medium to long-term threat to their livelihoods.
The wind energy industry does not pretend to be the single answer to our future electricity needs. Instead it aims to be a significant part of the mix of technologies that will supply our power for years to come. The difference between wind and many other emission-free energy sources is that wind is available and working now, both here and overseas, with proven, reliable technology. There are 41 wind farms operating, with a total of 505 turbines.
Another two wind farms, with 98 more turbines, are under construction. On average, Australia has one single wind turbine for every 12,739 square km of land. Australia's present total installed capacity is 738 megawatts. In an average year that creates 2262 gigawatt-hours of electricity-enough to power 314,000 homes, or more than a quarter of Melbourne's domestic consumption.
At the same time, it is preventing the production of almost three million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, which is the equivalent of taking 680,000 cars off our roads or planting 4.39 million trees. Compared to other energy sources, wind uses a freely available, naturally occurring, unprocessed and inexhaustible fuel source, has zero security risk and produces no emissions. At least 98 per cent of the land used for wind turbines is also available for cropping or grazing, and at the end of its working life (20-25 years) a wind turbine can be easily and safely removed.
Now consider the cost. The best available modelling shows that if electricity from burning fossil fuels included the cost of pollution mitigation, be it geosequestration, so-called "clean" coal, or some other technology, wind power would be easily competitive. As for nuclear power, present cost estimates show it to be at a similar level to wind, but still with no long-term answer or guarantees about radioactive waste disposal. Wind is the fastest growing energy industry in the world.
China, India, the US, Canada and many European nations are leading the way in wind power. Australia is blessed with some of the best and most reliable winds on earth. The Federal Government can ensure it is ready to take advantage of this free natural resource by providing incentives for investment in wind. This would be a concrete step toward truly tackling our greenhouse gas emissions while also providing the power that modern society demands.
Dominique La Fontaine is the chief executive of Auswind, the Australian Wind Energy Association.
Wind power decision
Northern Guardian, Page: 1
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
The dunes at Coral Bay, a kilometre south of the settlement, are the likely site for three 55-metre wind turbines if the Environmental Protection Authority passes the Horizon Power assessment this month.
THE location of three giant wind turbines that will tower over Coral Bay is expected to be decided later this month. The two sites nominated for the 55-metre towers, capable of supplying 40 per cent of the town's electricity, are undergoing final assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority.
Horizon Power corporate affairs manager John Kitis said the preferred site, located a kilometre south of the settlement on top of sand dunes would be 15 per cent more efficient than the second nominated site. The efficiency meant 70,000 additional litres of diesel fuel would be needed to generate the difference each year. Mr Kitis said this would significantly increase the power station's ongoing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Members of the community concerned about the visual impact of the new station requested the evaluation of the second site 500 metres east of the dune site.
Despite costs of infrastructure being more expensive at the dune site, Mr Kitis said these were outweighed by its improved performance and energy yield. "We investigated a number of sites and that was the best site from a range of criteria," he said. Mr Kitis said the visual impact created by wind turbines was not always negative. "They do become a drawcard for tourists," he said.
"People are intrigued by wind turbines." If the EPA deems the preferred dune site to be inappropriate, the proposal could be resubmitted with the alternative site being put forward for consideration. The proposal will be available for public comment after the assessment's completion.
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
The dunes at Coral Bay, a kilometre south of the settlement, are the likely site for three 55-metre wind turbines if the Environmental Protection Authority passes the Horizon Power assessment this month.
THE location of three giant wind turbines that will tower over Coral Bay is expected to be decided later this month. The two sites nominated for the 55-metre towers, capable of supplying 40 per cent of the town's electricity, are undergoing final assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority.
Horizon Power corporate affairs manager John Kitis said the preferred site, located a kilometre south of the settlement on top of sand dunes would be 15 per cent more efficient than the second nominated site. The efficiency meant 70,000 additional litres of diesel fuel would be needed to generate the difference each year. Mr Kitis said this would significantly increase the power station's ongoing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Members of the community concerned about the visual impact of the new station requested the evaluation of the second site 500 metres east of the dune site.
Despite costs of infrastructure being more expensive at the dune site, Mr Kitis said these were outweighed by its improved performance and energy yield. "We investigated a number of sites and that was the best site from a range of criteria," he said. Mr Kitis said the visual impact created by wind turbines was not always negative. "They do become a drawcard for tourists," he said.
"People are intrigued by wind turbines." If the EPA deems the preferred dune site to be inappropriate, the proposal could be resubmitted with the alternative site being put forward for consideration. The proposal will be available for public comment after the assessment's completion.
Nuclear warning a sign of the times?
South Coast Register, Page: 2
Friday, 7 July 2006
DURING a holiday to Scotland in 2004, Nowra resident Ed Jolly and his family came across the disturbing image of a decommissioned nuclear power plant and a nearby beach polluted with radioactive particles. The sight revealed the end result of a nuclear reactor in an area similar to Murrays Beach and two years later an identical situation is threatening the Jervis Bay environment. Intrigued by the view of new wind farms functioning beside a decommissioned nuclear power plant near Thurso in Scotland, Mr Jolly and his family decided to take a closer look. On close observation they realised the huge infrastructure lay obsolete, about two kilometres away from the beach in a beautiful isolated area.
They continued to the beach only to be confronted with a warning sign. "Warning: Radioactive particles are being found on the beaches at Sandside. It is not advisable to take children or animals on to or dig or remove material from the beach or dune." After Murrays Beach at Jervis Bay was mentioned as a possible nuclear power plant site, Mr Jolly could not help but see the similarities between the two areas and does not want to see the same result.
"It was amazing to see the power plant in Scotland as their past and the wind farms as their future," he said. He said we have plenty of wind, sun and waves in Australia; we do not need nuclear power and what we saw in Scotland is the proof.
Friday, 7 July 2006
DURING a holiday to Scotland in 2004, Nowra resident Ed Jolly and his family came across the disturbing image of a decommissioned nuclear power plant and a nearby beach polluted with radioactive particles. The sight revealed the end result of a nuclear reactor in an area similar to Murrays Beach and two years later an identical situation is threatening the Jervis Bay environment. Intrigued by the view of new wind farms functioning beside a decommissioned nuclear power plant near Thurso in Scotland, Mr Jolly and his family decided to take a closer look. On close observation they realised the huge infrastructure lay obsolete, about two kilometres away from the beach in a beautiful isolated area.
They continued to the beach only to be confronted with a warning sign. "Warning: Radioactive particles are being found on the beaches at Sandside. It is not advisable to take children or animals on to or dig or remove material from the beach or dune." After Murrays Beach at Jervis Bay was mentioned as a possible nuclear power plant site, Mr Jolly could not help but see the similarities between the two areas and does not want to see the same result.
"It was amazing to see the power plant in Scotland as their past and the wind farms as their future," he said. He said we have plenty of wind, sun and waves in Australia; we do not need nuclear power and what we saw in Scotland is the proof.
Port Augusta selected for wind farm project
ABC Online,
July 11, 2006. 9:30am (AEST)
South Australia's green energy targets have been given a boost with a decision to build a wind farm near Port Augusta. The company involved with the Lincoln Gap project, Wind Energy Solutions, says the project will create a up to 60 full-time jobs during construction. Company director Shane Darcy says the company chose South Australia because of the State Government's green energy policies. "We are quite happy to have been involved in windfarming in South Australia, South Australia is a very progressive state, forward looking, much more so than the Federal Government in that they themselves [are] setting targets for renewable energy in the state," he said.
Nearly 60 turbines will be built at the site, south-west of Port Augusta, sometime next year. Mr Darcy says it's not the only project it has planned in the state. "We are looking at several other sites at the moment; it'll just be a case of which one would come first, we have a list of certain criteria that will need to be fulfilled and we need to look at the wind farm for about 12 months before we can make any decision on the viability of the farm," he said. "At the moment, pole position is the Lincoln Gap farm.
July 11, 2006. 9:30am (AEST)
South Australia's green energy targets have been given a boost with a decision to build a wind farm near Port Augusta. The company involved with the Lincoln Gap project, Wind Energy Solutions, says the project will create a up to 60 full-time jobs during construction. Company director Shane Darcy says the company chose South Australia because of the State Government's green energy policies. "We are quite happy to have been involved in windfarming in South Australia, South Australia is a very progressive state, forward looking, much more so than the Federal Government in that they themselves [are] setting targets for renewable energy in the state," he said.
Nearly 60 turbines will be built at the site, south-west of Port Augusta, sometime next year. Mr Darcy says it's not the only project it has planned in the state. "We are looking at several other sites at the moment; it'll just be a case of which one would come first, we have a list of certain criteria that will need to be fulfilled and we need to look at the wind farm for about 12 months before we can make any decision on the viability of the farm," he said. "At the moment, pole position is the Lincoln Gap farm.
Company re-applies for wind farm
ABC Ballarat | Local News | Story
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Company re-applies for wind farm Pacific Hydro will re-lodge an application for a wind farm at Yaloak, near Ballan, east of Ballarat. The Victorian Government rejected the company's first bid a year ago, because of concerns about a population of wedge-tailed eagles. Pacific Hydro spokesman Andrew Richards says the plans for 70 turbines will be lodged in October or November. He says slight alterations to the position of some turbines, and favourable bird studies, have given the company confidence to re-apply.
In particular, he says they were focussing on the wedge-tailed eagle, which was the key issue at the time. "While we believed that there wasn't a significant impact, we have looked at what the Minister has required us to do - we've relocated a number of turbines away from wedge-tailed eagle high usage zones," Mr Richards said. "And with that re-defined windfarm we are doing additional modelling in relation to the wedge-tailed eagle."
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Company re-applies for wind farm Pacific Hydro will re-lodge an application for a wind farm at Yaloak, near Ballan, east of Ballarat. The Victorian Government rejected the company's first bid a year ago, because of concerns about a population of wedge-tailed eagles. Pacific Hydro spokesman Andrew Richards says the plans for 70 turbines will be lodged in October or November. He says slight alterations to the position of some turbines, and favourable bird studies, have given the company confidence to re-apply.
In particular, he says they were focussing on the wedge-tailed eagle, which was the key issue at the time. "While we believed that there wasn't a significant impact, we have looked at what the Minister has required us to do - we've relocated a number of turbines away from wedge-tailed eagle high usage zones," Mr Richards said. "And with that re-defined windfarm we are doing additional modelling in relation to the wedge-tailed eagle."
Site work begins for another 53 turbines
The South Eastern Times, Page: 1
Thursday, 6 July 2006
The Woakwine Ranges overlooking Lake Bonney are again alive with the sound of heavy machinery with work having begun on stage two of the Babcock and Brown Lake Bonney Wind Farm. The stage involves the construction of another 53 turbines and the investment of another $400 million by the project proponents. Mt. Gambier Earthmovers have been in the area for the last two weeks constructing roads to the sites on 12 properties along a 10 kilometre corridor to the south of the existing wind mills.
The sites are all in the Wattle Range Council area. Work on the footings for the first towers began late last week, and these will begin arriving in over the coming months from Portland. The nacelles (turbines) and blades will once again come from the Danish company, Vestas Wind Systems, and will begin to arrive in Australia in October. The latest wind mills will be be larger than those of stage one and the nacelles will boast state-of-the art technology.
The blades will be 12 metres longer (45 metres) and the towers 13m. higher, increasing to 80m. Known as the V90 models, each turbine will be capable of producing three megawatts of electricity, compared to the 1.75MW of the present units.
Each will be hooked to the present Babcock and Brown sub-station sited in the middle of the stage one towers. To handle the extra power another transformer will have to be installed on the site. The first stage consisted of 46 wind mills and was opened in September, 2004, while the current project is expected to be completed in March, 2008. However, this will not be the conclusion of B&B's investment in the region as their spokesman, Miles George said his company was still considering a third stage involving five to 10 turbines to the north of the present mind mills.
"This is still a fair way down the track. We'll consider this when the second stage is finished," he said.
Footnote: International Power (Canunda Wind Farm) also has 23 turbines along the Woakwine Range.
Thursday, 6 July 2006
The Woakwine Ranges overlooking Lake Bonney are again alive with the sound of heavy machinery with work having begun on stage two of the Babcock and Brown Lake Bonney Wind Farm. The stage involves the construction of another 53 turbines and the investment of another $400 million by the project proponents. Mt. Gambier Earthmovers have been in the area for the last two weeks constructing roads to the sites on 12 properties along a 10 kilometre corridor to the south of the existing wind mills.The sites are all in the Wattle Range Council area. Work on the footings for the first towers began late last week, and these will begin arriving in over the coming months from Portland. The nacelles (turbines) and blades will once again come from the Danish company, Vestas Wind Systems, and will begin to arrive in Australia in October. The latest wind mills will be be larger than those of stage one and the nacelles will boast state-of-the art technology.
The blades will be 12 metres longer (45 metres) and the towers 13m. higher, increasing to 80m. Known as the V90 models, each turbine will be capable of producing three megawatts of electricity, compared to the 1.75MW of the present units.
Each will be hooked to the present Babcock and Brown sub-station sited in the middle of the stage one towers. To handle the extra power another transformer will have to be installed on the site. The first stage consisted of 46 wind mills and was opened in September, 2004, while the current project is expected to be completed in March, 2008. However, this will not be the conclusion of B&B's investment in the region as their spokesman, Miles George said his company was still considering a third stage involving five to 10 turbines to the north of the present mind mills.
"This is still a fair way down the track. We'll consider this when the second stage is finished," he said.
Footnote: International Power (Canunda Wind Farm) also has 23 turbines along the Woakwine Range.
Monday, 10 July 2006
Texas Wind Energy
Wind is making electricity, cleaner air, and money in Texas...
There is plenty of wind out there and plenty of energy to be tapped. It's just like an oil field that doesn't run out. Tom Gray, AWEA
Wind is one of our nation’s greatest natural resources. Used by pioneers to pull water from underground aquifers, it was the principal energy source that made settlement of the Great Plains possible. In the 21st Century, wind has been harnessed to create electrical energy, powering an increasingly larger and larger percentage of the power grid.
Wind power is the fastest growing source of electricity generation in the world and continues to grow at record rates, more than quadrupling between 1999 and 2005. Global wind markets grew 47 percent to $11.8 billion in 2005, and are expected to reach $48.5 billion in 2015.
Recent advances in wind technology are helping to drive down the cost of wind to a level where it is cost competitive with more traditional sources of energy at close to five cents per kilowatt-hour. It is estimated that by 2010, new wind-driven power plants will generate energy much more cost-effectively than new coal or gas-fired power plants.
More than half of the United States has measurable wind resources that could support the development of utility-scale wind power plants. And with the developing technologies that have made it possible for turbines to get power from lower wind speeds, land that was previously unsuitable for wind turbines offers a new source of wind energy. Lower requisite wind speeds also allow for turbines to be placed closer to the homes and businesses that need to make use of them.
Read more...
There is plenty of wind out there and plenty of energy to be tapped. It's just like an oil field that doesn't run out. Tom Gray, AWEAWind is one of our nation’s greatest natural resources. Used by pioneers to pull water from underground aquifers, it was the principal energy source that made settlement of the Great Plains possible. In the 21st Century, wind has been harnessed to create electrical energy, powering an increasingly larger and larger percentage of the power grid.
Wind power is the fastest growing source of electricity generation in the world and continues to grow at record rates, more than quadrupling between 1999 and 2005. Global wind markets grew 47 percent to $11.8 billion in 2005, and are expected to reach $48.5 billion in 2015.
Recent advances in wind technology are helping to drive down the cost of wind to a level where it is cost competitive with more traditional sources of energy at close to five cents per kilowatt-hour. It is estimated that by 2010, new wind-driven power plants will generate energy much more cost-effectively than new coal or gas-fired power plants.
More than half of the United States has measurable wind resources that could support the development of utility-scale wind power plants. And with the developing technologies that have made it possible for turbines to get power from lower wind speeds, land that was previously unsuitable for wind turbines offers a new source of wind energy. Lower requisite wind speeds also allow for turbines to be placed closer to the homes and businesses that need to make use of them.
Read more...
Wind farm energy OK
The Standard (Warrnambool), Page: 3
Monday, 10 July 2006
A STATE Government report has cleared the way for more wind farms to be built in the south-west. The report has found wind farms are successful in preventing greenhouse gas emissions, saving more than 250,000 tonnes of emissions each year, the same amount emitted by 60,000 cars. The report, prepared by McLennan Magasanik Associates for Sustainability Victoria, contradicts wind farm critics such as federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran. While in the south-west recently Mr McGauran said wind farms were a "complete fraud" that generate "next to no" electricity.
But State Environment Minister Theo Theophanous said the report proved wind farms in Victoria had generated enough energy to power 90,000 homes for a year. "This report shows critics of wind energy such as Mr McGauran are illinformed," Mr Theophanous said. The report found wind farms in Victoria produced 104 megawatts of energy a year. Mr Theophanous said this reinforced the Bracks Government's policy to support further wind energy development in Victoria.
This could mean more wind farm projects for the south-west. "This new report shows the greenhouse gas savings we can achieve as our wind energy industry grows in Victoria," Mr Theophanous said. "When our wind energy capacity approaches 1000 megawatts we are going to see some really big greenhouse savings, putting us on the path to avoiding dangerous climate change. "But Hawkesdale Macarthur Landscape Guardians president and neighbour to the proposed Macarthur Wind Farm, Roger Learmonth, was suspicious of the results and said he didn't believe they could have come from inland wind farms.
Monday, 10 July 2006
A STATE Government report has cleared the way for more wind farms to be built in the south-west. The report has found wind farms are successful in preventing greenhouse gas emissions, saving more than 250,000 tonnes of emissions each year, the same amount emitted by 60,000 cars. The report, prepared by McLennan Magasanik Associates for Sustainability Victoria, contradicts wind farm critics such as federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran. While in the south-west recently Mr McGauran said wind farms were a "complete fraud" that generate "next to no" electricity.
But State Environment Minister Theo Theophanous said the report proved wind farms in Victoria had generated enough energy to power 90,000 homes for a year. "This report shows critics of wind energy such as Mr McGauran are illinformed," Mr Theophanous said. The report found wind farms in Victoria produced 104 megawatts of energy a year. Mr Theophanous said this reinforced the Bracks Government's policy to support further wind energy development in Victoria.
This could mean more wind farm projects for the south-west. "This new report shows the greenhouse gas savings we can achieve as our wind energy industry grows in Victoria," Mr Theophanous said. "When our wind energy capacity approaches 1000 megawatts we are going to see some really big greenhouse savings, putting us on the path to avoiding dangerous climate change. "But Hawkesdale Macarthur Landscape Guardians president and neighbour to the proposed Macarthur Wind Farm, Roger Learmonth, was suspicious of the results and said he didn't believe they could have come from inland wind farms.
Wind farms cut emissions
The Canberra Times, Page: 6
Monday, 10 July 2006
Victoria's wind farms are saving more than 250,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, a new report shows. The report, issued yesterday, found wind power was the best technology available to cut greenhouse gas emissions generated by electricity. Victorian Environment Minister John Thwaites said Victorian wind farms generated enough energy to power 90,000 homes for a year. They saved more than 250,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions - the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the state's roads.
"The research shows that the production of electricity from wind results in less burning of fossil fuels," Mr Thwaites said. "Each megawatt hour of wind energy generated in Victoria currently avoids producing, on average, one tonne of greenhouse emissions. "A typical 2 megawatt wind turbine in Victoria will reduce greenhouse emissions by about 6000 tonnes per year. "The independent study was carried out by McLennan Magasanik Associates for Sustainability Victoria.
The Victorian Government aims to produce 1000 megawatts of wind power by 2010, boosting the proportion of energy derived from renewable sources by 10 per cent. Energy, Industries and Resources Minister Theo Theophanous said the report supported this target. "This new report shows the huge greenhouse gas savings we can achieve as our wind energy industry grows in Victoria," Mr Theophanous said.
Monday, 10 July 2006
Victoria's wind farms are saving more than 250,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, a new report shows. The report, issued yesterday, found wind power was the best technology available to cut greenhouse gas emissions generated by electricity. Victorian Environment Minister John Thwaites said Victorian wind farms generated enough energy to power 90,000 homes for a year. They saved more than 250,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions - the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the state's roads.
"The research shows that the production of electricity from wind results in less burning of fossil fuels," Mr Thwaites said. "Each megawatt hour of wind energy generated in Victoria currently avoids producing, on average, one tonne of greenhouse emissions. "A typical 2 megawatt wind turbine in Victoria will reduce greenhouse emissions by about 6000 tonnes per year. "The independent study was carried out by McLennan Magasanik Associates for Sustainability Victoria.
The Victorian Government aims to produce 1000 megawatts of wind power by 2010, boosting the proportion of energy derived from renewable sources by 10 per cent. Energy, Industries and Resources Minister Theo Theophanous said the report supported this target. "This new report shows the huge greenhouse gas savings we can achieve as our wind energy industry grows in Victoria," Mr Theophanous said.
Wind farm study confounds critics, says Vic Govt
abc.net.au
Sunday, 9 July 2006
There are claims today that Victoria's wind farms are saving more than 250,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
The Victorian Government says an independent study conducted for Sustainability Victoria shows the production of electricity from wind results in less burning of fossil fuels. State Energy Minister Theo Theophanus says the report also shows that critics of wind energy, including the Federal National Party MP Peter McGauran, are ill-informed. "In fact it shows that just one two-megawatt wind turbine can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum. It's a lot of CO2 to avoid going into the atmosphere," he said.
Mr Theophanus says the it is time for critics of wind farms to rethink their stance. He says a lot could be achieved if Victoria could reach its target of 1,000 megawatts of wind energy. "We would reduce greenhouse gases by up to 2.6 million tonnes every year," he said.
"That is a phenomenal figure, and really, Mr McGauran should just go back to school and try and learn a little bit more before he opens his mouth on these issues.".
Sunday, 9 July 2006
There are claims today that Victoria's wind farms are saving more than 250,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
The Victorian Government says an independent study conducted for Sustainability Victoria shows the production of electricity from wind results in less burning of fossil fuels. State Energy Minister Theo Theophanus says the report also shows that critics of wind energy, including the Federal National Party MP Peter McGauran, are ill-informed. "In fact it shows that just one two-megawatt wind turbine can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum. It's a lot of CO2 to avoid going into the atmosphere," he said.
Mr Theophanus says the it is time for critics of wind farms to rethink their stance. He says a lot could be achieved if Victoria could reach its target of 1,000 megawatts of wind energy. "We would reduce greenhouse gases by up to 2.6 million tonnes every year," he said.
"That is a phenomenal figure, and really, Mr McGauran should just go back to school and try and learn a little bit more before he opens his mouth on these issues.".
State backs wind farms for beating gas crisis
The Sunday Age, Page: 3
Sunday, 9 July 2006
WIND farms are set to become more widespread across Victoria after a new report found turbines had a major impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report is also a likely forerunner to the State Government's expected announcement of a mandatory renewable energy targets (MRET) scheme. "There has been this myth pushed around that wind farms don't displace fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions," Environment Minister John Thwaites said. He said the report, released today, showed critics of wind energy were "ill-informed".
It found that Victoria's wind farms were saving more than 250,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year, the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the state's roads, he said. The report, commissioned by the State Government and produced by McLennan Magasanik Associates, found that for every 100 megawatts of wind energy produced, greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by between 240,000 and 290,000 tonnes. Victoria produces 104 megawatts of wind energy a year. Mr Thwaites said the report would push the case for an MRET scheme for Victoria.
Under the scheme, the economic competitiveness of wind power is increased compared with traditional fossil fuel energy sources. There was planning approval for new wind farms that could deliver an extra 511 megawatts of energy a year, the minister said. Building of new farms by industry had been delayed because the Federal Government's MRET scheme had effectively expired, he said. Energy Industries and Resources Minister Theo Theophanous said the market would take more wind-generated electricity if it were available.
Mr Thwaites said he was not concerned about orange-bellied parrots slowing down plans.
Sunday, 9 July 2006
WIND farms are set to become more widespread across Victoria after a new report found turbines had a major impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report is also a likely forerunner to the State Government's expected announcement of a mandatory renewable energy targets (MRET) scheme. "There has been this myth pushed around that wind farms don't displace fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions," Environment Minister John Thwaites said. He said the report, released today, showed critics of wind energy were "ill-informed".
It found that Victoria's wind farms were saving more than 250,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year, the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the state's roads, he said. The report, commissioned by the State Government and produced by McLennan Magasanik Associates, found that for every 100 megawatts of wind energy produced, greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by between 240,000 and 290,000 tonnes. Victoria produces 104 megawatts of wind energy a year. Mr Thwaites said the report would push the case for an MRET scheme for Victoria.
Under the scheme, the economic competitiveness of wind power is increased compared with traditional fossil fuel energy sources. There was planning approval for new wind farms that could deliver an extra 511 megawatts of energy a year, the minister said. Building of new farms by industry had been delayed because the Federal Government's MRET scheme had effectively expired, he said. Energy Industries and Resources Minister Theo Theophanous said the market would take more wind-generated electricity if it were available.
Mr Thwaites said he was not concerned about orange-bellied parrots slowing down plans.
Kyoto in crisis
New Scientist, Page: 3
Saturday, 8 July 2006
FOR over a decade, Germany has been the poster-child of environmentalists demanding action to curb global warming. It has closed coal mines, pioneered wind power and dramatically improved energy efficiency. In the process, it has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 17 per cent from 1990 levels, the baseline year for emission targets set by the Kyoto Protocol. So there was horror this week when Angela Merkel's government called a halt to further cuts.
The country's environment ministry announced that it wanted to issue almost as many carbon dioxide emissions permits for industry for the 2008 to 2012 period, the first compliance period of the Kyoto Protocol, as it did for 2005 to 2007. This raises serious questions about whether Germany can meet its Kyoto promise of a 21 per cent cut in all greenhouse gas emissions. Is the Kyoto Protocol falling apart? Was the US right when it predicted that, when push came to shove, Europeans would ditch their green promises in favour of economic pragmatism?In truth, Germany was never that green. It has yet to do anything to curb climate change that is painful.
Its power stations switched from coal to natural gas to save money, not to cut emissions. And the biggest drop in emissions was in eastern Germany, where heavy industry collapsed after reunification. Now Merkel is under pressure from power companies, which refuse to invest in new generation capacity unless they are exempt from tough emissions caps. Meanwhile, the strong green lobby appears able and willing to veto new nuclear power plants.
The government is taking the easy way out. Germany can still meet its Kyoto target. Heavy industry is responsible for only around half of German emissions, and the government promises bigger cuts elsewhere, notably from vehicle emissions. This is optimistic.
A more likely scenario is that it will end up buying so-called "hot air" - spare Kyoto emissions permits from Russia and Ukraine. That would be a cop-out. It would keep the Kyoto show on the road, but it would severely undermine its credibility. It would also reduce the pressure on countries like the US and Australia to join Kyoto, at a time when the political pendulum on the issue appears to be swinging in the US.
The world will one day act with urgency to curb greenhouse gases: the likely violence of the atmosphere's reaction to our emissions makes that inevitable. Climate change awaits its 9/11.In the meantime, this is a critical moment for the Kyoto Protocol, the first serious effort to head off that crisis. Merkel should rethink; the European Commission and European governments should put pressure on her to do so.
Saturday, 8 July 2006
FOR over a decade, Germany has been the poster-child of environmentalists demanding action to curb global warming. It has closed coal mines, pioneered wind power and dramatically improved energy efficiency. In the process, it has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 17 per cent from 1990 levels, the baseline year for emission targets set by the Kyoto Protocol. So there was horror this week when Angela Merkel's government called a halt to further cuts.
The country's environment ministry announced that it wanted to issue almost as many carbon dioxide emissions permits for industry for the 2008 to 2012 period, the first compliance period of the Kyoto Protocol, as it did for 2005 to 2007. This raises serious questions about whether Germany can meet its Kyoto promise of a 21 per cent cut in all greenhouse gas emissions. Is the Kyoto Protocol falling apart? Was the US right when it predicted that, when push came to shove, Europeans would ditch their green promises in favour of economic pragmatism?In truth, Germany was never that green. It has yet to do anything to curb climate change that is painful.
Its power stations switched from coal to natural gas to save money, not to cut emissions. And the biggest drop in emissions was in eastern Germany, where heavy industry collapsed after reunification. Now Merkel is under pressure from power companies, which refuse to invest in new generation capacity unless they are exempt from tough emissions caps. Meanwhile, the strong green lobby appears able and willing to veto new nuclear power plants.
The government is taking the easy way out. Germany can still meet its Kyoto target. Heavy industry is responsible for only around half of German emissions, and the government promises bigger cuts elsewhere, notably from vehicle emissions. This is optimistic.
A more likely scenario is that it will end up buying so-called "hot air" - spare Kyoto emissions permits from Russia and Ukraine. That would be a cop-out. It would keep the Kyoto show on the road, but it would severely undermine its credibility. It would also reduce the pressure on countries like the US and Australia to join Kyoto, at a time when the political pendulum on the issue appears to be swinging in the US.
The world will one day act with urgency to curb greenhouse gases: the likely violence of the atmosphere's reaction to our emissions makes that inevitable. Climate change awaits its 9/11.In the meantime, this is a critical moment for the Kyoto Protocol, the first serious effort to head off that crisis. Merkel should rethink; the European Commission and European governments should put pressure on her to do so.
Wind farm files to avoid scrutiny
The Australian,
July 08, 2006
RELEASING advice from federal bureaucrats about Environment Minister Ian Campbell's decision to block a multi-million-dollar wind farm is not in the public interest and could "promote ill-informed speculation about government decisions". The Department of Environment and Heritage made the ruling after the Bracks Government applied through Freedom of Information laws for documents relating to the decision to veto the wind farm.
Senator Campbell said the renewable energy proposal at Bald Hills, in the politically sensitive Victorian area of Gippsland, should not go ahead, on the grounds it posed an unacceptable risk to the endangered orange-bellied parrot.
However, The Australian reported that the chances of the rare parrot fatally colliding with wind farm turbines - as feared by Senator Campbell - was once every 1000 years.
When Senator Campbell blocked the $220 million project, in Victoria's southeast, he said it had the potential to kill one orange-bellied parrot a year.
Senator Campbell last night backed the decision of his department to not release key documents on the issue, saying it was being handled in an appropriate "procedural manner". "I've been completely open about the decision-making process for Bald Hills," he said.
His department granted full access to four documents and partial access to a further 30 documents. It denied access to six documents, saying "their disclosure would be contrary to the public interest in pursuing good governance". The documents included briefs, internal departmental supporting advice and correspondence.
Alex Rankin, assistant secretary of the department's environment assessment branch, said the information was necessary for the consideration and administration of decisions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
He said the information included possible options relating to the "deliberative processes involved in the function of the minister and the department". Release of the documents would harm the ability of officers to freely advise Senator Campbell and "present advice and options on sensitive issues".
He said release of the documents "may promote ill-informed speculation about the Government's decisions in relation to the environmental assessment and approval of proposals referred under the EPBC Act".
Victorian Planning Minister Rob Hulls said Senator Campbell should release the advice he received from his department over whether to approve the Bald Hills wind farm.
July 08, 2006
RELEASING advice from federal bureaucrats about Environment Minister Ian Campbell's decision to block a multi-million-dollar wind farm is not in the public interest and could "promote ill-informed speculation about government decisions". The Department of Environment and Heritage made the ruling after the Bracks Government applied through Freedom of Information laws for documents relating to the decision to veto the wind farm.
Senator Campbell said the renewable energy proposal at Bald Hills, in the politically sensitive Victorian area of Gippsland, should not go ahead, on the grounds it posed an unacceptable risk to the endangered orange-bellied parrot.
However, The Australian reported that the chances of the rare parrot fatally colliding with wind farm turbines - as feared by Senator Campbell - was once every 1000 years.
When Senator Campbell blocked the $220 million project, in Victoria's southeast, he said it had the potential to kill one orange-bellied parrot a year.
Senator Campbell last night backed the decision of his department to not release key documents on the issue, saying it was being handled in an appropriate "procedural manner". "I've been completely open about the decision-making process for Bald Hills," he said.
His department granted full access to four documents and partial access to a further 30 documents. It denied access to six documents, saying "their disclosure would be contrary to the public interest in pursuing good governance". The documents included briefs, internal departmental supporting advice and correspondence.
Alex Rankin, assistant secretary of the department's environment assessment branch, said the information was necessary for the consideration and administration of decisions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
He said the information included possible options relating to the "deliberative processes involved in the function of the minister and the department". Release of the documents would harm the ability of officers to freely advise Senator Campbell and "present advice and options on sensitive issues".
He said release of the documents "may promote ill-informed speculation about the Government's decisions in relation to the environmental assessment and approval of proposals referred under the EPBC Act".
Victorian Planning Minister Rob Hulls said Senator Campbell should release the advice he received from his department over whether to approve the Bald Hills wind farm.
Windfarm project 'financially viable'
Albany Extra, Page: 3
Friday, 7 July 2006
The Denmark Community Windfarm group claims it will have a "bankable project," by October, after receiving the results of a draft study into the windfarm's feasibility. DCW chair Craig Chappelle, said that while some details still have to be resolved, the report has confirmed the project is technically possible and financially viable. "The report vindicates three years of hard slog, and demonstrates that renewable-energy generation is achievable at a community scale," Mr Chappelle said. Mr Chappelle said some technical issues still needed to be dealt with but were being worked through with Western Power and Perth based firm GHD Pty Ltd, who are overseeing the project.
South Coast Landscape Guardians chair Peter Mortimer, said he was wary of the DCW's claims that its report had justified its battle for a windfarm. 'They don't seem to have released much, they're keeping the facts very close to their chest. "Surely if they want to be open and accountable they have to be open with their reports," he said. "It's all a bit mysterious," Mr Mortimer said.
Mr Mortimer said DCW had to be more open to gain the community's trust, although Mr Chappelle said there is a growing acceptance in Denmark that wind power is a positive way to combat climate change. Mr Chappelle said the report showed two wind turbines could generate enough electricity for the project to run at a profit, within the limitations of Western Power's existing grid infrastructure.
Friday, 7 July 2006
The Denmark Community Windfarm group claims it will have a "bankable project," by October, after receiving the results of a draft study into the windfarm's feasibility. DCW chair Craig Chappelle, said that while some details still have to be resolved, the report has confirmed the project is technically possible and financially viable. "The report vindicates three years of hard slog, and demonstrates that renewable-energy generation is achievable at a community scale," Mr Chappelle said. Mr Chappelle said some technical issues still needed to be dealt with but were being worked through with Western Power and Perth based firm GHD Pty Ltd, who are overseeing the project.
South Coast Landscape Guardians chair Peter Mortimer, said he was wary of the DCW's claims that its report had justified its battle for a windfarm. 'They don't seem to have released much, they're keeping the facts very close to their chest. "Surely if they want to be open and accountable they have to be open with their reports," he said. "It's all a bit mysterious," Mr Mortimer said.
Mr Mortimer said DCW had to be more open to gain the community's trust, although Mr Chappelle said there is a growing acceptance in Denmark that wind power is a positive way to combat climate change. Mr Chappelle said the report showed two wind turbines could generate enough electricity for the project to run at a profit, within the limitations of Western Power's existing grid infrastructure.
Wednesday, 5 July 2006
Babcock & Brown reaps Illinois wind
The Australian Financial Review, Page: 16
Tuesday, 4 July 2006
Babcock & Brown Wind Partners has completed the $US50 million ($67 million) purchase of Crescent Ridge wind farm in Illinois, USA.
Tuesday, 4 July 2006
Babcock & Brown Wind Partners has completed the $US50 million ($67 million) purchase of Crescent Ridge wind farm in Illinois, USA.
Poor score for Australia on climate
The Australian
July 04, 2006
AUSTRALIA is the least prepared of all the world's developed countries to tackle the issue of climate change, a report by a newly-formed environmental foundation says.
The survey by the Climate Institute Australia has identified the top ten world trends in what it says is a shift in the fight against greenhouse warming.
Its Top Ten Tipping Points on Climate Change report, launched in Sydney tonight, concludes that science is the number one trend in the fight against global warming, an issue the institute says Australia had “gone adrift” on. “As the US moves forward on climate, it leaves Australia politically and economically isolated as the least prepared developed country in the world on the issue,” the report says.
The national organisation was established in late 2005 with a $10 million grant from the Poola Charitable Foundation, created by a branch of the Murdoch family. More recently it has attracted the services of former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr, who chairs an advisory council for the group.
The institute, which has set a five-year goal of raising public awareness of climate change, is chaired by prominent academic and researcher Clive Hamilton. The institute's chief executive, Corin Millais, said Australia would be “stranded” as the US joined the rest of the world in taking action.
“The US is moving even though it hasn't signed the (Kyoto) protocol,” Mr Millais said. “And that's probably of most political concern to Australia, because it leaves Australia stranded politically and economically.”
According to the study, climate change is intensifying.
“We've seen a significant amount, almost an avalanche, of data highlighting the impacts happening today and the great urgency of the impacts in the coming decade if no further action is taken,” Mr Millais said
After science, the changing position of the US on greenhouse gases is the second-biggest trend in the shift in the fight against climate change, the report finds.
The role of business comes in at number three, with Mr Millais pointing out there are a number of large global companies finding ways to make money from cutting greenhouse gas pollution.
Rounding out the top five is the role of the media, and energy security and oil prices, according to the report. These are followed by international policy, carbon profits and clean energy.
Popular culture is considered the ninth most significant trend in the shift in the climate change fight. The issue had up until recently been “pretty boring”, Mr Millais admitted, but celebrities such as Orlando Bloom were now the faces of global warming campaigns.
But this isn't a trend that has taken off in Australia, he added.
“It's an irony that the US is ahead with popular culture,” Mr Millais said. “There will be a bitter aftertaste for Australia because the American position has changed, but Australia is still in the olden days...”
Morality comes in at number 10, with Mr Millais pointing out that climate change is “not just a green-left issue anymore”. “This is an end-of-the-world type issue which involves everybody,” he said.
July 04, 2006
AUSTRALIA is the least prepared of all the world's developed countries to tackle the issue of climate change, a report by a newly-formed environmental foundation says.
The survey by the Climate Institute Australia has identified the top ten world trends in what it says is a shift in the fight against greenhouse warming.
Its Top Ten Tipping Points on Climate Change report, launched in Sydney tonight, concludes that science is the number one trend in the fight against global warming, an issue the institute says Australia had “gone adrift” on. “As the US moves forward on climate, it leaves Australia politically and economically isolated as the least prepared developed country in the world on the issue,” the report says.
The national organisation was established in late 2005 with a $10 million grant from the Poola Charitable Foundation, created by a branch of the Murdoch family. More recently it has attracted the services of former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr, who chairs an advisory council for the group.
The institute, which has set a five-year goal of raising public awareness of climate change, is chaired by prominent academic and researcher Clive Hamilton. The institute's chief executive, Corin Millais, said Australia would be “stranded” as the US joined the rest of the world in taking action.
“The US is moving even though it hasn't signed the (Kyoto) protocol,” Mr Millais said. “And that's probably of most political concern to Australia, because it leaves Australia stranded politically and economically.”
According to the study, climate change is intensifying.
“We've seen a significant amount, almost an avalanche, of data highlighting the impacts happening today and the great urgency of the impacts in the coming decade if no further action is taken,” Mr Millais said
After science, the changing position of the US on greenhouse gases is the second-biggest trend in the shift in the fight against climate change, the report finds.
The role of business comes in at number three, with Mr Millais pointing out there are a number of large global companies finding ways to make money from cutting greenhouse gas pollution.
Rounding out the top five is the role of the media, and energy security and oil prices, according to the report. These are followed by international policy, carbon profits and clean energy.
Popular culture is considered the ninth most significant trend in the shift in the climate change fight. The issue had up until recently been “pretty boring”, Mr Millais admitted, but celebrities such as Orlando Bloom were now the faces of global warming campaigns.
But this isn't a trend that has taken off in Australia, he added.
“It's an irony that the US is ahead with popular culture,” Mr Millais said. “There will be a bitter aftertaste for Australia because the American position has changed, but Australia is still in the olden days...”
Morality comes in at number 10, with Mr Millais pointing out that climate change is “not just a green-left issue anymore”. “This is an end-of-the-world type issue which involves everybody,” he said.
Study shows wind support
The Colac Herald, Page: 9
Friday, 30 June 2006
Developers say more than half the residents living near a proposed Port Campbell wind farm support the project. A survey of 140 people living near the wind farm site at Newfield revealed that 61.5 per cent supported the project, 17 per cent were opposed and 21.5 per cent were unsure.
Acciona Energy managing director Brett Thomas said the wind farm gathered valuable information about the community through a Social Impact Assessment process. "The survey response indicates that the local community is environmentally aware, supportive of renewable energy and the Newfield wind farm," he said. The SIA report also included a community profile and a range of potential impacts and benefits of the wind farm. Researchers interviewed stakeholders from government, environment, community and tourism groups with an interest in the south-west region and wind farms.
Mr Thomas said an information newsletter and consultation program had provided information directly to Newfield, Timboon and Port Campbell residents, and there would be a public open day in the future."As part of the program, a community reference group is being established to provide a regular forum for community input and to facilitate communication." he said.
Friday, 30 June 2006
Developers say more than half the residents living near a proposed Port Campbell wind farm support the project. A survey of 140 people living near the wind farm site at Newfield revealed that 61.5 per cent supported the project, 17 per cent were opposed and 21.5 per cent were unsure.
Acciona Energy managing director Brett Thomas said the wind farm gathered valuable information about the community through a Social Impact Assessment process. "The survey response indicates that the local community is environmentally aware, supportive of renewable energy and the Newfield wind farm," he said. The SIA report also included a community profile and a range of potential impacts and benefits of the wind farm. Researchers interviewed stakeholders from government, environment, community and tourism groups with an interest in the south-west region and wind farms.
Mr Thomas said an information newsletter and consultation program had provided information directly to Newfield, Timboon and Port Campbell residents, and there would be a public open day in the future."As part of the program, a community reference group is being established to provide a regular forum for community input and to facilitate communication." he said.
Cloud still hangs over nuclear industry
The Australian Financial Review, Page: 12
Monday, 3 July 2006
Nuclear power is hot
Sixteen utilities have expressed intentions to build up to 25 new reactors across the United States. Just last month, NRG Energy in Princeton, New Jersey, unveiled plans to invest SUS5.2 billion ($7 billion) in two new reactors at an existing atomic plant near Houston. Is it a nuclear renaissance? Not yet.
While smart money is placing multibillion-dollar bets on ethanol, wind power and solar, it's not throwing cash at nuclear power. Memories of the delays, titanic cost overruns, and bankruptcies that ended America's love affair with nuclear power hi the mid-20th century are the most daunting obstacle the industry faces. And regulators could balk if proposed designs did not meet construction and safety standards. "Investors remain wary of construction risks," said Paul Ho, a director at Credit Suisse First Boston's (CSR) energy group.
That's why, five or so years from now, when the first construction and operating licences are likely to be granted, only the most creditworthy diversified players, such as Duke Energy and Southern Company, would be likely to dip a toe in these waters, explained Denise Furey, senior director of global power with Fitch Ratings. Such companies could finance projects for a decade or so using some combination of debt and equity. But that is a far cry from a new nuclear age. Historically, energy utilities did an "abysmal" job controlling building schedules and costs, said David A. Schlissel, an economist at Synapse Energy Economics in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Between 1975 and 1989, the average period required to complete a plant soared from five years to 12. The bill for a group of 75 first-generation plants totalled $US224.1 billion (in current dollars), 219 per cent more than estimated, according to a 1986 Energy Department study.
In time, many utilities collapsed under debts even as customers' bills soared. Power companies say they can bring costs down, thanks to new, standardised plant designs and a streamlined, one-step licensing process. "People forget that the construction problems happened 30 years ago. There's been great progress since then," said NRG Energy chief David Crane.
The company plans to use reactors from General Electric and Hitachi that have been installed in Japan. This time around, the industry is aiming to build new plants for SUS1500 to $US2000 per kilowatt of capacity, compared with a peak, inflation-adjusted cost of about $US4000 in the 1970s. But the cheapest plants built recently, all outside the US, have cost more than $US2000 per kilowatt. And the advanced designs now on US drawing boards have never been built here.
"A first-of-its-kind facility always costs more," said John Kennedy, a director at Standard & Poor's. "Nukes ought to be part of the [energy] mix," said Southern chief David M. Ratcliffe, but nobody wants to be first to build. "Everyone would actually like to be No. 10," he said. Last year's Energy Act dangled SUS13 billion worth of extra treats before the nuclear industry, according to Public Citizen, a consumer interest group. These are focused on the first six plants and range from some $US2 billion set aside to cover construction overruns due to legal challenges to a production tax credit worth up to $US5.7 billion.
Yet all that still may not be enough. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman offered couched assurances on nukes. "I'm convinced we'll get the first six reactors, with construction starting by 2010," he said. "But we don't need six reactors. We need 16, or 26." Ms Furey said:"Wall Street isvery shortsighted." Or maybe it justcan't forget what it has already seen.
Monday, 3 July 2006
Nuclear power is hot
Sixteen utilities have expressed intentions to build up to 25 new reactors across the United States. Just last month, NRG Energy in Princeton, New Jersey, unveiled plans to invest SUS5.2 billion ($7 billion) in two new reactors at an existing atomic plant near Houston. Is it a nuclear renaissance? Not yet.
While smart money is placing multibillion-dollar bets on ethanol, wind power and solar, it's not throwing cash at nuclear power. Memories of the delays, titanic cost overruns, and bankruptcies that ended America's love affair with nuclear power hi the mid-20th century are the most daunting obstacle the industry faces. And regulators could balk if proposed designs did not meet construction and safety standards. "Investors remain wary of construction risks," said Paul Ho, a director at Credit Suisse First Boston's (CSR) energy group.
That's why, five or so years from now, when the first construction and operating licences are likely to be granted, only the most creditworthy diversified players, such as Duke Energy and Southern Company, would be likely to dip a toe in these waters, explained Denise Furey, senior director of global power with Fitch Ratings. Such companies could finance projects for a decade or so using some combination of debt and equity. But that is a far cry from a new nuclear age. Historically, energy utilities did an "abysmal" job controlling building schedules and costs, said David A. Schlissel, an economist at Synapse Energy Economics in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Between 1975 and 1989, the average period required to complete a plant soared from five years to 12. The bill for a group of 75 first-generation plants totalled $US224.1 billion (in current dollars), 219 per cent more than estimated, according to a 1986 Energy Department study.
In time, many utilities collapsed under debts even as customers' bills soared. Power companies say they can bring costs down, thanks to new, standardised plant designs and a streamlined, one-step licensing process. "People forget that the construction problems happened 30 years ago. There's been great progress since then," said NRG Energy chief David Crane.
The company plans to use reactors from General Electric and Hitachi that have been installed in Japan. This time around, the industry is aiming to build new plants for SUS1500 to $US2000 per kilowatt of capacity, compared with a peak, inflation-adjusted cost of about $US4000 in the 1970s. But the cheapest plants built recently, all outside the US, have cost more than $US2000 per kilowatt. And the advanced designs now on US drawing boards have never been built here.
"A first-of-its-kind facility always costs more," said John Kennedy, a director at Standard & Poor's. "Nukes ought to be part of the [energy] mix," said Southern chief David M. Ratcliffe, but nobody wants to be first to build. "Everyone would actually like to be No. 10," he said. Last year's Energy Act dangled SUS13 billion worth of extra treats before the nuclear industry, according to Public Citizen, a consumer interest group. These are focused on the first six plants and range from some $US2 billion set aside to cover construction overruns due to legal challenges to a production tax credit worth up to $US5.7 billion.
Yet all that still may not be enough. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman offered couched assurances on nukes. "I'm convinced we'll get the first six reactors, with construction starting by 2010," he said. "But we don't need six reactors. We need 16, or 26." Ms Furey said:"Wall Street isvery shortsighted." Or maybe it justcan't forget what it has already seen.
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