South Gippsland Sentinel Times
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 3
THE 52-turbine Bald Hills Wind Farm project has been resurrected after a Japanese company announced on Friday it had bought the proposed farm from Wind Power. Mitsui and Co has acquired 100 per cent of the shares of Bald Hills Wind Farm, a special purpose company holding the development rights to the wind farm project. Construction of the 104 megawatt 1750 hectare wind farm was planned to begin this month, but Wind Power had seemingly gone cold on the project.
Former Federal environment minister Senator Ian Campbell controversially rejected the project in April 2006 because of fears it would threaten the endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot, but then overturned that decision in the following December. But now Mitsui is expecting it will have the wind farm in operation by 2011 and it is expected to generate renewable energy sufficient to power the equivalent of 62,000 average households and avoid up to 335,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum.
The Tarwin Valley Coastal Guardians have been campaigning against the project for six years and spokesman Tim Le Roy said he was disappointed that the group and the community had not been consulted by Mitsui prior to the takeover. "Were very disappointed they haven't given us a call," he said. "I will be formally pursuing the reasons why they haven't consulted with us and the community and I will be inviting them down.
"Hopefully Mitsui will be more reasonable than the landowners at Bald Hills and the former directors and shareholders at Wind Power. "In their press release they said there is widespread community support for their project, but I don t know who they've been talking to in the local area. Perhaps they've been misled. "The Australian Conservation Foundation, South Gippsland Shire Council and the Gippsland Coastal Board are all against it, so there's definitely been no support on the ground.
"There might be a lot of support from the greenies in Melbourne, but there isn't in the local area." "Victorian landscape should not be sacrificed for Japanese carbon traders. "If Japanese companies want to make electricity from wind they should do it on whichever mountain they choose in Japan. Don t do it down our way," he said. "Rural communities don't need these companies coming in here and exploiting our assets for their benefit.
"Ifs also interesting that the landowners there were told by Wind Power that they would always be dealing with them, and that they were always going to be developing the project themselves. "Now they've flogged it off to the Japanese. They did that up at Waubra where they flogged it off to the Spanish, and they flogged Wonthaggi to the union super funds. What else have they got to sell?" Mr Le Roy said Mitsui has many more hurdles to overcome before the wind farm is built.
"We've fought against this for six years and we knew that Wind Power were desperately trying to raise enough money to keep it going so we're not going to stop now," he said. Lindsay Marriott is a supporter of the project and if it goes ahead he will have seven wind turbines built on his 640-acre property.
Mr Marriott has welcomed the Mitsui takeover and said he "knew it was coming'. We have a good relationship with the company, and the company is a very honest and open company," he said. "I think this is a positive way forward for human beings and its something that we're going to have to do. "This project is about renewable energy and energy for Australia. "There are a few emerging issues coming out now and one is that Australia is going to be very short of energy, and clean energy in particular.
"This happens to be a very, very good wind farm site so I would be glad to see it go ahead." Mr Marriott was particularly scathing about some of the claims made by the Tarwin Valley Coastal Guardians. "I think you'll find that the Bald Hills Wind Farm has got much more support than what the Guardians would have you believe," Mr Marriott said.
"If you were to spend much time in Wonthaggi with the man on the street, you'd find that the Wonthaggi wind farm has been remarkably well accepted by the people there. "I truly believe that the majority of people living in this part of the world, let alone the rest of the world, are pretty tired of the nastiness and the misinformation that some of these anti-wind farm groups are promoting."
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Wind farm opportunities explained: Businesses told to get ready
Barrier Daily Truth
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 1
Local businesses have been given a look at the opportunities that might be available to them through the proposed Silverton wind farm development. Representatives of Epuron, the company behind the project, were among a number of speakers at Tuesday night's launch of Business Broken Hill, formerly the Chamber of Commerce. About 100 people attended the launch at the Musicians' Club, according to president Robin Edgecumbe, who said the "over-riding feeling" was one of increased confidence in the city.
Mr Edgecumbe said that Epuron executive director, Andrew Durran, gave those present an "insight" into the sort of opportunities that would open up to local businesses as part of the $2 billion wind farm development, and how they could be "gearing up" now to take advantage of those opportunities.
Epuron wants to build up to 500 wind turbines on four properties near Silverton that would generate up to 1000 megawatts of power. Up to 700 jobs could be created during the two-year construction phase and another 120 full-time positions.
The company, which is still to secure all of the funds needed to proceed with the project, earlier this month announced that it had submitted an Environmental Assessment for the project to the NSW Department of Planning. Epuron has said the company would require just about every type of industry service by the time construction starts, as early as 2009. Mr Edgecumbe said Tuesday's launch also heard from State MP John Williams, City Council's General Manager Frank Zaknich, and the chairman of the Outback Development Forum, Kevin Taylor.
He said the feeling at the launch was one of a "much-heightened level of confidence in the business community." But he said those who spoke also stressed the importance of businesses, agencies and government working together. Meanwhile, those who attended heard about a number of new initiatives that have been developed as part of changes introduced by Business Broken Hill. Mr Edgecumbe said a soon-to-be-launched website would give investors in need of local services easier access to businesses, as well as provide training and other information to members.
The website, which will have links to other government and non-government agencies, will be online within two months, according to Mr Edgecumbe, who said it would be in a constant stage of development. Mr Edgecumbe said the name change and increase in services being offered had been six months in the making and was all about attracting new members. "We've still got a lot of work ahead of us but some of the fruits of our toil are now visible."
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 1
Local businesses have been given a look at the opportunities that might be available to them through the proposed Silverton wind farm development. Representatives of Epuron, the company behind the project, were among a number of speakers at Tuesday night's launch of Business Broken Hill, formerly the Chamber of Commerce. About 100 people attended the launch at the Musicians' Club, according to president Robin Edgecumbe, who said the "over-riding feeling" was one of increased confidence in the city.
Mr Edgecumbe said that Epuron executive director, Andrew Durran, gave those present an "insight" into the sort of opportunities that would open up to local businesses as part of the $2 billion wind farm development, and how they could be "gearing up" now to take advantage of those opportunities.
Epuron wants to build up to 500 wind turbines on four properties near Silverton that would generate up to 1000 megawatts of power. Up to 700 jobs could be created during the two-year construction phase and another 120 full-time positions.
The company, which is still to secure all of the funds needed to proceed with the project, earlier this month announced that it had submitted an Environmental Assessment for the project to the NSW Department of Planning. Epuron has said the company would require just about every type of industry service by the time construction starts, as early as 2009. Mr Edgecumbe said Tuesday's launch also heard from State MP John Williams, City Council's General Manager Frank Zaknich, and the chairman of the Outback Development Forum, Kevin Taylor.
He said the feeling at the launch was one of a "much-heightened level of confidence in the business community." But he said those who spoke also stressed the importance of businesses, agencies and government working together. Meanwhile, those who attended heard about a number of new initiatives that have been developed as part of changes introduced by Business Broken Hill. Mr Edgecumbe said a soon-to-be-launched website would give investors in need of local services easier access to businesses, as well as provide training and other information to members.
The website, which will have links to other government and non-government agencies, will be online within two months, according to Mr Edgecumbe, who said it would be in a constant stage of development. Mr Edgecumbe said the name change and increase in services being offered had been six months in the making and was all about attracting new members. "We've still got a lot of work ahead of us but some of the fruits of our toil are now visible."
Wind farm opportunities explained: Businesses told to get ready
Barrier Daily Truth
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 1
Local businesses have been given a look at the opportunities that might be available to them through the proposed Silverton wind farm development. Representatives of Epuron, the company behind the project, were among a number of speakers at Tuesday night's launch of Business Broken Hill, formerly the Chamber of Commerce. About 100 people attended the launch at the Musicians' Club, according to president Robin Edgecumbe, who said the "over-riding feeling" was one of increased confidence in the city.
Mr Edgecumbe said that Epuron executive director, Andrew Durran, gave those present an "insight" into the sort of opportunities that would open up to local businesses as part of the $2 billion wind farm development, and how they could be "gearing up" now to take advantage of those opportunities.
Epuron wants to build up to 500 wind turbines on four properties near Silverton that would generate up to 1000 megawatts of power. Up to 700 jobs could be created during the two-year construction phase and another 120 full-time positions.
The company, which is still to secure all of the funds needed to proceed with the project, earlier this month announced that it had submitted an Environmental Assessment for the project to the NSW Department of Planning. Epuron has said the company would require just about every type of industry service by the time construction starts, as early as 2009. Mr Edgecumbe said Tuesday's launch also heard from State MP John Williams, City Council's General Manager Frank Zaknich, and the chairman of the Outback Development Forum, Kevin Taylor.
He said the feeling at the launch was one of a "much-heightened level of confidence in the business community." But he said those who spoke also stressed the importance of businesses, agencies and government working together. Meanwhile, those who attended heard about a number of new initiatives that have been developed as part of changes introduced by Business Broken Hill. Mr Edgecumbe said a soon-to-be-launched website would give investors in need of local services easier access to businesses, as well as provide training and other information to members.
The website, which will have links to other government and non-government agencies, will be online within two months, according to Mr Edgecumbe, who said it would be in a constant stage of development. Mr Edgecumbe said the name change and increase in services being offered had been six months in the making and was all about attracting new members. "We've still got a lot of work ahead of us but some of the fruits of our toil are now visible."
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 1
Local businesses have been given a look at the opportunities that might be available to them through the proposed Silverton wind farm development. Representatives of Epuron, the company behind the project, were among a number of speakers at Tuesday night's launch of Business Broken Hill, formerly the Chamber of Commerce. About 100 people attended the launch at the Musicians' Club, according to president Robin Edgecumbe, who said the "over-riding feeling" was one of increased confidence in the city.
Mr Edgecumbe said that Epuron executive director, Andrew Durran, gave those present an "insight" into the sort of opportunities that would open up to local businesses as part of the $2 billion wind farm development, and how they could be "gearing up" now to take advantage of those opportunities.
Epuron wants to build up to 500 wind turbines on four properties near Silverton that would generate up to 1000 megawatts of power. Up to 700 jobs could be created during the two-year construction phase and another 120 full-time positions.
The company, which is still to secure all of the funds needed to proceed with the project, earlier this month announced that it had submitted an Environmental Assessment for the project to the NSW Department of Planning. Epuron has said the company would require just about every type of industry service by the time construction starts, as early as 2009. Mr Edgecumbe said Tuesday's launch also heard from State MP John Williams, City Council's General Manager Frank Zaknich, and the chairman of the Outback Development Forum, Kevin Taylor.
He said the feeling at the launch was one of a "much-heightened level of confidence in the business community." But he said those who spoke also stressed the importance of businesses, agencies and government working together. Meanwhile, those who attended heard about a number of new initiatives that have been developed as part of changes introduced by Business Broken Hill. Mr Edgecumbe said a soon-to-be-launched website would give investors in need of local services easier access to businesses, as well as provide training and other information to members.
The website, which will have links to other government and non-government agencies, will be online within two months, according to Mr Edgecumbe, who said it would be in a constant stage of development. Mr Edgecumbe said the name change and increase in services being offered had been six months in the making and was all about attracting new members. "We've still got a lot of work ahead of us but some of the fruits of our toil are now visible."
$300 million wind nod
Warrnambool Standard
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 3
A $300 MILLION wind farm can be built near Port Fairy after winning the support of the State Government. The Ryan Corner project comprises 68 wind turbines to be built on land adjoining the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road, about 12 kilometres north-west of the town. Planning Minister Justin Madden has written to the Moyne Shire to reveal that he intends to approve the project.
Proponent TME Australia claims the development will create about 60 full-time jobs during its construction, and a further eight once the wind farm is operating. The 121.5-metre-high turbines will be placed on an area about 3600 hectares, which is currently used for grazing. The company states the wind farm will have a low visual impact on the Princes Highway and surrounding towns like Port Fairy, Yambuk and Orford.
Moyne Shire Council approved the project last year. With its combination of wind and open space, the shire is a key target of wind farm developers, with nine projects at various stages of planning. Mayor Ken Gale told The Standard yesterday that he welcomed the Government's imminent backing of Ryan Corner. "I think it is good that we are willing to look at and support alternative sources of energy," Cr Gale said.
TME Australia is also planning a massive wind farm project at Darlington, near Mortlake. The 150-turbine wind farm would be the most powerful in Australia. It also has projects in the pipeline at Hawkesdale and Berrybank, near Lismore.
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 3
A $300 MILLION wind farm can be built near Port Fairy after winning the support of the State Government. The Ryan Corner project comprises 68 wind turbines to be built on land adjoining the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road, about 12 kilometres north-west of the town. Planning Minister Justin Madden has written to the Moyne Shire to reveal that he intends to approve the project.
Proponent TME Australia claims the development will create about 60 full-time jobs during its construction, and a further eight once the wind farm is operating. The 121.5-metre-high turbines will be placed on an area about 3600 hectares, which is currently used for grazing. The company states the wind farm will have a low visual impact on the Princes Highway and surrounding towns like Port Fairy, Yambuk and Orford.
Moyne Shire Council approved the project last year. With its combination of wind and open space, the shire is a key target of wind farm developers, with nine projects at various stages of planning. Mayor Ken Gale told The Standard yesterday that he welcomed the Government's imminent backing of Ryan Corner. "I think it is good that we are willing to look at and support alternative sources of energy," Cr Gale said.
TME Australia is also planning a massive wind farm project at Darlington, near Mortlake. The 150-turbine wind farm would be the most powerful in Australia. It also has projects in the pipeline at Hawkesdale and Berrybank, near Lismore.
Plug and play - the car of the future
Daily Examiner
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 15
MELBOURNE: A car of the future, which can be charged from a household power point, has been unveiled in Melbourne after being converted into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle by an Australian university team. The green car, which can be charged directly from the domestic power grid, was shown off by green company Szencorp and Sydney University of Technology (UTS). The PHEV uses a converted Toyota Prius, fitted with extra batteries for greater storage and a power socket so it can be charged directly from the grid.
Chris Dunstan, UTS project director, said the PHEV could offer not only much lower fuel bills but also the flexibility of storing wind power and solar energy at times. "Plug-in hybrid cars have the potential to revolutionise not only how we drive but how we generate and use electricity in our homes and workplaces," Mr Dunstan said. "This car heralds a not-too-distant future where householders will charge up their cars from solar panels on their roof and then pump surplus power from their car back into the grid on days of high peak power demand.
"If charged up on renewable energy, the PHEV can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it can run on electricity for over 30km, the average daily commute of many Australian motorists. "For longer trips, it simply switches back to normal hybrid operation," he said. The converted car combines attributes of electric cars that costs less to run than petrol vehicles, while using renewable energy, with the efficiency of hybrid vehicles that can travel up to 1000km without refuelling.
It can be charged from a normal household power point. Toyota this week announced it would start producing hybrid Camrys at its Melbourne plant, with the first cars due to roll off the production line in early 2010, while General Motors has also announced a plug-in electric car which it has not ruled out selling in Australia.
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 15
MELBOURNE: A car of the future, which can be charged from a household power point, has been unveiled in Melbourne after being converted into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle by an Australian university team. The green car, which can be charged directly from the domestic power grid, was shown off by green company Szencorp and Sydney University of Technology (UTS). The PHEV uses a converted Toyota Prius, fitted with extra batteries for greater storage and a power socket so it can be charged directly from the grid.
Chris Dunstan, UTS project director, said the PHEV could offer not only much lower fuel bills but also the flexibility of storing wind power and solar energy at times. "Plug-in hybrid cars have the potential to revolutionise not only how we drive but how we generate and use electricity in our homes and workplaces," Mr Dunstan said. "This car heralds a not-too-distant future where householders will charge up their cars from solar panels on their roof and then pump surplus power from their car back into the grid on days of high peak power demand.
"If charged up on renewable energy, the PHEV can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it can run on electricity for over 30km, the average daily commute of many Australian motorists. "For longer trips, it simply switches back to normal hybrid operation," he said. The converted car combines attributes of electric cars that costs less to run than petrol vehicles, while using renewable energy, with the efficiency of hybrid vehicles that can travel up to 1000km without refuelling.
It can be charged from a normal household power point. Toyota this week announced it would start producing hybrid Camrys at its Melbourne plant, with the first cars due to roll off the production line in early 2010, while General Motors has also announced a plug-in electric car which it has not ruled out selling in Australia.
Sourcing power from the waves
Burnie Advocate
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 17
THE west coast of King Island is set to become the site of a revolutionary new power source. Within the next month scientists will set up monitors on the ocean floor to look at wave climate and the possibility of harnessing the energy to use as power. Energy company Oceanlinx is hoping to have power generated within the next couple of years. Oceanlinx executive director and chief technology officer Tom Denniss said it was looking at a number of sites on the island to capture the energy.
"King Island has an excellent wave climate, particularly on the west coast," he said. But to do this Oceanlinx must first test possible locations for suitability. This will include placing small and benign pressure sensors on the seabeds for a couple of months to record wave heights and periods. " This will hopefully be in place within the next month or so," Dr Denniss said. Dr Denniss said he was unsure which sites would be used, but they would probably be on the west coast, close to grid interconnection points.
This means it will probably be near Currie, but there are other possibilities. Dr Denniss said wave power was a denser energy source than wind and solar. "It is more predictable, and is also less variable... we also expect it to eventually be the cheapest renewable energy option," he said. Oceanlinx has projects running in Portland, Victoria; Port Kembla, NSW; Cornwall, United Kingdom; Rhode Island, US; Namibia and Hawaii. King Island already has solar and wind power running.
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 17
THE west coast of King Island is set to become the site of a revolutionary new power source. Within the next month scientists will set up monitors on the ocean floor to look at wave climate and the possibility of harnessing the energy to use as power. Energy company Oceanlinx is hoping to have power generated within the next couple of years. Oceanlinx executive director and chief technology officer Tom Denniss said it was looking at a number of sites on the island to capture the energy.
"King Island has an excellent wave climate, particularly on the west coast," he said. But to do this Oceanlinx must first test possible locations for suitability. This will include placing small and benign pressure sensors on the seabeds for a couple of months to record wave heights and periods. " This will hopefully be in place within the next month or so," Dr Denniss said. Dr Denniss said he was unsure which sites would be used, but they would probably be on the west coast, close to grid interconnection points.
This means it will probably be near Currie, but there are other possibilities. Dr Denniss said wave power was a denser energy source than wind and solar. "It is more predictable, and is also less variable... we also expect it to eventually be the cheapest renewable energy option," he said. Oceanlinx has projects running in Portland, Victoria; Port Kembla, NSW; Cornwall, United Kingdom; Rhode Island, US; Namibia and Hawaii. King Island already has solar and wind power running.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Power for the future Wind turbines bring green energy to 53,000 homes
Adelaide Advertiser
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 13
EMISSION-FREE electricity generated on the windy hilltops of the state's Mid North is powering 53,000 homes. Energy retailer AGL and Premier Mike Rann will today officially launch the Hallett Wind Farm, 250km north of Adelaide, as the first of the turbines puts power into the electricity grid. The 45 turbines along the 14.5km ridge make up the first of five stages to be completed by AGL in the Hallett region.
Advertiser Newspapers, as part of its One Degree environmental initiative, has bought the first 100 renewable energy certificates generated by the wind farm, which will offset the company's emissions. Each certificate represents one megawatt hour of renewable energy fed into the electricity grid and prevents one tonne of greenhouse gas pollution from being generated. The amount of clean energy that will be used by the 53,000 households receiving electricity from the wind farm equals a saving of 392,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.
AGL managing director Michael Fraser said the Mid North was highly suitable for wind developments. "With one wind farm now completed, one under construction and two more currently under investment consideration, the Mid North is confirmed as the hub of Australian wind farm investment," Mr Fraser said.
"Wind energy is the fastest growing global renewable energy source and AGL believes wind will be the most significant renewable technology able to provide the scale required to satisfy our country's renewable energy requirements for the next decade." The first stage of the wind farm took 18 months to build and has employed 100 people, many local farmers and tradespeople.
Some interstate workers, including lead installation technician Adrian Sliwa, 29, from Melbourne, have spent the past 18 months living in the region and have joined local sporting and community groups. Mr Sliwa said the community had been very welcoming of the project and its workers. "I've made a lot of good friends here and I think it has been good for the community," he said. "It's been great for the bakery, the hotel and other businesses in the town." Under stage one alone, six people will be permanently employed for the life of the project. South Australia generates almost 50 per cent of the nation's wind power.
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 13
EMISSION-FREE electricity generated on the windy hilltops of the state's Mid North is powering 53,000 homes. Energy retailer AGL and Premier Mike Rann will today officially launch the Hallett Wind Farm, 250km north of Adelaide, as the first of the turbines puts power into the electricity grid. The 45 turbines along the 14.5km ridge make up the first of five stages to be completed by AGL in the Hallett region.Advertiser Newspapers, as part of its One Degree environmental initiative, has bought the first 100 renewable energy certificates generated by the wind farm, which will offset the company's emissions. Each certificate represents one megawatt hour of renewable energy fed into the electricity grid and prevents one tonne of greenhouse gas pollution from being generated. The amount of clean energy that will be used by the 53,000 households receiving electricity from the wind farm equals a saving of 392,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.
AGL managing director Michael Fraser said the Mid North was highly suitable for wind developments. "With one wind farm now completed, one under construction and two more currently under investment consideration, the Mid North is confirmed as the hub of Australian wind farm investment," Mr Fraser said.
"Wind energy is the fastest growing global renewable energy source and AGL believes wind will be the most significant renewable technology able to provide the scale required to satisfy our country's renewable energy requirements for the next decade." The first stage of the wind farm took 18 months to build and has employed 100 people, many local farmers and tradespeople.
Some interstate workers, including lead installation technician Adrian Sliwa, 29, from Melbourne, have spent the past 18 months living in the region and have joined local sporting and community groups. Mr Sliwa said the community had been very welcoming of the project and its workers. "I've made a lot of good friends here and I think it has been good for the community," he said. "It's been great for the bakery, the hotel and other businesses in the town." Under stage one alone, six people will be permanently employed for the life of the project. South Australia generates almost 50 per cent of the nation's wind power.
Federal government slammed over solar cash-back stall - Council steps in over energy rebate cap
Bendigo Weekly
Friday 6/6/2008 Page: 9
THE City of Greater Bendigo council has criticised the federal government for its planned $100,000 income cap on receiving solar energy rebates. Strathfieldsaye Ward councillor Keith Reynard led the attack, urging the council to write to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expressing its disappointment at the plan unveiled in last month's budget.
"Given the urgency of tackling climate change... the consequences of failing to immediately act on climate change will lead to greater impacts and costs in the future," he said. "The (solar) rebate scheme is one of the tools the government has at hand to enable immediate action by individuals at a household level." Cr Reynard said the oversubscription of the rebate scheme was a measure of its success, not a reason to limit it.
"The rebate scheme has become so successful that the level of solar system installations around Australia is currently at 16 megawatts of installed capacity," he said. "Over 30 per cent of that growth has occurred in the past 12 months, being directly related to the rise in federal rebate from $4000 to $8000. "This is a very powerful demonstration that incentives not only work, but in this case work exceptionally well." Cr Reynard said the benefits of that level of solar cell installations were many.
"Firstly, environmentally it can be implemented by households immediately to reduce their individual greenhouse gas emissions," he said. "Secondly, each individual has an opportunity to actively participate rather than being locked into a centralised system they are remote from and feel they have no control over, except for one day ever, four years at the ballot box, and we cannot afford to wait that long.
"Thirdly, as the level of support for the renewable energy industry grows, it will be able to dedicate a larger focus and resources into research and development functions to improve the performance of the systems and stimulate greater commitment to local manufacturing of components." Cr Reynard said technical developments would also progress with a focus on research and development.
"I am aware of research occurring to construct photosynthetic film or paint that will be able to generate electricity even from low-intensity light," he said. ""This will be accelerated with widespread support for the renewable energy sector." Cr Reynard also pointed out the obvious economic benefits of a booming renewable energy sector. "This is particularly important in regional Australia where the abundant natural benefits are more available, and renewable energy generation will be a stimulus for many regional communities," lie said.
"Communities around Australia are taking the lead in this matter but cannot be expected to shoulder the entire responsibility for stimulating the renewable energy sector and reducing our national greenhouse gas emissions, especially when the coal industry receives so many government subsidies to keep operating in their current manner. "All the community asks is that state and federal governments view solutions to a warming planet as seriously as the people that elected them, and reverse the decision to means test and cap the rebate scheme."
Friday 6/6/2008 Page: 9
THE City of Greater Bendigo council has criticised the federal government for its planned $100,000 income cap on receiving solar energy rebates. Strathfieldsaye Ward councillor Keith Reynard led the attack, urging the council to write to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expressing its disappointment at the plan unveiled in last month's budget.
"Given the urgency of tackling climate change... the consequences of failing to immediately act on climate change will lead to greater impacts and costs in the future," he said. "The (solar) rebate scheme is one of the tools the government has at hand to enable immediate action by individuals at a household level." Cr Reynard said the oversubscription of the rebate scheme was a measure of its success, not a reason to limit it.
"The rebate scheme has become so successful that the level of solar system installations around Australia is currently at 16 megawatts of installed capacity," he said. "Over 30 per cent of that growth has occurred in the past 12 months, being directly related to the rise in federal rebate from $4000 to $8000. "This is a very powerful demonstration that incentives not only work, but in this case work exceptionally well." Cr Reynard said the benefits of that level of solar cell installations were many.
"Firstly, environmentally it can be implemented by households immediately to reduce their individual greenhouse gas emissions," he said. "Secondly, each individual has an opportunity to actively participate rather than being locked into a centralised system they are remote from and feel they have no control over, except for one day ever, four years at the ballot box, and we cannot afford to wait that long.
"Thirdly, as the level of support for the renewable energy industry grows, it will be able to dedicate a larger focus and resources into research and development functions to improve the performance of the systems and stimulate greater commitment to local manufacturing of components." Cr Reynard said technical developments would also progress with a focus on research and development.
"I am aware of research occurring to construct photosynthetic film or paint that will be able to generate electricity even from low-intensity light," he said. ""This will be accelerated with widespread support for the renewable energy sector." Cr Reynard also pointed out the obvious economic benefits of a booming renewable energy sector. "This is particularly important in regional Australia where the abundant natural benefits are more available, and renewable energy generation will be a stimulus for many regional communities," lie said.
"Communities around Australia are taking the lead in this matter but cannot be expected to shoulder the entire responsibility for stimulating the renewable energy sector and reducing our national greenhouse gas emissions, especially when the coal industry receives so many government subsidies to keep operating in their current manner. "All the community asks is that state and federal governments view solutions to a warming planet as seriously as the people that elected them, and reverse the decision to means test and cap the rebate scheme."
Solar companies seek rescue plan
Hepburn Shire Advocate
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 5
A Daylesford business has joined the call for urgent action to rescue the solar energy industry. Leading solar companies have urged the Federal Government to introduce measures to support the sector following the shock Budget announcement that solar rebates would be means tested. The solar rebate is now restricted to households that earn less than $100,000 a year.
EcoProperty managing director Catriona MacDiarmid said the means test was a big disincentive for consumers and her business would suffer from the decision. The Daylesford branch of EcoProperty helps people to buy, sell, design and build houses that promote sustainable living. Our business is about helping people make their homes reliant on solar energy so it's going to make it tough," Ms MacDiarmid said.
"From our point of view as a country we should be leading the way in providing alternative energy options and this is sending the wrong message." Ms MacDiarmid said it was too early to notice a drop in sales, but with less concessions home owners would avoid installing solar energy equipment.
"The people with solar power in this region aren't going to have to sell their houses tomorrow but we certainly will see the effect by the end of the year." International renewable energy company Conergy director Rodger Meads said a delegation of four companies met with Environment Minister Peter Garrett in Canberra last week and outlined the damage that the government's decision to means test the solar rebate was starting to have on more than 300 small businesses active in Australia's solar industry, including Daylesford EcoProperty franchise.
"Our delegation pointed out that this situation was urgent. A mass of cancellations kicked off immediately after the government's announcement and was now being followed by job losses and business closures looming," Mr Meads said. "The group urged the government to abolish the $100,000 means test and presented a way forward with measures that would achieve the government's objective of slowing down the uptake of this successful program. It would do this in a way that would maintain industry skills and capability and ensure an ongoing, consistent level of investment, jobs and industry development for the industry, he said.
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 5
A Daylesford business has joined the call for urgent action to rescue the solar energy industry. Leading solar companies have urged the Federal Government to introduce measures to support the sector following the shock Budget announcement that solar rebates would be means tested. The solar rebate is now restricted to households that earn less than $100,000 a year.
EcoProperty managing director Catriona MacDiarmid said the means test was a big disincentive for consumers and her business would suffer from the decision. The Daylesford branch of EcoProperty helps people to buy, sell, design and build houses that promote sustainable living. Our business is about helping people make their homes reliant on solar energy so it's going to make it tough," Ms MacDiarmid said.
"From our point of view as a country we should be leading the way in providing alternative energy options and this is sending the wrong message." Ms MacDiarmid said it was too early to notice a drop in sales, but with less concessions home owners would avoid installing solar energy equipment.
"The people with solar power in this region aren't going to have to sell their houses tomorrow but we certainly will see the effect by the end of the year." International renewable energy company Conergy director Rodger Meads said a delegation of four companies met with Environment Minister Peter Garrett in Canberra last week and outlined the damage that the government's decision to means test the solar rebate was starting to have on more than 300 small businesses active in Australia's solar industry, including Daylesford EcoProperty franchise.
"Our delegation pointed out that this situation was urgent. A mass of cancellations kicked off immediately after the government's announcement and was now being followed by job losses and business closures looming," Mr Meads said. "The group urged the government to abolish the $100,000 means test and presented a way forward with measures that would achieve the government's objective of slowing down the uptake of this successful program. It would do this in a way that would maintain industry skills and capability and ensure an ongoing, consistent level of investment, jobs and industry development for the industry, he said.
Profit in being green
Stock & Land
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 25
SUSTAINABILITY is a core focus for the Taresch family. When they purchased Elgo - one of the three properties in their Strathbogie Ranges operation - erosion and rabbits were big problems. "But we've managed to undo all of that and not reduce stocking rates," said Grant Taresch, pictured with wife Suzanne. Sustainability is part of their branding and with the installation of a 150-kilowatt wind turbine, their attention to this is serious.
The turbine takes advantage of the windy ridges and generates enough energy to supply the winery's electricity needs and return excess to the grid. It saves about 500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum and generates more power than the winery requires. Excess power returned to the grid provides the property with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) which can be traded at $50 each. For every megawatt hour of green energy the Taresches generate one REC.
The turbine has saved the business about $30,000 a year on power and last year returned $8000 worth of RECs. The winery is a closed loop for water use. Water is collected off the roof and after it has been used in the winery it is recycled through lagoon ponds before irrigating the vines. Organic matter is recycled, composted and again, returned to the vineyard. Land regeneration is an ongoing commitment, with wildlife corridors established and less productive land returned to natural woodlands.
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 25
SUSTAINABILITY is a core focus for the Taresch family. When they purchased Elgo - one of the three properties in their Strathbogie Ranges operation - erosion and rabbits were big problems. "But we've managed to undo all of that and not reduce stocking rates," said Grant Taresch, pictured with wife Suzanne. Sustainability is part of their branding and with the installation of a 150-kilowatt wind turbine, their attention to this is serious.
The turbine takes advantage of the windy ridges and generates enough energy to supply the winery's electricity needs and return excess to the grid. It saves about 500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum and generates more power than the winery requires. Excess power returned to the grid provides the property with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) which can be traded at $50 each. For every megawatt hour of green energy the Taresches generate one REC.
The turbine has saved the business about $30,000 a year on power and last year returned $8000 worth of RECs. The winery is a closed loop for water use. Water is collected off the roof and after it has been used in the winery it is recycled through lagoon ponds before irrigating the vines. Organic matter is recycled, composted and again, returned to the vineyard. Land regeneration is an ongoing commitment, with wildlife corridors established and less productive land returned to natural woodlands.
N-reactor mooted for Tassie
Hobart Mercury
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 11
THE nation's nuclear chief Ziggy Switkowski, who headed the Howard government nuclear energy task force, says Tasmania is the right type of place to consider a nuclear reactor. "I think subsequent generations of smaller reactors designed for smaller populations, mining towns and industries like smelting, might find a market and a home in places like Tasmania," he told ABC Radio yesterday.
Dr Switkowski's trip to Hobart yesterday was to speak at the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Facing the Sustainability Challenge Seminar 2008. Australian Greens senator and climate change spokeswoman Christine Milne said the suggestion that Tasmania could have a nuclear reactor in 30-40 years could not be taken seriously. "It's a nonsense idea." she said. "Nobody in Tasmania will take him seriously." She said Tasmanians' views would not change in 40 years and they would not want nuclear energy.
"What would that do for Tasmania's clean, green image." she said. "There can be no logical explanation for Dr Switkowski coming to Tasmania and proposing a nuclear reactor when Tasmania has enormous resources of and potential for renewable energy from wind and ocean power and much more." TCCI chief executive Damon Thomas said the seminar was productive.
Dr Switkowski is the chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the country's nuclear research and development body and the centre of nuclear expertise. It has suggested up to 25 nuclear energy stations could be built along the east coast to help provide for the nation's growing energy requirements.
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 11
THE nation's nuclear chief Ziggy Switkowski, who headed the Howard government nuclear energy task force, says Tasmania is the right type of place to consider a nuclear reactor. "I think subsequent generations of smaller reactors designed for smaller populations, mining towns and industries like smelting, might find a market and a home in places like Tasmania," he told ABC Radio yesterday.
Dr Switkowski's trip to Hobart yesterday was to speak at the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Facing the Sustainability Challenge Seminar 2008. Australian Greens senator and climate change spokeswoman Christine Milne said the suggestion that Tasmania could have a nuclear reactor in 30-40 years could not be taken seriously. "It's a nonsense idea." she said. "Nobody in Tasmania will take him seriously." She said Tasmanians' views would not change in 40 years and they would not want nuclear energy.
"What would that do for Tasmania's clean, green image." she said. "There can be no logical explanation for Dr Switkowski coming to Tasmania and proposing a nuclear reactor when Tasmania has enormous resources of and potential for renewable energy from wind and ocean power and much more." TCCI chief executive Damon Thomas said the seminar was productive.
Dr Switkowski is the chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the country's nuclear research and development body and the centre of nuclear expertise. It has suggested up to 25 nuclear energy stations could be built along the east coast to help provide for the nation's growing energy requirements.
The clever car that charges into buildings
Herald Sun
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 71
SOUTH Melbourne company Szencorp has not only skidded past the local motoring industry to win the race to develop an electric car, its marque can pump energy back into buildings. Federal Minister for Finance Lindsay Tanner will today unveil Australia's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), created at Sydney's University of Technology (UTS) for Szencorp, a developer of energy and water efficient properties.
The car has been retrofitted with extra batteries so that it can store more electricity than a conventional hybrid, allowing it to bypass its petrol tank for at least 30km. "Unlike ordinary hybrids that derive all their electrical energy from petrol, the PHEV, a converted Toyota Prius can be charged up using renewable energy from a normal power point," Szencorp chairman Peter Szental said.
Asked if the PHEV will have as much grunt as a petrol driven car, Mr Szental told BNW: "You will be able to lose your licence just as easily in a PHEV." Szencorp and UTS have partnered with Stan Baker, from Green Auto Conversions,in the venture and are ready to take orders from motorists who want to retrofit their Priuses.
It is estimated that when the venture reaches production line scale, the cost of retrofitting will be between $4000 and $5000. Over time, savings will be made through reduced petrol and electricity costs as the vehicle will store energy that can be fed back into buildings. Capitalising on the car's unique "plug out" feature, Mr Szental plans to use it to supply power to his Albert Rd headquarters, which was Australia's first six-star energy efficient refurbished building.
An array of rooftop solar panels currently supply almost half of the building's electricity needs and will now also power the office car. "Szencorp has funded the PHEV project to demonstrate that cutting edge, low-emission technologies like these are viable and can literally plug in to our existing infrastructure." he said.
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 71
SOUTH Melbourne company Szencorp has not only skidded past the local motoring industry to win the race to develop an electric car, its marque can pump energy back into buildings. Federal Minister for Finance Lindsay Tanner will today unveil Australia's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), created at Sydney's University of Technology (UTS) for Szencorp, a developer of energy and water efficient properties.
The car has been retrofitted with extra batteries so that it can store more electricity than a conventional hybrid, allowing it to bypass its petrol tank for at least 30km. "Unlike ordinary hybrids that derive all their electrical energy from petrol, the PHEV, a converted Toyota Prius can be charged up using renewable energy from a normal power point," Szencorp chairman Peter Szental said.
Asked if the PHEV will have as much grunt as a petrol driven car, Mr Szental told BNW: "You will be able to lose your licence just as easily in a PHEV." Szencorp and UTS have partnered with Stan Baker, from Green Auto Conversions,in the venture and are ready to take orders from motorists who want to retrofit their Priuses.
It is estimated that when the venture reaches production line scale, the cost of retrofitting will be between $4000 and $5000. Over time, savings will be made through reduced petrol and electricity costs as the vehicle will store energy that can be fed back into buildings. Capitalising on the car's unique "plug out" feature, Mr Szental plans to use it to supply power to his Albert Rd headquarters, which was Australia's first six-star energy efficient refurbished building.
An array of rooftop solar panels currently supply almost half of the building's electricity needs and will now also power the office car. "Szencorp has funded the PHEV project to demonstrate that cutting edge, low-emission technologies like these are viable and can literally plug in to our existing infrastructure." he said.
Monday, 23 June 2008
Biomass energy plant mooted for South East
Border Watch
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 3
A BIOMASS energy plant to convert forest residue into renewable energy has been mooted for development in the South East region. Such a plant could possibly provide power for 35,000 homes, by converting the residue created from the harvesting of the region's plantations forests, such as branches and twigs, into green energy. The potential for the plant has arisen after news of a partnership between plantation company Great Southern and energy company Pacific Energy.
The agreement, currently in place for a 12 month period, provides Pacific Energy with exclusive rights over the use of harvest residues from within Great Southern's national forest plantations, including those in the South East. During this time, they will assess the viability of creating biomass fuelled energy power stations in plantation locations across the country, including the South East.
Pacific Energy already owns and operates two hydroelectric power stations in Victoria and is currently developing a biomass fuelled power station in Perth, Western Australia, and New Jersey, USA. Pacific Energy managing director Adam Boyd said the current development of the WA based biomass plant would provided the company with practical information and experience, which could assist in the future possible development of a South East plant.
The company is hoping it will be viable to develop a 30 megawatt plant, which would provide enough energy to power 35,000 homes each year, based on average household consumption levels. He said the partnership with Great Southern would provide a significant source of forest residue, and other plantation owners may be invited to become involved with the project.
He said the coming six to nine months would be crucial in scoping out the viability of the South East project and gaining community and stakeholder support. The company has not yet gone into discussions with the region's councils, as details of where the project may be situated would not be known for some time. "It's too early, we've got to spend the next six months scoping the project, before we speak to councils," Mr Boyd said.
It is likely the project, if proved viable, would still be years from fruition. "We're probably a couple of years from making a decision," Mr Boyd said. "We have to get community and environmental approval... that takes a considerable period of time to evaluate everything." Community support for the project was vital, according to Mr Boyd, and would be a "big part of the success" of the venture.
"We have to put what is a piece of very significant infrastructure in place, that's aimed to benefit the community with jobs and opportunities, and also provide renewable energy, which the Federal Government is keen to have more of in the nation," Mr Boyd said. "But we have to put it somewhere that the people are going to be happy with. "We can't do this project without stakeholder interest and support." Great Southern managing director Cameron Rhodes said the company was excited about the partnership with Pacific Energy, which could provide benefits such as the creation of renewable energy and potentially additional income streams to investors.
"These developments further confirm the significant economic, social and environmental benefit to Australia of Great Southern's and the broader plantation industry's continuing investment in the development of timber plantation estates by the potential provision of a viable long term fuel source for renewable energy generation," Mr Rhodes said.
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 3
A BIOMASS energy plant to convert forest residue into renewable energy has been mooted for development in the South East region. Such a plant could possibly provide power for 35,000 homes, by converting the residue created from the harvesting of the region's plantations forests, such as branches and twigs, into green energy. The potential for the plant has arisen after news of a partnership between plantation company Great Southern and energy company Pacific Energy.The agreement, currently in place for a 12 month period, provides Pacific Energy with exclusive rights over the use of harvest residues from within Great Southern's national forest plantations, including those in the South East. During this time, they will assess the viability of creating biomass fuelled energy power stations in plantation locations across the country, including the South East.
Pacific Energy already owns and operates two hydroelectric power stations in Victoria and is currently developing a biomass fuelled power station in Perth, Western Australia, and New Jersey, USA. Pacific Energy managing director Adam Boyd said the current development of the WA based biomass plant would provided the company with practical information and experience, which could assist in the future possible development of a South East plant.
The company is hoping it will be viable to develop a 30 megawatt plant, which would provide enough energy to power 35,000 homes each year, based on average household consumption levels. He said the partnership with Great Southern would provide a significant source of forest residue, and other plantation owners may be invited to become involved with the project.
He said the coming six to nine months would be crucial in scoping out the viability of the South East project and gaining community and stakeholder support. The company has not yet gone into discussions with the region's councils, as details of where the project may be situated would not be known for some time. "It's too early, we've got to spend the next six months scoping the project, before we speak to councils," Mr Boyd said.
It is likely the project, if proved viable, would still be years from fruition. "We're probably a couple of years from making a decision," Mr Boyd said. "We have to get community and environmental approval... that takes a considerable period of time to evaluate everything." Community support for the project was vital, according to Mr Boyd, and would be a "big part of the success" of the venture.
"We have to put what is a piece of very significant infrastructure in place, that's aimed to benefit the community with jobs and opportunities, and also provide renewable energy, which the Federal Government is keen to have more of in the nation," Mr Boyd said. "But we have to put it somewhere that the people are going to be happy with. "We can't do this project without stakeholder interest and support." Great Southern managing director Cameron Rhodes said the company was excited about the partnership with Pacific Energy, which could provide benefits such as the creation of renewable energy and potentially additional income streams to investors.
"These developments further confirm the significant economic, social and environmental benefit to Australia of Great Southern's and the broader plantation industry's continuing investment in the development of timber plantation estates by the potential provision of a viable long term fuel source for renewable energy generation," Mr Rhodes said.
Sun's rays alone can power Aust 'by 2030'
Canberra Times
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 3
Australia could be totally reliant on solar energy by 2030 if the current obstacles of technical inertia, lack of political will and entrenched interests can be overcome, a leading CSIRO scientist says. "Australia should be building a solar backbone,'' atmospheric physicist Mike Raupach told a national climate change conference at the Australian National University yesterday. Pursuing large-scale geosequestration projects to reduce Australia's rising greenhouse emissions was not the answer and "is fighting against the way the Earth's systems want its to go", he said.
Dr Raupach, a contributing author to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, said Australia's greenhouse emissions were growing faster than in any other developed nation in the world, driven by increasing per capita wealth and the "aggressive consumption" of the average urban lifestyle.
"We need a cap on total emissions at around 500 billion tonnes of carbon, which means an 80 per cent reduction in emissions for developed countries, and perhaps a 90 per cent reduction for Australia." The climate-change threat was "somewhere between severe and extreme." A gap was emerging between "what the economists tells its is possible" and what scientists insisted was necessary to tackle the problem, Dr Rattpach said.
Significant reductions in Australia's greenhouse emissions were "technically achievable and affordable", with low-cost mitigation measures including improved refrigeration, lighting, heating and car fuel efficiencies, better building insulation and reduced travel, with carbon offsets invested in renewable energy rather than biosequestration or tree planting projects, he said. The director of the University of Adelaide's climate research institute, Professor Barry Brook, told the conference that "to have a reasonable chance" of avoiding a future increase of 2 degrees of global warming, developed nations must achieve "at least an 80 per cent reduction in emissions" by 2050 and begin levelling off emissions "by no later than 2015."
Professor Brook said a 2-degree increase in temperature would "wipe out" most of the world's coral reefs. Sea levels could rise by tip to 30m in some areas, Australia would experience more frequent, intensive droughts and between 20 and 30 per cent of global biodiversity "will be consigned to extinction." At 3 degrees the world would experience a "freshwater supply crisis" as the Himalayan glaciers and other snow-pack environments disappeared.
The Amazon basin would collapse from drought and desertification, tropical weather systems would expand polewards and widespread permafrost melt would exacerbate global warming by releasing tonnes of methane into the atmosphere. At 4 degrees, agriculture would collapse across Australia's midlatitudes.
"It is a damning indictment of our collective vacillation, inaction and deliberate stalling to date, that in facing tip to this problem - with Australia and the United States being two prominent curmudgeons - we are facing the stark choice between a bad situation, a catastrophic situation and a civilisation terminating situation," Professor Brook said.
Former Labor science minister Barry Jones told the conference that the Hawke government knew about the risks of climate change 25 years ago but ignored the issue. He claimed to have been the first Australian politician to raise the alarm, in 1984.
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 3
Australia could be totally reliant on solar energy by 2030 if the current obstacles of technical inertia, lack of political will and entrenched interests can be overcome, a leading CSIRO scientist says. "Australia should be building a solar backbone,'' atmospheric physicist Mike Raupach told a national climate change conference at the Australian National University yesterday. Pursuing large-scale geosequestration projects to reduce Australia's rising greenhouse emissions was not the answer and "is fighting against the way the Earth's systems want its to go", he said.
Dr Raupach, a contributing author to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, said Australia's greenhouse emissions were growing faster than in any other developed nation in the world, driven by increasing per capita wealth and the "aggressive consumption" of the average urban lifestyle.
"We need a cap on total emissions at around 500 billion tonnes of carbon, which means an 80 per cent reduction in emissions for developed countries, and perhaps a 90 per cent reduction for Australia." The climate-change threat was "somewhere between severe and extreme." A gap was emerging between "what the economists tells its is possible" and what scientists insisted was necessary to tackle the problem, Dr Rattpach said.
Significant reductions in Australia's greenhouse emissions were "technically achievable and affordable", with low-cost mitigation measures including improved refrigeration, lighting, heating and car fuel efficiencies, better building insulation and reduced travel, with carbon offsets invested in renewable energy rather than biosequestration or tree planting projects, he said. The director of the University of Adelaide's climate research institute, Professor Barry Brook, told the conference that "to have a reasonable chance" of avoiding a future increase of 2 degrees of global warming, developed nations must achieve "at least an 80 per cent reduction in emissions" by 2050 and begin levelling off emissions "by no later than 2015."
Professor Brook said a 2-degree increase in temperature would "wipe out" most of the world's coral reefs. Sea levels could rise by tip to 30m in some areas, Australia would experience more frequent, intensive droughts and between 20 and 30 per cent of global biodiversity "will be consigned to extinction." At 3 degrees the world would experience a "freshwater supply crisis" as the Himalayan glaciers and other snow-pack environments disappeared.
The Amazon basin would collapse from drought and desertification, tropical weather systems would expand polewards and widespread permafrost melt would exacerbate global warming by releasing tonnes of methane into the atmosphere. At 4 degrees, agriculture would collapse across Australia's midlatitudes.
"It is a damning indictment of our collective vacillation, inaction and deliberate stalling to date, that in facing tip to this problem - with Australia and the United States being two prominent curmudgeons - we are facing the stark choice between a bad situation, a catastrophic situation and a civilisation terminating situation," Professor Brook said.
Former Labor science minister Barry Jones told the conference that the Hawke government knew about the risks of climate change 25 years ago but ignored the issue. He claimed to have been the first Australian politician to raise the alarm, in 1984.
Wind farm protestors blow hard
Geelong Times
Wednesday 4/6/2008 Page: 3
Wind farm worries are on the agenda once more as a $100,000 wind monitoring tower at Mt Pollock was vandalised last month. With such drama surrounding the project it has been a constant vocal point. One often wonders are there really any benefits to wind farms as community opposition seems to be growing.
The proposed wind farm in question is a 700ha site bordering Gnarwarre Rd, Mt Pollock Rd and Peels Rd. The vandalised monitoring tower had been functioning for two years before its removal to allow assessment of wind in the area. Surf Coast Shire councillor, Lindsay Schroeter, is a supporter of the controversial venture and believes wind farms do have the support, regardless of many who strongly voice against them.
"The community is divided no doubt, and many are trying to make a lot of excuses, but they still haven't convinced me." "I will be supporting the project as a councillor, and I think a majority of the council will also. Regardless of the support the planning will have to go to VCAT for planning." Cr Schroeter said he cannot speak for all the council but feels the development will be very favourable. Even with the vandalism last week Cr Schroeder feels renewable energy needs to take a big step in the wind turbine direction.
"When I heard the tower had been pulled down that made me very unhappy because my opinion is the wind farms have the numbers, even though many are saying they're not environmentally friendly." "When the wind blows these turbines it then blows onto the next one, it is all renewable energy and something certainly needs to happen because we can't keep on with the pollution we are producing now."
Even some of the most vigilant protesters seem to agree something does need to change. Whether it is turning to solar power, wave power, or wind power, sustainable renewable energy sources are soon becoming the way of the future. Future Energy managing director, David Shapero, said the removal of its wind monitoring tower will not affect the roll out of wind turbines. With 14 turbines reaching 80 meters anticipated for the Mt Pollock site, it is still in the very early days of application.
"Even if it gets a permit it still won't be built until 2010 because there is such a high demand for wind turbines all over the world. We are a bit behind the ball in Australia," Mr Shapero said. "We support this and feel it's vital to have a renewable energy target as the energy produced from just this proposed wind farm will produce enough energy to support 15,000 homes."
Wednesday 4/6/2008 Page: 3
Wind farm worries are on the agenda once more as a $100,000 wind monitoring tower at Mt Pollock was vandalised last month. With such drama surrounding the project it has been a constant vocal point. One often wonders are there really any benefits to wind farms as community opposition seems to be growing.The proposed wind farm in question is a 700ha site bordering Gnarwarre Rd, Mt Pollock Rd and Peels Rd. The vandalised monitoring tower had been functioning for two years before its removal to allow assessment of wind in the area. Surf Coast Shire councillor, Lindsay Schroeter, is a supporter of the controversial venture and believes wind farms do have the support, regardless of many who strongly voice against them.
"The community is divided no doubt, and many are trying to make a lot of excuses, but they still haven't convinced me." "I will be supporting the project as a councillor, and I think a majority of the council will also. Regardless of the support the planning will have to go to VCAT for planning." Cr Schroeter said he cannot speak for all the council but feels the development will be very favourable. Even with the vandalism last week Cr Schroeder feels renewable energy needs to take a big step in the wind turbine direction.
"When I heard the tower had been pulled down that made me very unhappy because my opinion is the wind farms have the numbers, even though many are saying they're not environmentally friendly." "When the wind blows these turbines it then blows onto the next one, it is all renewable energy and something certainly needs to happen because we can't keep on with the pollution we are producing now."
Even some of the most vigilant protesters seem to agree something does need to change. Whether it is turning to solar power, wave power, or wind power, sustainable renewable energy sources are soon becoming the way of the future. Future Energy managing director, David Shapero, said the removal of its wind monitoring tower will not affect the roll out of wind turbines. With 14 turbines reaching 80 meters anticipated for the Mt Pollock site, it is still in the very early days of application.
"Even if it gets a permit it still won't be built until 2010 because there is such a high demand for wind turbines all over the world. We are a bit behind the ball in Australia," Mr Shapero said. "We support this and feel it's vital to have a renewable energy target as the energy produced from just this proposed wind farm will produce enough energy to support 15,000 homes."
Calls for state to secure energy supply
Business News
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 3
INDUSTRY has called on the state government to encourage further exploration and development of new energy sources, including coal, gas and uranium, following the second major incident involving a reduction in gas supply in less than six months.
The explosion at Apache Energy Ltd's Varanus Island gas facility last week, which resulted in a third of the state's gas supply being shut off, exposed the vulnerability of Western Australia's energy system and underlined the need for a comprehensive energy policy, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
CCIWA chief executive James Pearson said the state needed to diversify its energy mix and look at the feasible energy options, including re-opening the debate on nuclear energy. "We need to make sure we make use of our abundant gas resources, we have abundant coal, and renewable energy technologies which might contribute towards the answer. We also think its time we had a sensible discussion about nuclear," he said.
Mr Pearson said the state government had put up numerous barriers to the development of new energy sources, including too much red tape and 'green' tape. "It takes too long to move from finding new energy sources to developing them and getting them to customers," he said. While it was too early to say what the total impact of the gas shortages would be on the WA economy, Mr Pearson said his members were telling him it was costing millions of dollars a day to keep their doors open.
Liberal leader Troy Buswell has also called for the implementation of a state energy plan, saying the government has failed to take a strategic approach to securing the state's energy supply. The opposition has released its policy proposal for a state energy plan, which provides for a domestic gas reservation policy, the provision of infrastructure, and the diversification of the energy mix. Industries such as mining, construction, building services, food processing, hospitality, and health have all been significantly affected by the gas shortage.
Apache says it could take a couple of months before limited supply can be returned. This isn't the first time that the state's industry has been exposed to major energy disruption. In January, a fault at the North West Shelf venture's Karratha gas plant shut the plant down for two days, affecting about 20 per cent of WA's energy generators.
Additional energy was obtained from various sources, including wind power from the South West and generators in Kalgoorlie, to avoid rolling black-outs. Domgas Alliance chairman Stuart Hohnen said the incidents showed the extent to which the state was reliant on two sources of gas supply and how heavily WA relied on gas for its energy needs. "Gas supplies more than half the primary energy. Gas has a central position in the energy economy and it's very important to major industry," he said.
With WA's current consumption of gas roughly 1,000 terajoules a day, Mr Hohnen said demand projections showed an additional 650TJ a day could be required in the market in the next five to six years, and a further 250TJ a day on top required to replace existing contributions.
The WA Sustainable Energy Association said the government should aggressively invest in a variety of renewable generation spread across rural WA, including additional wind farms, biomass and biogas production, and fast-track the development of the state's wave and geothermal resources.
Thursday 12/6/2008 Page: 3
INDUSTRY has called on the state government to encourage further exploration and development of new energy sources, including coal, gas and uranium, following the second major incident involving a reduction in gas supply in less than six months.
The explosion at Apache Energy Ltd's Varanus Island gas facility last week, which resulted in a third of the state's gas supply being shut off, exposed the vulnerability of Western Australia's energy system and underlined the need for a comprehensive energy policy, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
CCIWA chief executive James Pearson said the state needed to diversify its energy mix and look at the feasible energy options, including re-opening the debate on nuclear energy. "We need to make sure we make use of our abundant gas resources, we have abundant coal, and renewable energy technologies which might contribute towards the answer. We also think its time we had a sensible discussion about nuclear," he said.
Mr Pearson said the state government had put up numerous barriers to the development of new energy sources, including too much red tape and 'green' tape. "It takes too long to move from finding new energy sources to developing them and getting them to customers," he said. While it was too early to say what the total impact of the gas shortages would be on the WA economy, Mr Pearson said his members were telling him it was costing millions of dollars a day to keep their doors open.
Liberal leader Troy Buswell has also called for the implementation of a state energy plan, saying the government has failed to take a strategic approach to securing the state's energy supply. The opposition has released its policy proposal for a state energy plan, which provides for a domestic gas reservation policy, the provision of infrastructure, and the diversification of the energy mix. Industries such as mining, construction, building services, food processing, hospitality, and health have all been significantly affected by the gas shortage.
Apache says it could take a couple of months before limited supply can be returned. This isn't the first time that the state's industry has been exposed to major energy disruption. In January, a fault at the North West Shelf venture's Karratha gas plant shut the plant down for two days, affecting about 20 per cent of WA's energy generators.
Additional energy was obtained from various sources, including wind power from the South West and generators in Kalgoorlie, to avoid rolling black-outs. Domgas Alliance chairman Stuart Hohnen said the incidents showed the extent to which the state was reliant on two sources of gas supply and how heavily WA relied on gas for its energy needs. "Gas supplies more than half the primary energy. Gas has a central position in the energy economy and it's very important to major industry," he said.
With WA's current consumption of gas roughly 1,000 terajoules a day, Mr Hohnen said demand projections showed an additional 650TJ a day could be required in the market in the next five to six years, and a further 250TJ a day on top required to replace existing contributions.
The WA Sustainable Energy Association said the government should aggressively invest in a variety of renewable generation spread across rural WA, including additional wind farms, biomass and biogas production, and fast-track the development of the state's wave and geothermal resources.
Means-testing solar panel rebate 'mean'
Bayside Leader
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 7
THE means-testing of the solar panel rebate scheme has cost one Sandringham business operator $500,000 in orders. When the Federal Government capped the rebate at $100,000 gross income a household, Beyond Building boss Erik Zimmerman was shocked.
His Black Rock company had 350 orders for installations in and around Bayside, but luckily 250 of those already had the paperwork in progress so were exempt from the rebate change. Of the remaining 100, 65 per cent of customers cancelled their orders. He said customers had told him the $8000 Federal Government grant was what made installing solar panels viable. He lost more than $500,000 in orders overnight.
"There are a lot of really disappointed people out there that have had to cancel their solar panel plans." he said. "These people don't feel wealthy yet have been excluded from this scheme." Mr Zimmerman said because his company bought the panels in such large quantities, the average cost to supply and install was about $9250. The $1250 difference was made up over five years of $250 in electric savings.
But with many Baysiders not being under the $100,000 annual household income threshold, they can no longer afford solar panels. He said his six employees' jobs were safe, but a plan to hire three more installers had been shelved. Luckily, sales in regional Victoria were less affected by the scheme and his company would be able to stay afloat.
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 7
THE means-testing of the solar panel rebate scheme has cost one Sandringham business operator $500,000 in orders. When the Federal Government capped the rebate at $100,000 gross income a household, Beyond Building boss Erik Zimmerman was shocked.
His Black Rock company had 350 orders for installations in and around Bayside, but luckily 250 of those already had the paperwork in progress so were exempt from the rebate change. Of the remaining 100, 65 per cent of customers cancelled their orders. He said customers had told him the $8000 Federal Government grant was what made installing solar panels viable. He lost more than $500,000 in orders overnight.
"There are a lot of really disappointed people out there that have had to cancel their solar panel plans." he said. "These people don't feel wealthy yet have been excluded from this scheme." Mr Zimmerman said because his company bought the panels in such large quantities, the average cost to supply and install was about $9250. The $1250 difference was made up over five years of $250 in electric savings.
But with many Baysiders not being under the $100,000 annual household income threshold, they can no longer afford solar panels. He said his six employees' jobs were safe, but a plan to hire three more installers had been shelved. Luckily, sales in regional Victoria were less affected by the scheme and his company would be able to stay afloat.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Club is saving twice over
Bayside Leader
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 6
Half Moon Bay Lifesaving Club is a shining light when it comes to conserving energy and leading by example. It is believed the 400- member club is the first in Victoria to install solar panels to generate its electricity. Club member Mark Slykhuis said the club's prominent location on the Black Rock foreshore served as a visual example of clean energy use.
"What we are trying to do is bring about change at a community level," Mr Slykhuis said. "Hopefully we can inspire people to make real changes and look at clean energy alternatives." The club was influenced by the Tathra, NSW club, which has installed solar panels and a wind turbine. Mr Slykhuis said it was hoped the panels would generate enough electricity to meet the club's power needs. Any excess energy not immediately used would be routed to the general power grid at a wholesale rate.
Mr Slykhuis said the project would not have been possible without the support of Bayside Council, which provided $5000, and Sandringham Community Bendigo Bank, which contributed $6000. Black Rock company Beyond Building provided the solar panels and contributed $5000, he said. "The plan is what we can save on the cost of electricity we can put towards lifesaving training and equipment," he said.
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 6
Half Moon Bay Lifesaving Club is a shining light when it comes to conserving energy and leading by example. It is believed the 400- member club is the first in Victoria to install solar panels to generate its electricity. Club member Mark Slykhuis said the club's prominent location on the Black Rock foreshore served as a visual example of clean energy use."What we are trying to do is bring about change at a community level," Mr Slykhuis said. "Hopefully we can inspire people to make real changes and look at clean energy alternatives." The club was influenced by the Tathra, NSW club, which has installed solar panels and a wind turbine. Mr Slykhuis said it was hoped the panels would generate enough electricity to meet the club's power needs. Any excess energy not immediately used would be routed to the general power grid at a wholesale rate.
Mr Slykhuis said the project would not have been possible without the support of Bayside Council, which provided $5000, and Sandringham Community Bendigo Bank, which contributed $6000. Black Rock company Beyond Building provided the solar panels and contributed $5000, he said. "The plan is what we can save on the cost of electricity we can put towards lifesaving training and equipment," he said.
Seeing red over Rudd's green credentials
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 9
Means testing for rebates kills off our solar future, writes Vicki Brooke.
THE Federal Government's budget announcement that solar panel rebates would now be means tested to make the system "fairer" dealt a blow to Australians wanting to make a difference to climate change. It also killed off the fledgling solar energy industry in one neat stroke of the pen. This announcement casts doubts on the Federal Government's position in combating climate change.
How serious is the Government in reducing greenhouse gases when it makes it more difficult for people to go solar? Those with incomes of more than $100,000 are the people most able to afford solar systems, but the $12,000 price tag for one kilowatt of solar panels puts them beyond the reach of most households.
Professor Tim Flannery suggests that, rather than destroying the effectiveness of the scheme in an attempt to protect the less well-off, the Government could offer rebates, and deploy means-tested buy-back schemes, to assist those who can't afford solar panels. The irony is that the rebates are likely to run out anyway before the green loans kick in next year. The system has effectively cancelled itself and taken a whole industry with it.
According to Andrew McCarthy, from the Environment Shop in Melbourne, the balance of the solar rebate fund is now $45 million. This translates into 5625 solar systems, and over the past five months, rebate applications have been averaging about 900 a month.
There are no guarantees from the Government that any more money will be made available. The means test will also reverse the falling price trend for solar panels, according to Don Henry, the executive officer of the Australian Conservation Foundation. Since the budget announcement, the industry has experienced a huge downturn in business just when manufacturers were gearing up to mass production.
Without sufficient incentives there will be little competition and prices will remain unsustainably high compared to other countries. A recent report from the UK suggests a range of incentives, such as feed-in tariffs, loans and grants, is needed to stimulate the market for small-scale renewables - including solar, wind, biomass boilers, solar hot water and small-scale hydroelectric.
The Federal Government should focus on building up Australia's renewables generation capacity by scrapping the $100,000 means test and ploughing money into a longterm renewable energy rebate fund, which would embrace all renewable technologies including solar and wind electricity generation as well as solar hot water, with special assistance programs for low-income households.
Anxious Australians need reassurance that the Government is serious about addressing climate change. Countries such as Germany and Sweden are investing heavily in renewables and there is mounting pressure on governments worldwide to address this global issue.
Vicki Brooke is co-convener of Climate Action Newcastle.
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 9
Means testing for rebates kills off our solar future, writes Vicki Brooke.
THE Federal Government's budget announcement that solar panel rebates would now be means tested to make the system "fairer" dealt a blow to Australians wanting to make a difference to climate change. It also killed off the fledgling solar energy industry in one neat stroke of the pen. This announcement casts doubts on the Federal Government's position in combating climate change.
How serious is the Government in reducing greenhouse gases when it makes it more difficult for people to go solar? Those with incomes of more than $100,000 are the people most able to afford solar systems, but the $12,000 price tag for one kilowatt of solar panels puts them beyond the reach of most households.
Professor Tim Flannery suggests that, rather than destroying the effectiveness of the scheme in an attempt to protect the less well-off, the Government could offer rebates, and deploy means-tested buy-back schemes, to assist those who can't afford solar panels. The irony is that the rebates are likely to run out anyway before the green loans kick in next year. The system has effectively cancelled itself and taken a whole industry with it.
According to Andrew McCarthy, from the Environment Shop in Melbourne, the balance of the solar rebate fund is now $45 million. This translates into 5625 solar systems, and over the past five months, rebate applications have been averaging about 900 a month.
There are no guarantees from the Government that any more money will be made available. The means test will also reverse the falling price trend for solar panels, according to Don Henry, the executive officer of the Australian Conservation Foundation. Since the budget announcement, the industry has experienced a huge downturn in business just when manufacturers were gearing up to mass production.
Without sufficient incentives there will be little competition and prices will remain unsustainably high compared to other countries. A recent report from the UK suggests a range of incentives, such as feed-in tariffs, loans and grants, is needed to stimulate the market for small-scale renewables - including solar, wind, biomass boilers, solar hot water and small-scale hydroelectric.
The Federal Government should focus on building up Australia's renewables generation capacity by scrapping the $100,000 means test and ploughing money into a longterm renewable energy rebate fund, which would embrace all renewable technologies including solar and wind electricity generation as well as solar hot water, with special assistance programs for low-income households.
Anxious Australians need reassurance that the Government is serious about addressing climate change. Countries such as Germany and Sweden are investing heavily in renewables and there is mounting pressure on governments worldwide to address this global issue.
Vicki Brooke is co-convener of Climate Action Newcastle.
Tunnel nears halfway, 330m underground
Border Mail
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 3
THE $250million Bogong Power Station project Is on the brink of a major milestone. A giant boring machine digging a 6.5km tunnel for the hydro-electric power station is expected to reach the halfway point today. The 5m-diameter tunnel Is the key to delivering water from the McKay Creek Power Station direct to Bogong. Late last week the $12 million, 140m-long tunnel-boring machine was approaching the 3km mark and Is now more than 300m underground.
An AGL project spokesman said contractors were on track to complete the tunnel early next year. "The expected completion date Is February," he said last week. "We are about five days away from marking the halfway point on the tunnel. "The machine Is 330m below the surface but still yet to reach its deepest point. "Just last week we had our most productive day cutting through 54m of rock In 24 hours." The spokesman said there had been no repeat of the problems that plagued the machine late last year and sidelined tunnel works for three months.
"We are applying tender loving care to the machine," he said. "It Is a case of monitoring its progress and performance and making sure any problems don't get out of hand." The progress on the tunnel has also reaped dividends for the sealing of the Bogong High Plains Road. Rock from the tunnel is being shifted to the high plains for use as road base in what is a separate $10 million project.
"More than 75,000 tonnes of spoil have been shifted to the high plains so far," the spokesman said. "That's 2500 truck and trailer loads already." The spokesman said other elements of the project were also on track for completion early next year. "The power station building Is rising out of the ground," he said.
"In the next couple of weeks we will be loading the first turbine Into place and the second turbine Is about four weeks behind that." AGL's 140Mw hydro power station on Lake Guy, between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek, is the biggest addition to the Kiewa hydro scheme since the 1960s.
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 3
THE $250million Bogong Power Station project Is on the brink of a major milestone. A giant boring machine digging a 6.5km tunnel for the hydro-electric power station is expected to reach the halfway point today. The 5m-diameter tunnel Is the key to delivering water from the McKay Creek Power Station direct to Bogong. Late last week the $12 million, 140m-long tunnel-boring machine was approaching the 3km mark and Is now more than 300m underground.An AGL project spokesman said contractors were on track to complete the tunnel early next year. "The expected completion date Is February," he said last week. "We are about five days away from marking the halfway point on the tunnel. "The machine Is 330m below the surface but still yet to reach its deepest point. "Just last week we had our most productive day cutting through 54m of rock In 24 hours." The spokesman said there had been no repeat of the problems that plagued the machine late last year and sidelined tunnel works for three months.
"We are applying tender loving care to the machine," he said. "It Is a case of monitoring its progress and performance and making sure any problems don't get out of hand." The progress on the tunnel has also reaped dividends for the sealing of the Bogong High Plains Road. Rock from the tunnel is being shifted to the high plains for use as road base in what is a separate $10 million project.
"More than 75,000 tonnes of spoil have been shifted to the high plains so far," the spokesman said. "That's 2500 truck and trailer loads already." The spokesman said other elements of the project were also on track for completion early next year. "The power station building Is rising out of the ground," he said.
"In the next couple of weeks we will be loading the first turbine Into place and the second turbine Is about four weeks behind that." AGL's 140Mw hydro power station on Lake Guy, between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek, is the biggest addition to the Kiewa hydro scheme since the 1960s.
Suburb solar bonus
Herald Sun
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 15
LOW-income households in Coburg will be the focus of efficiency measures in a $4.9 million solar project. Up to 100kW of solar panels will be installed on homes, businesses and schools and 1000 energy audits will be carried out. smart meters will also be installed, and the data used to see how household energy use changes. Coburg joins Central Victoria, Adelaide, Blacktown, Townsville and Alice Springs in the Federal Government's $94 million Solar Cities project.
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 15
LOW-income households in Coburg will be the focus of efficiency measures in a $4.9 million solar project. Up to 100kW of solar panels will be installed on homes, businesses and schools and 1000 energy audits will be carried out. smart meters will also be installed, and the data used to see how household energy use changes. Coburg joins Central Victoria, Adelaide, Blacktown, Townsville and Alice Springs in the Federal Government's $94 million Solar Cities project.
NZ power crisis
Canberra Times
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 10
New Zealanders will be urged to wash dishes by hand and turn off some of their household lights as the country teeters on the brink of a power crisis caused by drought. After two years of dry weather, the low level of water in lakes that drive New Zealand's hydroelectric power plants is causing concern.
The Energy Minister, David Parker, has denied claims that the country was facing rolling power cuts, but said that unless there was significant rainfall soon, households would be asked to cut electricity consumption by up to 15 per cent during the peak early-evening time. hydroelectric stations usually produce about 75 per cent of New Zealand's electricity but lack of rainfall has reduced that output in recent weeks to 50 per cent.
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 10
New Zealanders will be urged to wash dishes by hand and turn off some of their household lights as the country teeters on the brink of a power crisis caused by drought. After two years of dry weather, the low level of water in lakes that drive New Zealand's hydroelectric power plants is causing concern.
The Energy Minister, David Parker, has denied claims that the country was facing rolling power cuts, but said that unless there was significant rainfall soon, households would be asked to cut electricity consumption by up to 15 per cent during the peak early-evening time. hydroelectric stations usually produce about 75 per cent of New Zealand's electricity but lack of rainfall has reduced that output in recent weeks to 50 per cent.
Harvesting energy from forest waste
Ballarat Courier
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 25
THE Central Highlands community has been challenged to consider establishing energy plants that would produce electricity from forest wastes. Essentially, forest residues left after timber harvesting as well as forest thinnings and other woody material often looked upon as waste, including, trine, shavings, woodchips, sawdust, bark and other residues, would be harvested to make electricity, biofuels and other products. The timber state of Oregon on the north-west coast of the United States is putting this into practice.
The benefits of this approach are seen as:
He will return to Oregon next month via New Zealand where he will be presenting a paper at a forest summit. Appropriately, Professor Kellogg addressed the farm plantations committee on World Environment Day. After giving a detailed explanation of the formation of the biomass industry in Oregon, Professor Kellogg presented two conclusions for consideration by the central Victorian region.
They were:
Central Highlands Agribusiness Forum executive officer, Laurie Norman, who also attended the meeting, said: "This has maintained my enthusiasm for getting something going in this region." In his presentation, Professor Kellogg told of the formation of the Oregon Forest Resource Institute, which commissioned a study into biomass opportunities.
The website for the institute is www.oregonforests.org Subsequently, in 2007, the Oregon legislature passed energy legislation aimed at meeting renewable energy goals. In the conclusion of his address, Professor Kellogg said biomass could help solve forest health and habitat problems, create economic prosperity in rural Oregon and produce renewable energy.
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 25
THE Central Highlands community has been challenged to consider establishing energy plants that would produce electricity from forest wastes. Essentially, forest residues left after timber harvesting as well as forest thinnings and other woody material often looked upon as waste, including, trine, shavings, woodchips, sawdust, bark and other residues, would be harvested to make electricity, biofuels and other products. The timber state of Oregon on the north-west coast of the United States is putting this into practice.
The benefits of this approach are seen as:
- Restoring forest health, fire resilience and wildlife habitat;
- Finding renewable energy alternatives; and
- Revitalising rural economies.
He will return to Oregon next month via New Zealand where he will be presenting a paper at a forest summit. Appropriately, Professor Kellogg addressed the farm plantations committee on World Environment Day. After giving a detailed explanation of the formation of the biomass industry in Oregon, Professor Kellogg presented two conclusions for consideration by the central Victorian region.
They were:
- A regional working group could help accelerate the sustainable development and use of woody biomass; and
- Commissioning a biomass energy and biofuels study that collects information and summarises opportunities, barriers and recommendations relevant to the central Victorian region could help significantly change the landscape.
Central Highlands Agribusiness Forum executive officer, Laurie Norman, who also attended the meeting, said: "This has maintained my enthusiasm for getting something going in this region." In his presentation, Professor Kellogg told of the formation of the Oregon Forest Resource Institute, which commissioned a study into biomass opportunities.
The website for the institute is www.oregonforests.org Subsequently, in 2007, the Oregon legislature passed energy legislation aimed at meeting renewable energy goals. In the conclusion of his address, Professor Kellogg said biomass could help solve forest health and habitat problems, create economic prosperity in rural Oregon and produce renewable energy.
Garrett signals a reprieve for solar industry
Age
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 3
ENVIRONMENT Minister Peter Garrett has signalled that a means test that makes it harder for households to get an $8000 rebate for rooftop solar panels may be abolished if it causes a dramatic fall in sales. The $100,000 means test, introduced in last month's budget, has been criticised by unions, the Opposition and the Greens and has drawn strong protests from the solar panel industry, which claims it faces losing up to 80% of its business.
While reiterating his support for the policy, Mr Garrett yesterday said the Government had listened to the industry's concerns and would track the impact of the means test on the solar photovoltaic market. "Let's monitor demand so that we have accurate figures... on the basis of accurate information we'll consider what the right action ought to be," he said.
The Opposition last week targeted Mr Garrett over the policy, with Liberal leader Brendan Nelson threatening to introduce a private member's bill in a bid to force the Government to backtrack. Under sustained attack in Parliament, Mr Garrett responded that the rebate scheme was overheating - attracting more interest than could be met by the funding the Howard government allocated last year.
Environment Department officials told a Senate estimates hearing that demand had grown to three times the level the funding allocation could sustain, and would have had to end within months unless means tested. The Government responded in two ways: by introducing the means test, and bringing forward funding so the number of rebates available each year doubled from 3000 to 6000.
But critics claim few households on less than $100,000 can afford solar panels, which cost between $12,000 and $21,000 without the rebate. They argue that the Government is treating the solar rebate as middle-class welfare, rather than a means to combat climate change. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has previously left the door open to the Government fine-tuning its renewable energy policies as it introduces a carbon trading scheme, which will require business to buy permits to emit greenhouse gas from 2010.
Mr Garrett's comments came as he launched a $4.9 million "solar cities" program in Coburg, fulfilling a promise made before last year's election. About 1000 poor households will be audited and refitted to become more energy efficient in a bid to cut greenhouse emissions and reduce electricity bills under a project led by the not-for-profit Moreland Energy Foundation.
Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Tony Nicholson said that assuming a carbon cost of $25 a tonne, research suggested the rise in prices under an Emissions Trading Scheme would push 206,000 households below the poverty line. The Coburg project is also a research exercise, with smart meters to be installed in homes to measure the impact of rising electricity prices on energy use.
Wednesday 11/6/2008 Page: 3
ENVIRONMENT Minister Peter Garrett has signalled that a means test that makes it harder for households to get an $8000 rebate for rooftop solar panels may be abolished if it causes a dramatic fall in sales. The $100,000 means test, introduced in last month's budget, has been criticised by unions, the Opposition and the Greens and has drawn strong protests from the solar panel industry, which claims it faces losing up to 80% of its business.
While reiterating his support for the policy, Mr Garrett yesterday said the Government had listened to the industry's concerns and would track the impact of the means test on the solar photovoltaic market. "Let's monitor demand so that we have accurate figures... on the basis of accurate information we'll consider what the right action ought to be," he said.
The Opposition last week targeted Mr Garrett over the policy, with Liberal leader Brendan Nelson threatening to introduce a private member's bill in a bid to force the Government to backtrack. Under sustained attack in Parliament, Mr Garrett responded that the rebate scheme was overheating - attracting more interest than could be met by the funding the Howard government allocated last year.
Environment Department officials told a Senate estimates hearing that demand had grown to three times the level the funding allocation could sustain, and would have had to end within months unless means tested. The Government responded in two ways: by introducing the means test, and bringing forward funding so the number of rebates available each year doubled from 3000 to 6000.
But critics claim few households on less than $100,000 can afford solar panels, which cost between $12,000 and $21,000 without the rebate. They argue that the Government is treating the solar rebate as middle-class welfare, rather than a means to combat climate change. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has previously left the door open to the Government fine-tuning its renewable energy policies as it introduces a carbon trading scheme, which will require business to buy permits to emit greenhouse gas from 2010.
Mr Garrett's comments came as he launched a $4.9 million "solar cities" program in Coburg, fulfilling a promise made before last year's election. About 1000 poor households will be audited and refitted to become more energy efficient in a bid to cut greenhouse emissions and reduce electricity bills under a project led by the not-for-profit Moreland Energy Foundation.
Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Tony Nicholson said that assuming a carbon cost of $25 a tonne, research suggested the rise in prices under an Emissions Trading Scheme would push 206,000 households below the poverty line. The Coburg project is also a research exercise, with smart meters to be installed in homes to measure the impact of rising electricity prices on energy use.
Germany leads the way on solar generation
Hobart Mercury
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 25
THE commitment to a long term coal economy makes the doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration early in the next century virtually unavoidable, with the prospect of substantial and perhaps irreversible changes in global climate." A young American physicist named Amory Lovins wrote those prophetic words in 1976. He went on to criticise his world's unfortunate preference for what he called "hard energy" - fossil fuel-powered transport and big centralised electricity generators.
Big corporations like centralised energy systems because they're easy to control. Governments prefer them because they're big, visible and have an effect on the electorate. But they also have an effect on the environment. That bothered Mr Lovins, who advocated a shift to "soft energy", by which lie meant small-scale sources of renewable energy. including biofuels, geothermal and wind energy, located near where the energy is used - in our homes, offices and factories.
So after three decades we're finally starting to have the discussion we should have had then. And of all the technologies for distributing power generation, it's electricity from the sun using photovoltaic cells that has attracted most attention, and controversy. Solar P-V costs a lot and is less efficient than wind energy, but its clean, high-tech image has obvious appeal to those who think technology will solve all our climate problems. It won't - human behaviour is immensely more important - but solar still has a valuable role to play.
In Germany. which gets only about half the solar energy that falls per square metre on our own wide brown land. P-V energy output is many times that of Australia. A similar rate of solar uptake in sunny Australia could yield as much as 5 per cent of our energy needs.
In summarily slapping a means test on the subsidy for installation of solar panels. the Rudd government offered Australians no significant alternative incentive to go solar - such as a national feed-in tariff scheme guaranteeing a longterm return on high installation costs.
The most effective such scheme is in Germany, where private take-up of renewable energy, including other energy sources such as wind, has been astonishingly successful. Germany pays premium prices for all renewable power generated, not just the net surplus after subtracting what's used by the household. In Australia, only the ACT Government has so far opted for such a gross scheme in a Bill presently before the ACT Legislative Assembly. South Australia's scheme covers only "net" power: Queensland and Victoria have adopted a similar course.
In Tasmania (which also gets a lot more sun than Germany), the Government and electricity suppliers have yet to agree on a feed-in tariff scheme. Householders installing solar - or keen entrepreneurs like Nichols Poultry, which paid megabucks for its own wind turbine - must put up with low rates payable only on excess energy generated.
Germany's success is founded on a good bottom line - the turnover of its world-leading renewables sector was over $US25 billion last financial year - and leadership prepared to open up to the electorate about dangerous climate change. What is it about Australian governments and businesses that they find it so hard to get their heads around such things?
Peter Boyer is a Hobart-based science writer and a presenter for Al Gore's Climate Project.
peterboyer@southwind.com.au
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 25
THE commitment to a long term coal economy makes the doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration early in the next century virtually unavoidable, with the prospect of substantial and perhaps irreversible changes in global climate." A young American physicist named Amory Lovins wrote those prophetic words in 1976. He went on to criticise his world's unfortunate preference for what he called "hard energy" - fossil fuel-powered transport and big centralised electricity generators.
Big corporations like centralised energy systems because they're easy to control. Governments prefer them because they're big, visible and have an effect on the electorate. But they also have an effect on the environment. That bothered Mr Lovins, who advocated a shift to "soft energy", by which lie meant small-scale sources of renewable energy. including biofuels, geothermal and wind energy, located near where the energy is used - in our homes, offices and factories.
So after three decades we're finally starting to have the discussion we should have had then. And of all the technologies for distributing power generation, it's electricity from the sun using photovoltaic cells that has attracted most attention, and controversy. Solar P-V costs a lot and is less efficient than wind energy, but its clean, high-tech image has obvious appeal to those who think technology will solve all our climate problems. It won't - human behaviour is immensely more important - but solar still has a valuable role to play.
In Germany. which gets only about half the solar energy that falls per square metre on our own wide brown land. P-V energy output is many times that of Australia. A similar rate of solar uptake in sunny Australia could yield as much as 5 per cent of our energy needs.
In summarily slapping a means test on the subsidy for installation of solar panels. the Rudd government offered Australians no significant alternative incentive to go solar - such as a national feed-in tariff scheme guaranteeing a longterm return on high installation costs.
The most effective such scheme is in Germany, where private take-up of renewable energy, including other energy sources such as wind, has been astonishingly successful. Germany pays premium prices for all renewable power generated, not just the net surplus after subtracting what's used by the household. In Australia, only the ACT Government has so far opted for such a gross scheme in a Bill presently before the ACT Legislative Assembly. South Australia's scheme covers only "net" power: Queensland and Victoria have adopted a similar course.
In Tasmania (which also gets a lot more sun than Germany), the Government and electricity suppliers have yet to agree on a feed-in tariff scheme. Householders installing solar - or keen entrepreneurs like Nichols Poultry, which paid megabucks for its own wind turbine - must put up with low rates payable only on excess energy generated.
Germany's success is founded on a good bottom line - the turnover of its world-leading renewables sector was over $US25 billion last financial year - and leadership prepared to open up to the electorate about dangerous climate change. What is it about Australian governments and businesses that they find it so hard to get their heads around such things?
Peter Boyer is a Hobart-based science writer and a presenter for Al Gore's Climate Project.
peterboyer@southwind.com.au
Sun about to shine on $15m solar cities project
Bendigo Advertiser
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 5
HOUSEHOLDS have been invited to become part of the solar cities initiative to be launched soon in central Victoria. The consortium set up to administer $15 million of federal funding for the project is seeking people to take part in Solar Cities Central Victoria, which will involve up to 3300 households in central and northern Victoria.
It is now finalising negotiations with the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, and the 14 councils in the region are expected to have an important role in promoting the project, providing information and supporting recruitment. In a statement released on the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance website, project organisers have asked supporters to be patient while final negotiations with the Federal Government are completed.
"While we understand the time delay between winning the bid and commencing the project is frustrating, we are asking people to please be patient for a little longer," it said. "We will be providing an update on the status and progress of the project to all those who have registered by June 30." The $15 million funding was announced last July. The project aims to ensure solar technologies, including solar hot water and solar photovoltaic products, are more accessible and affordable.
It will trial energy efficiency measures including smart meters and new tariffs as part of a pilot project that it is hoped can be replicated in other areas. The project is one of six to be funded under a $75 million program, which also includes projects in North Adelaide, Blacktown, Alice Springs, Townsville and Kalgoorlie.
The central Victorian project team includes 14 councils, Bendigo Bank, Origin Energy, La Trobe University, North Central CMA, Bendigo Access Employment, Bendigo Health Care Group and University of Ballarat.
As part of the study, two 300 kW solar photovoltaic parks would be established in Bendigo and Ballarat to help show how solar power is generated and then fed back into the electricity grid. If all homes and businesses in the region took up the energy efficiency measures in the Solar Cities project, it is estimated the region would save up to nine gigawatt hours of electricity, worth about $1.1 million, and 13,300 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 5
HOUSEHOLDS have been invited to become part of the solar cities initiative to be launched soon in central Victoria. The consortium set up to administer $15 million of federal funding for the project is seeking people to take part in Solar Cities Central Victoria, which will involve up to 3300 households in central and northern Victoria.
It is now finalising negotiations with the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, and the 14 councils in the region are expected to have an important role in promoting the project, providing information and supporting recruitment. In a statement released on the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance website, project organisers have asked supporters to be patient while final negotiations with the Federal Government are completed.
"While we understand the time delay between winning the bid and commencing the project is frustrating, we are asking people to please be patient for a little longer," it said. "We will be providing an update on the status and progress of the project to all those who have registered by June 30." The $15 million funding was announced last July. The project aims to ensure solar technologies, including solar hot water and solar photovoltaic products, are more accessible and affordable.
It will trial energy efficiency measures including smart meters and new tariffs as part of a pilot project that it is hoped can be replicated in other areas. The project is one of six to be funded under a $75 million program, which also includes projects in North Adelaide, Blacktown, Alice Springs, Townsville and Kalgoorlie.
The central Victorian project team includes 14 councils, Bendigo Bank, Origin Energy, La Trobe University, North Central CMA, Bendigo Access Employment, Bendigo Health Care Group and University of Ballarat.
As part of the study, two 300 kW solar photovoltaic parks would be established in Bendigo and Ballarat to help show how solar power is generated and then fed back into the electricity grid. If all homes and businesses in the region took up the energy efficiency measures in the Solar Cities project, it is estimated the region would save up to nine gigawatt hours of electricity, worth about $1.1 million, and 13,300 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.
Anger at sale of wind farm to Japanese firm
Age
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 6
A SOUTH Gippsland residents group has slammed a decision to sell the controversial Bald Hills Wind Farm project at Tarwin Lower to a Japanese company. But the move was yesterday strongly endorsed by the Brumby Government and defended by the Melbourne company that has developed the project so far. Tarwin Valley Coastal Guardians spokesman Tim Le Roy said he was disappointed that the Japanese company Mitsui had acquired the wind farm project through its Australian subsidiary.
And he expressed surprise Mitsui had not spoken to the residents group yet about its plans. "Our rural landscape is getting sold off to foreign companies," he said. "It just doesn't seem to make sense to sell off our landscapes. .. to the benefit of a Japanese trading house." Mr Le Roy, a Walkerville property owner, said there were 1500 written objections to the project, and most locals remained strongly opposed to it regardless of its ownership. Opponents of the project would continue campaigning against it, he said. To date, wind farm developer Wind Power Pty Ltd has developed the Bald Hills project.
Last night Wind Power director Andrew Newbold rejected concerns regarding Japanese ownership, saying it made no difference to the project. "What we're interested in is making sure these renewable projects get built," he said. State Energy Minister Peter Batchelor said: "It is great to see international companies such as Mitsui investing in Victorian renewable energy projects such as this, which will boost the local economy and reduce our impact on climate change."
Tuesday 10/6/2008 Page: 6
A SOUTH Gippsland residents group has slammed a decision to sell the controversial Bald Hills Wind Farm project at Tarwin Lower to a Japanese company. But the move was yesterday strongly endorsed by the Brumby Government and defended by the Melbourne company that has developed the project so far. Tarwin Valley Coastal Guardians spokesman Tim Le Roy said he was disappointed that the Japanese company Mitsui had acquired the wind farm project through its Australian subsidiary.
And he expressed surprise Mitsui had not spoken to the residents group yet about its plans. "Our rural landscape is getting sold off to foreign companies," he said. "It just doesn't seem to make sense to sell off our landscapes. .. to the benefit of a Japanese trading house." Mr Le Roy, a Walkerville property owner, said there were 1500 written objections to the project, and most locals remained strongly opposed to it regardless of its ownership. Opponents of the project would continue campaigning against it, he said. To date, wind farm developer Wind Power Pty Ltd has developed the Bald Hills project.
Last night Wind Power director Andrew Newbold rejected concerns regarding Japanese ownership, saying it made no difference to the project. "What we're interested in is making sure these renewable projects get built," he said. State Energy Minister Peter Batchelor said: "It is great to see international companies such as Mitsui investing in Victorian renewable energy projects such as this, which will boost the local economy and reduce our impact on climate change."
Monday, 16 June 2008
Oil shockwave hits G8
Courier Mail
Monday 9/6/2008 Page: 15
TOKYO: The US and Asia's four largest powers voiced "serious concern" yesterday about a record spike in oil prices but vowed to keep scaling back politically sensitive fuel subsidies. Oil prices, which have soared five-fold since 2003, posted their highest one-day gain of $US10.75 to close at a new record of $US138.54 in New York on Friday after hawkish remarks by an Israeli official on oil producer Iran.
Senior officials from the US, Japan, China, India and South Korea said in a joint statement after the Group of Eight industrial powers talks in Aomori, Japan, that they "share serious concerns" about the current level of oil prices. "These prices are unprecedented and against the interest of both consuming and producing countries. They pose a great burden particularly on resource-scarce developing countries," the statement said.
US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman warned oil producers that it would do them no good if the US economy took a hit. "It's not good for producing nations to see the US struggling economically (as) they depend on us to be a significant engine in world economic activity," Mr Bodman said. Despite the political sensitivity, the joint statement called for a scaling down of fuel subsidies, saying it would "enhance energy efficiency" and lead to investment in alternative energy.
Developing economies tend to heavily subsidise fuel costs in a bid to ease the burden on the poorest members of society. India and Indonesia have recently been forced to hike prices amid soaring global crude-oil costs, triggering large anti-government demonstrations in the two countries. Japan's Energy Minister, Akira Amari, the chairman of the meeting, said that rising oil prices were "a major risk factor" for the world economy. Meeting with South Korea's minister Lee Youn-Ho. Mr Amari said he thought crude-oil prices were "abnormally high."
"We want to issue a message on this to the world," he said. Mr Lee added: "I don't think the oil prices are at normal levels either. It is fairly questionable whether the world economy will be able to develop further at this level of crude oil prices." Analysts said the sharp spike was a reaction to reported remarks by Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz on Iran, a major oil producer.
Mr Mofaz warned that the Jewish state would attack Iran if it continued its alleged nuclear weapons drive, although he stressed such an operation could only be conducted with US support.
Monday 9/6/2008 Page: 15
TOKYO: The US and Asia's four largest powers voiced "serious concern" yesterday about a record spike in oil prices but vowed to keep scaling back politically sensitive fuel subsidies. Oil prices, which have soared five-fold since 2003, posted their highest one-day gain of $US10.75 to close at a new record of $US138.54 in New York on Friday after hawkish remarks by an Israeli official on oil producer Iran.Senior officials from the US, Japan, China, India and South Korea said in a joint statement after the Group of Eight industrial powers talks in Aomori, Japan, that they "share serious concerns" about the current level of oil prices. "These prices are unprecedented and against the interest of both consuming and producing countries. They pose a great burden particularly on resource-scarce developing countries," the statement said.
US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman warned oil producers that it would do them no good if the US economy took a hit. "It's not good for producing nations to see the US struggling economically (as) they depend on us to be a significant engine in world economic activity," Mr Bodman said. Despite the political sensitivity, the joint statement called for a scaling down of fuel subsidies, saying it would "enhance energy efficiency" and lead to investment in alternative energy.
Developing economies tend to heavily subsidise fuel costs in a bid to ease the burden on the poorest members of society. India and Indonesia have recently been forced to hike prices amid soaring global crude-oil costs, triggering large anti-government demonstrations in the two countries. Japan's Energy Minister, Akira Amari, the chairman of the meeting, said that rising oil prices were "a major risk factor" for the world economy. Meeting with South Korea's minister Lee Youn-Ho. Mr Amari said he thought crude-oil prices were "abnormally high."
"We want to issue a message on this to the world," he said. Mr Lee added: "I don't think the oil prices are at normal levels either. It is fairly questionable whether the world economy will be able to develop further at this level of crude oil prices." Analysts said the sharp spike was a reaction to reported remarks by Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz on Iran, a major oil producer.
Mr Mofaz warned that the Jewish state would attack Iran if it continued its alleged nuclear weapons drive, although he stressed such an operation could only be conducted with US support.
Next step to clean power
Australian
Monday 9/6/2008 Page: 5
THE power of the wind and the tide have been harnessed, now the footfalls of trudging shoppers are to become the latest source of emission-free energy. British-designed generators powered by "heel strike" may soon be installed beneath the floors in supermarkets and railway stations. The technology could use the footsteps of pedestrians to power thousands of lightbulbs at shopping centres. It works by using the pressure of feet on the floor to compress pads, driving fluid through mini-turbines.
Engineers who have modelled the effects of the technology at a station in central London have calculated that the 34,000 travellers passing through every hour could power 6500 lightbulbs. Structural engineer David Webb said: "It's just picking up on the fact that all structures move a bit. This technology says, 'OK, we can do something useful with that energy'."
Monday 9/6/2008 Page: 5
THE power of the wind and the tide have been harnessed, now the footfalls of trudging shoppers are to become the latest source of emission-free energy. British-designed generators powered by "heel strike" may soon be installed beneath the floors in supermarkets and railway stations. The technology could use the footsteps of pedestrians to power thousands of lightbulbs at shopping centres. It works by using the pressure of feet on the floor to compress pads, driving fluid through mini-turbines.
Engineers who have modelled the effects of the technology at a station in central London have calculated that the 34,000 travellers passing through every hour could power 6500 lightbulbs. Structural engineer David Webb said: "It's just picking up on the fact that all structures move a bit. This technology says, 'OK, we can do something useful with that energy'."
Bega region dives into project to raise funds for energy revolution
Sunday Canberra Times
Sunday 8/6/2008 Page: 11
A TEAM of swimmers will brave the icy waters of the Bega River today to raise $10,000 to install a 400W wind turbine at Tathra Primary School.
The swim is part of a push led by the community run group, Clean Energy for Eternity, to make the NSWV South Coast's Bega Valley 50/50 by 2020 - with a 50 per cent reduction in energy use and a 50 per cent adoption of renewable energy by the same year. Today, 10 people will swine 7km along the river in water that could be as cold as 10 degrees.
" Wetsuits, booties, gloves and hoods will be mandatory," Clean Energy for Eternity founder Matthew Nott said. "Hypothermia's going to be a real risk, so we've got a couple of doctors on the water and we've got an ambulance on standby at the finish. It's going to be an event the like of which has never been seen before on the Bega River." Also this morning, an enormous sand sign will be constructed on the southern bank of the river.
Dr Nott believes it will probably be the world's largest sand sign. The Bega River Lifesaving Energy Big Swim is the fourth of a series of swims which have raised more than $50,000 for renewable energy infrastructure for surf clubs in south-eastern NSW.
Dr Nott said that with council support and federal government rebates, the money would allow Clean Energy for Eternity to install more than $100,000 worth of renewable energy in the six surf clubs in the region in the next couple of months. The wind turbine would be one of a couple of strategically placed initiatives. The swimmers will start at 10am at Blackfellas Lake in Bega and are expected to finish 2.5-3 hours later at the Mogareeka Bridge.
Sunday 8/6/2008 Page: 11
A TEAM of swimmers will brave the icy waters of the Bega River today to raise $10,000 to install a 400W wind turbine at Tathra Primary School.The swim is part of a push led by the community run group, Clean Energy for Eternity, to make the NSWV South Coast's Bega Valley 50/50 by 2020 - with a 50 per cent reduction in energy use and a 50 per cent adoption of renewable energy by the same year. Today, 10 people will swine 7km along the river in water that could be as cold as 10 degrees.
" Wetsuits, booties, gloves and hoods will be mandatory," Clean Energy for Eternity founder Matthew Nott said. "Hypothermia's going to be a real risk, so we've got a couple of doctors on the water and we've got an ambulance on standby at the finish. It's going to be an event the like of which has never been seen before on the Bega River." Also this morning, an enormous sand sign will be constructed on the southern bank of the river.
Dr Nott believes it will probably be the world's largest sand sign. The Bega River Lifesaving Energy Big Swim is the fourth of a series of swims which have raised more than $50,000 for renewable energy infrastructure for surf clubs in south-eastern NSW.
Dr Nott said that with council support and federal government rebates, the money would allow Clean Energy for Eternity to install more than $100,000 worth of renewable energy in the six surf clubs in the region in the next couple of months. The wind turbine would be one of a couple of strategically placed initiatives. The swimmers will start at 10am at Blackfellas Lake in Bega and are expected to finish 2.5-3 hours later at the Mogareeka Bridge.
Japanese firm buys up wind project
Australian
Monday 9/6/2008 Page: 5
THE much-delayed Bald Hills Wind Farm in Victoria, notorious for being rejected due to a perceived threat to the Orange-Bellied Parrot, has been sold to Japanese interests. And the proposed cost of the project has blown out to $300 million, with the wind farm now scheduled to operate from 2011, five years after former environment minister Ian Campbell caved in and belatedly approved the project.
Japanese company Mitsui has acquired 100 per cent of the shares of Bald Hills Wind Farm Pty Ltd, a special-purpose company that held the development rights for the planned 52-turbine project near the southern Victorian town of Wonthaggi. Melbourne company Wind Power Pty Ltd confirmed the deal to The Australian.
Wind Power director Andrew Newbold said the company planned to enter into an agreement with Mitsui to assist in the project's construction. It also expected to manage the facility once it was built by the end of 2011. In December 2006, Senator Campbell backed down and approved the project eight months after blocking it over an alleged threat to the Orange-Bellied Parrot. Senator Campbell had previously overruled advice from his own department and blocked the wind farm, citing risks to the endangered bird.
It was revealed, however, that the predicted frequency of an orange-bellied parrot fatally colliding with turbines was, at worst, once every 1000 years. Changes trumpeted by Senator Campbell did not substantially alter the project, and serious doubts remained about whether the Orange-Bellied Parrot was ever under threat from the wind farm. The company was required to move only six of the 52 turbines that had been within 2km of the coast the parrot's potential migratory path.
By the time the project was approved, its cost had blown out by $30 million to $250 million. Mr Newbold said the estimated cost of the facility was now $300 million. He defended the deal with Mitsui, saying "basically, we needed an equity partner. The message from Wind Power is we are thrilled with the transaction," he said. 'We think it's reflective of our hard work and we're looking forward to building it to enable the Government to meet its renewable energy targets." However, both Mitsui and Wind Power suggested the deal was yet to be locked down.
Mitsui said it expected to be in a position to "make a final investment decision" on the project within the next 12 months. Mr Newbold said Wind Power was "working toward financial close" over the next 10 to 12 months, with construction work to start next year. "They are obviously making a strategic investment in renewables and we hope to do a lot more projects with them," he said. "We were never going to own it outright because of the equity required and we will still be assisting in the building process.
Moreover, we will continue to manage the facility once it's constructed." Mr Newbold said the drawn out approval process for the project had been costly. "What that did was cost us a lot of money, a lot of time and it probably set the company back in its growth path a couple of years," he said. The company will contribute funding to the recovery plan for the parrot.
Mr Newbold said there had been increasing commercial interest in renewable energy since the defeat of the Howard government last year. "We are getting a call a week now from both local and international investors looking to invest in renewables since the change of government."
Monday 9/6/2008 Page: 5
THE much-delayed Bald Hills Wind Farm in Victoria, notorious for being rejected due to a perceived threat to the Orange-Bellied Parrot, has been sold to Japanese interests. And the proposed cost of the project has blown out to $300 million, with the wind farm now scheduled to operate from 2011, five years after former environment minister Ian Campbell caved in and belatedly approved the project.
Japanese company Mitsui has acquired 100 per cent of the shares of Bald Hills Wind Farm Pty Ltd, a special-purpose company that held the development rights for the planned 52-turbine project near the southern Victorian town of Wonthaggi. Melbourne company Wind Power Pty Ltd confirmed the deal to The Australian.
Wind Power director Andrew Newbold said the company planned to enter into an agreement with Mitsui to assist in the project's construction. It also expected to manage the facility once it was built by the end of 2011. In December 2006, Senator Campbell backed down and approved the project eight months after blocking it over an alleged threat to the Orange-Bellied Parrot. Senator Campbell had previously overruled advice from his own department and blocked the wind farm, citing risks to the endangered bird.
It was revealed, however, that the predicted frequency of an orange-bellied parrot fatally colliding with turbines was, at worst, once every 1000 years. Changes trumpeted by Senator Campbell did not substantially alter the project, and serious doubts remained about whether the Orange-Bellied Parrot was ever under threat from the wind farm. The company was required to move only six of the 52 turbines that had been within 2km of the coast the parrot's potential migratory path.
By the time the project was approved, its cost had blown out by $30 million to $250 million. Mr Newbold said the estimated cost of the facility was now $300 million. He defended the deal with Mitsui, saying "basically, we needed an equity partner. The message from Wind Power is we are thrilled with the transaction," he said. 'We think it's reflective of our hard work and we're looking forward to building it to enable the Government to meet its renewable energy targets." However, both Mitsui and Wind Power suggested the deal was yet to be locked down.
Mitsui said it expected to be in a position to "make a final investment decision" on the project within the next 12 months. Mr Newbold said Wind Power was "working toward financial close" over the next 10 to 12 months, with construction work to start next year. "They are obviously making a strategic investment in renewables and we hope to do a lot more projects with them," he said. "We were never going to own it outright because of the equity required and we will still be assisting in the building process.
Moreover, we will continue to manage the facility once it's constructed." Mr Newbold said the drawn out approval process for the project had been costly. "What that did was cost us a lot of money, a lot of time and it probably set the company back in its growth path a couple of years," he said. The company will contribute funding to the recovery plan for the parrot.
Mr Newbold said there had been increasing commercial interest in renewable energy since the defeat of the Howard government last year. "We are getting a call a week now from both local and international investors looking to invest in renewables since the change of government."
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