Oz'pportunités, la lettre du Service d'Appui aux Entreprises de la FACCI

More than 20 applicants are vying to share in $182 million of Brumby Labor Government funding for large scale sustainable and carbon capture and storage projects, Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor announced today. “Strong communities need a clean environment, that’s why we are taking action to change Victoria’s energy mix and our Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS) is just one of the ways the Government is driving investment in cleaner energy sources,” Mr Batchelor said.

“The number of applicants for ETIS funding is extremely promising, particularly during these tough economic times, and it clearly shows the confidence industry has in Victoria’s energy sector and economy.

“Full details of applicants cannot be released while they are being assessed. However, what I can say is the projects are varied and include biomass, solar, geothermal, wave, wind, hydro, carbon capture and carbon storage.

“The variety of projects and range of locations across the state highlights that industry recognises the depth and breadth of Victoria’s potential for renewable and clean energy developments.”

Mr Batchelor said the ETIS funding was split into two amounts, $72 million for sustainable energy projects, including renewables, and $110 million for carbon capture and storage.

“A number of previous projects funded through ETIS are already showing great results,” he said.

“Earlier this year, we saw that one of Australia’s largest trial CO2 capture facilities installed at Hazelwood power station is now successfully operating. This was made possible through $2 million provided from the ETIS program.

“In April, the CO2CRC carbon storage trial near Nirranda reached the 50,000 tonne milestone. This was another project that received $6 million from the ETIS program. And printing trials of flexible lightweight solar cells that are almost as thin as paper are underway, thanks to a $6 million ETIS grant from the Brumby Labor Government.

“ETIS funding aims to boost industry and government collaboration and provide targeted financial assistance to support the energy sector develop the technology it needs to cut Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“The funding is specifically to assist building pre-commercial large-scale demonstrations of new low-emission and renewable energy technologies and help accelerate these technologies through their last stage in the innovation cycle,” he said.

“This will help speed up the development of these technologies so they are available for industry to use commercially, which will in turn help secure low-emission energy sources for Victoria.”

Applications will be thoroughly assessed over coming months and it is hoped funding allocations will be announced early next year.

Electricity retailer AGL has been chosen to supply renewable energy for Adelaide’s $1.83 billion desalination plant. Premier Mike Rann announced AGL would supply renewable energy to meet 100 per cent of the electricity consumed by the Adelaide Desalination Plant over a 20-year contract period.

“The use of GreenPower accreditation standards will ensure clean and sustainable energy for the desalination plant - one of South Australia’s largest infrastructure projects," Premier Rann says. “We are confident the approach by SA Water and AGL will ensure we have an energy solution that achieves the best environmental outcome for this project.

“South Australia is committed to remaining a national leader in renewable energy. “We are home to half of the nation’s wind power, about 25 per cent of Australia’s grid-connected domestic solar panel systems, and more than 90 per cent of national investment in geothermal energy. “We’ve also increased South Australia’s renewable energy production target to 33 per cent by 2020, well above the national target of 20 per cent by 2020.

“AGL has demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of renewable energy projects in South Australia. “It is Australia’s largest private owner, operator and developer of renewable generation, with more than $2.3 billion worth of accredited renewable projects either built or under construction.

“This is a significant contract for South Australia and this announcement follows a comprehensive and competitive tender process that included assessment against a range of criteria. SA Water has negotiated an outcome that is value for money and highly mindful of the environment," Premier Rann says.

The South Australian Desalination Plant is on track to produce its first water at the end of December 2010.

Australia has passed new laws that require 20 per cent of all electricity to come from renewable sources by the year 2020. It is estimated that this change in legislation will result in more than A$20 billion worth of investment in new generation capacity over the next ten years.

The legislation requires that utility companies purchase part of their power from renewable sources such as hydro, geothermal, solar and wind. Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong, said that this would be the largest increase in renewables in the country’s history. “We will see a fourfold increase in renewable energy by 2020,” the Minister said.

Austrade’s National Industry Manager Clean Energy and Environment, Kerry Rooney, said that the 20 per cent renewable energy target is complemented by the Australian Government’s $4.5 million clean energy initiatives which support investment in large scale solar and carbon, capture and storage
The new legislation is due to come into effect at the beginning of next year.

31 août | Australia’s first carbon neutral building under construction in Melbourne - www.invest.vic.gov.au

Construction is underway of the first carbon neutral building of its type in Australia, and possibly the world, right in the heart of Melbourne.

As the reality of living in a carbon-constrained world hits home, Melbourne is leading the way in green design with the innovative Pixel building – a prototype 'office of the future' which will deliver a 100% score on the green star rating system.

Grocon has invested $6 million in the four-storey Pixel building, which is aiming to achieve 6-Star Greenstar rating and will become a project office for the duration of Melbourne’s $1 billion urban renewal program.

Grocon CEO Daniel Grollo said its most important feature will be that it will be carbon neutral, taking it a step further than carbon zero.

"Any carbon emissions used in the building’s ongoing operation will be offset by renewable energy from large photovoltaic panels on the roof, as well as wind turbines," he said.

"In addition, over time Grocon will offset all of the carbon that was generated in manufacturing and installing the construction materials."

Mr Grollo said he believed this approach was unique in the Australian building industry.

"Some research has been done on carbon neutral buildings overseas, and there are several small buildings, different from the Pixel building, in Germany and the US, but we believe this will be the first of its type in an urban environment," he said.

Architectural firm Studio 505 has designed the building, with world renowned sustainability experts Umow Lai providing ESD and engineering advice.

Speaking at the launch of construction, Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden said the cutting-edge Pixel building to be built by Grocon was the next stage of the precinct renewal program, based at the former Carlton United Brewery (CUB) site in the centre of Melbourne.

"I have no doubt its leading-edge design will be replicated in future developments in Australia and throughout the world," Mr Madden said.

"This has been a truly collaborative planning process with the Brumby Labor Government, the City of Melbourne and the local community and I commend Grocon on their commitment to design excellence.

"This once derelict site is fast becoming a vibrant precinct in Melbourne’s CBD, showcasing what can be achieved when sustainable building practices meet the latest in design technology.

"The former brewery site has been the missing piece in the northern part of the city. This is the next step in a redevelopment that will be a wonderful precinct for Melbourne."

Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change Gavin Jennings congratulated Grocon for its leadership in sustainable design and innovation.

"By improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of our homes, commercial and industrial buildings and community facilities, we can improve our liveability and reduce running costs, as well as reducing our impact on the environment.

"Green building design and construction will be an industry of the future and drive the creation of new green jobs and skills," Mr Jennings said.

The Pixel building is expected to be completed by March 2010.

Millions of dollars of clean energy investment are expected to flow into Victoria as a result of the National Renewable Energy Target being passed by the Federal Parliament.

The decision provides certainty for companies wanting to create renewable energy projects in Victoria, with an influx of projects, particularly in the area of solar and wind, expected.

Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said it was predicted the National Renewable Energy Target will help Victoria secure investment over the next decade of up to 5000GWh of renewable energy generation – the equivalent of enough power for up to 800,000 homes each year.

"Victoria is already a leading renewable energy investment location. We were the first state to introduce a Renewable Energy Target which has already helped attract $2 billion in renewable energy investment and will create more than 2000 jobs.

"Regional Victoria will be the big winner, with large-scale clean energy projects likely to be based in regional areas," Mr Batchelor said.

"There are a number of wind projects under consideration for Victoria and with the national scheme introduced we expect investors will start moving these projects forward.

"This is in addition to a further 140MW of hydro energy and 154MW of large scale solar currently underway.

"Victoria has strong solar, geothermal, wind and tidal energy opportunities and this new legislation will provide the surety industry needs to start developing our resources," he said.

Victorian Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the National Renewable Energy Target was an important step toward reducing emissions and driving innovative new technologies.

Premier Mike Rann has internationally unveiled a plan to establish a green energy hub for Australia’s Eastern seaboard based in South Australia.

Mr Rann said South Australia currently easily leads the nation in renewable energy investment, but he believes there is massive scope for renewable energy to be our next big industry alongside defence and mining.
“We want to create greater capacity in the State’s electricity grid to unlock billions of dollars in green energy investment,” Mr Rann said.

“Today I have announced a $1 million contribution to a feasibility study that will look at how to increase our State’s electricity transmission capacity.

“South Australia is a leader in green energy. For a State with just eight per cent of the nation’s population, we have done incredibly well in attracting 56 per cent of the nation’s grid-connected wind power, about 30 per cent of its solar power and more than 90 per cent of its geothermal developments.

“South Australia has now set a new target of 33 per cent of South Australia’s power generation coming from renewable energy by 2020 – which is bold, even in international terms.

“Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he wants Australia to be generating 20 per cent of power from renewable sources by 2020. We will smash that target years ahead of time.

“But to go further we need to attract a greater investment in green power. My vision is to see a State-wide Green Grid of renewable energy feeding into the national grid out of South Australia – in wind, solar, geothermal and wave.

“We want to be a major source of green power for the eastern States so they can reach their targets.
“However, if we are to get serious about attracting more green energy – we are going to have to increase our transmission capacity.

“South Australia is one of the windiest and sunniest places in Australia – so it’s a prime target for renewable energy investors. “We need to make sure those investors can hook into the best infrastructure they can to transmit that clean, green energy across the nation.

“This feasibility study by a consortium which includes the Macquarie Capital, WorleyParsons and Baker & McKenzie, will look at how and what we need to do to improve and significantly augment our capacity to transmit electricity across the grid.

“In particular, the consortium will be targeting the Eyre Peninsula. “By increasing the capacity of the transmission lines in that area, it has the potential to unlock an estimated $6 billion in renewable energy investment that could generate up to 5000 MW of clean, green energy.

“Our renewable energy targets, now set down in State legislation, were designed to trigger exactly this type of investment in renewable energy power sources.

“Last year, we commissioned our State’s Economic Development Board to prepare a wide-ranging economic statement that included an examination of the pitfalls and potential opportunities that await South Australia in the future.

“One of the Board’s key recommendations was to ensure that we maximise and build on our State’s unique natural advantages in generating wind, solar, geothermal and wave energy.

“That will enable us to not only remain a leader in the development and use of “green” energy, but also to establish a significant renewable energy industry with “green jobs” that will underpin it.

“It is through our willingness to innovate and legislate that South Australia aims to secure a bigger slice of the economic opportunities that will inevitably accompany the clean industrial revolution.

“That’s why, in line with the EDB’s recommendation, the State Government announced the $20 million renewable energy fund to be overseen by a newly-created RenewablesSA Board, comprised of independent experts.
“The first investment of the Fund will provide $1.6 million over two years to create a South Australian Centre for Geothermal Research, in conjunction with the University of Adelaide.

“The Fund will also foster investment in research and development, examine opportunities for manufacturing, and help assess how to develop a “green grid” based in South Australia but linked directly into the national power grid.

“At the same time as we made this announcement, we also committed ourselves to new, even more ambitious greenhouse targets, which will drive innovation toward development and commercialisation of low carbon technologies. “We intend to remain a leader in green energy and this new feasibility study will help us ensure that we do,” Mr Rann said.

ENGINEERING company GHD and the Australian arm of French company Veolia Water are industry partners in the successful bid to establish Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Water Recycling.

Australia’s minister for climate change and water, Senator Penny Wong, has announced that the bid led by Western Corridor Recycled Water Pty, subsidiary of Queensland Government agency WaterSecure, will receive A$20m (S16.5m) over five years to host the centre in Brisbane.

Research institutions involved in the project are Brisbane’s University of Queensland, Griffith University, Sydney’s University of New South Wales, and the CSIRO.

Senator Wong said the centre would help develop and commercialise new water recycling technologies.
The announcement came as an unrelated study reported that the health status of residents in an area of western Sydney serviced by recycled water is the same as that of residents in nearby conventional water supply areas.

The study by the Hawkesbury-Hills Division of General Practice and Monash University examined almost 36,000 patient records covering a two-year period from 11 local doctors’ surgeries to measure how commonly patients presented with acute gastroenteritis, skin complaints or respiratory conditions which are plausibly related to exposure to pathogens or bacterial toxins in recycled water.

“This is the first study of its kind in Australia or internationally to measure the health impacts of living in housing served by a dual reticulation recycled water scheme,” Hawkesbury-Hills Division of General Practice ceo, Darren Carr says.

The Rouse Hill Recycled Water Scheme has been in place for eight years. It is Australia's largest residential recycled water scheme with more than 18,000 homes using up to 1.4b l of recycled water each year for flushing toilets, watering gardens, washing cars and other outdoor uses.

South Australia is poised to become a national leader in refining a renewable engine fuel – for the vehicle and aviation industries – developed from algae. Premier Mike Rann has held talks in Los Angeles with Neal Blue, Chief Executive Officer of US firm General Atomics, which is interested in developments in microalgal biofuels in South Austalia.

“Algal biofuel is attractive because of its relatively high oil yield and its efficiency in recycling carbon," Mr Rann says. “It is estimated that replacing just 10% of Australia’s mineral diesel with biodiesel from microalgae would bring about a reduction of nearly four million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. “It has a great potential to supplement existing engine fuels from low cost, non-food materials. “It is seen to have significant potential as a fuel of the future.

“South Australia is believed to be a good location for a microalgal fuel refinery because of the level of scientific expertise that exists in the State, and because our climate is highly suitable for growing microalgae.
“I was delighted when the Federal Government recently granted $2.7 million to a South Australian-based consortium to develop a pilot-scale second generation biorefinery for sustainable micro algal biofuels and value added products.

"This has been at least matched by their industry partner Sancon Recycling Australia. The Algal Fuels Consortium led by Assoc Prof Rob Thomas includes the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Flinders University, CSIRO, Sancon Recycling Australia and Flinders Partners. . The pilot project will be located at Torrens Island.

“The money was granted through the Australian Government’s $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative. “The consortium is in discussions with General Atomics, one of a number of firms including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Caltex, which are all showing a keen interest in the Consortium’s work.

“Microalgal biodiesel has a range of potential uses including vehicle and aviation fuels. “Microalgal production is also emerging as a method of fixing CO2 from the atmosphere, as the microalgae require only saline water, sunshine and carbon dioxide to grow.

“Biodiesel made from algae is considered by many to be more environmentally acceptable than some first generation biofuels, such as those made from sugar cane or other food crops.

“A recent CSIRO Future Fuels report identified microalgal-derived biodiesel as having the potential to provide Australia with up to 30 per cent of its fuel needs by 2050.

“A number of international companies are now investing substantial amounts of money in biofuels research and development. For example, in 2007 BP invested $500 million in the University of California Berkeley on biofuels research and Exxon recently announced the investment of $600 million on developing fuel from microalgae.
“South Australia has the scientific knowledge of the relevant types of algae stemming from decades of research into aquaculture at SARDI.

“The AFC is aiming to build on existing research into optimal native microalgal strains to develop Australia’s first commercial-scale pilot microalgal biorefinery. “In combination with the State’s competitive advantages in geothermal technology, solar, wind and wave technology, these developments in microalgal biodiesel will help South Australia cement its place as the nation’s renewable energy powerhouse,” Mr Rann says.

17 août | NSW prepares for clean energy revolution - www.premier.nsw.gov.au

Premier Nathan Rees today unveiled incentives to boost investment in clean energy generation and criticised the federal Opposition for delaying legislation that sets up a clean energy economy.

“When the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target is legislated, investment will flow across the country,” said Mr Rees.

“NSW is ready for the clean energy industrial revolution and we stand to gain the lion’s share of the new industries.

“The Liberals in Canberra and here in NSW need to explain why they delayed the passage of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

“Their actions have been an act of environmental sabotage and every day it is delayed is another day investment and jobs are sacrificed.

“NSW has a clear plan to develop the industry in NSW and play our part in transforming Australia’s industrial landscape.

“Business wants certainty and the public wants action – there is no reasonable excuse to delay any further.

“NSW is a leader with our clean energy precincts and we will see massive benefits from a 20% energy target enshrined in legislation.

“We have now gone further to accelerate the shift to a cleaner economy and create the new generation of jobs that follows.

“As priority projects significant wind farms, anywhere in NSW, will see fast tracked planning decisions and fees waived.

“Our package has a clear commitment to business – investment in wind farms that are at least 30 megawatts will be treated as critical infrastructure.

“Previously projects needed to produce at least 250 Megawatts to be treated as critical.

“NSW is prepared to do the heavy lifting and help the nation meet its targets by 2020,” said Mr Rees.

The proposal builds on the Premier’s NSW Jobs Summit announcement in February to establish Renewable Energy Precincts across NSW.

The precincts are New England Tablelands, Upper Hunter, Central Tablelands, NSW / ACT border area, South Coast and Cooma / Monaro.

Key components of today’s additional measures include:

- FOUR MONTH TURN AROUND - Clean energy projects anywhere in the state qualifying as critical infrastructure will have planning process managed by the department’s ‘go-to’ people within 4 months;

- FINANCIAL INCENTIVES - Critical Infrastructure fees will be waived (projects of 30 Megawatts or more) from August 2009 to 30 June, 2011; and

- BETTER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS - New dedicated environment staff for each precinct to drive our clean energy agenda and work with the community.

In addition the Government is consulting with the sector to explore ways to further improve the process for future projects.

“Our success will also be influenced by our partnership with the public.

“Precinct Advisory Committees in each of the six precincts will be established to provide us directly with advice.

“The Department of Environment and Climate Change will be responsible for the committees and they will include community members and representatives from Local Government.

“I am committed to doing what it takes to see more projects get off the drawing board and onto the grid,” said Mr Rees.

13 août | Victoria ready for carbon pollution reduction scheme - www.premier.vic.gov.au

The Brumby Labor Government has condemned the Liberal, National and Greens Political parties in the Federal Senate for failing to tackle climate change and support the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Gavin Jennings said Victoria was ready and willing to contribute to a national emissions reduction, and to take advantage of the new job and investment opportunities the CPRS would deliver for Victorian families and businesses.

“Climate change is the largest environmental and economic challenge of the century and demands action,” Mr Jennings said.

“Victoria paved the way for the development of the CPRS by commissioning the Garnaut review into national options to reduce emissions, during the years of climate change failure under the Howard Government.”

“Now that we have a Commonwealth Government that is taking action on climate change it is extremely disappointing that the opposition parties are in such a state of confusion that they are failing to act in the national interest and support the CPRS.

“It would seem Mr. Turnbull is not strong enough to stand up to the flat-earthers in his caucus who continue to deny the overwhelming scientific evidence that climate change is happening as a result of human activity.

“And it seems the Greens Political Party has failed the test of constructively engaging in the biggest environmental challenge of our time.”

Mr Jennings said that unfortunately the obstruction of the Liberal, National and Greens political parties in the Commonwealth Senate are repeated in Victoria.

“Sadly, the Opposition Leader in Victoria is one of the flat-earthers who refuses to be convinced by Mr Turnbull or anyone else of the science behind climate change. Mr Baillieu remains a climate change denier,” Mr Jennings said.

“Sadly, the Greens political party in Victoria has refused to play any constructive role in devising the economic regime that will reduce emissions and secure the future.”

Mr Jennings called on the Liberal, National and Greens political parties to stop playing politics with climate change.

“Australia has experienced warmer than average temperatures for 16 of the past 18 years and as one of the hottest and driest continents on earth, Australia’s economy and environment will be one of the fastest and hardest hit by climate change if we don’t act now,” he said.

“We want Australia, and particularly Victoria, to reap the job and economic opportunities that will flow from the CRPS.

“CSIRO’s modelling suggests early action to reduce Australia’s carbon emissions would create up to 340,000 new jobs in transport, construction, agriculture, manufacturing and mining.”

Minister for Energy and Resources Peter Batchelor said delays in the introduction of the scheme also delays growth in the renewable and low emissions energy sector – including solar, wind and geothermal technologies.
“Through the scheme the renewable energy sector is expected to grow to 30 times its current size by 2050, creating significant employment opportunities for Australians,” Mr Batchelor said.
“The delay of the scheme also means Victorian families, communities and businesses lack certainty about how and when a smooth transition to a carbon constrained economy will be achieved.

“The Brumby Labor Government has worked with the Commonwealth Government on the design of the CPRS and has clearly expressed its expectation that the Commonwealth must ensure a smooth transition and the security of Victoria’s energy supply.”

Premier Mike Rann has travelled to South Australia’s Far North to witness the launch of the proof of concept drilling phase for Petratherm’s Paralana world-leading hot-rocks energy project.

Mr Rann says a successful trial will allow Petratherm to unlock an emissions-free, renewable source of energy from deep within the Earth to generate base-load power in remote areas of the State.

“Petratherm’s Paralana trial is an important step towards tapping the vast potential for competitive, renewable, emissions-free, base-load power from geothermal resources,” Mr Rann says.

“If successful, Petratherm’s Paralana project will be a key contributor to the vision posed by the Australian Geothermal Energy Association of generating between 1,000 MW to 2,200 MW of Australia’s base-load capacity from hot rocks by 2020.”

“Geothermal power generated far from the national grid will eventually allow emissions-free electricity to be supplied to Heathgate’s Beverley uranium mine, ending that project’s reliance on fossil fuels.”
Geothermal technology seeks to generate electricity by injecting water deep into the Earth where it can be heated by naturally occurring hot rocks and returned as steam that can drive turbines.

“Of the estimated $325 million spent on geothermal exploration and proof-of-concept projects in Australia in the term 2000-2008, 97% has been invested in South Australian projects.

“Unlike other forms of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, geothermal technology is continuous power, replacing power normally generated by natural gas and coal-fired power stations.”
The Paralana Project involves drilling 11 wells to attain sufficient reservoir development to fuel a 30 MW commercial-scale demonstration plant for power generation by 2015.

Mr Rann says the South Australian Government has directly supported Petratherm with a total of $240,000 in grants from the Plan for Accelerating Exploration, or PACE scheme. This funding from the PACE Collaborative Drilling Program has complemented grants from the Commonwealth Government to support geothermal projects.

Minister for Mineral Resources Development Paul Holloway says the State Government has taken a proactive approach to supporting renewable technologies. “When it comes to geothermal, the majority of Australia’s projects are located in this State and we look forward to Petratherm’s Paralana project joining Geodynamics’ Cooper Basin project amongst the ranks of world-leading Engineered Geothermal Systems projects,” Mr Holloway says.

“To mid-July 2009, South Australia has attracted 28 companies to invest an estimated $874 million in the term 2002 to 2013 to define vast geothermal energy resources in 271 geothermal licences.”

10 août | Australia building world-first ‘green’ air conditioning system - www.austrade.gov.au

Ground-breaking technology is being used for a world-first ‘green’ Australian air conditioning system, which is expected to be up to twelve times more power efficient than the traditional systems currently in use.

This work is taking place under the Australian Government’s $75 million Climate Ready program, which offers matching grants to industry of up to $5 million to help develop innovative solutions to climate change.
The privately-owned Australian company, Air Change, is receiving a grant of over $400,000 to build the new system, dubbed ‘The Green Machine’.

Australia’s Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, said that Air Change will use a combination of technologies, including solar, to significantly reduce power consumption.
“This system will eliminate the need for refrigeration compressors, with the only external energy requirement being to drive the fans,” Mr Carr said.

He added that the technology is not only for use in new developments, but can be retrofitted in existing buildings.
The Climate Readyprogram is part of the Clean Business Australia initiative – a $240 million partnership between government and industry to deliver energy and water-efficient projects with a focus on productivity and innovation.

30 juillet | Australia's biggest desalination plant to secure water and jobs Consortium Suez Environnement, Degremont, Thiess and Macquarie Capital Group selected - www.premier.vic.gov.au

The Premier, John Brumby, today announced the AquaSure consortium had been awarded the contract to build Australia's biggest desalination plant, which will secure Victoria's water supplies, deliver as many as 1700 direct new jobs and help ease tough water restrictions.

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government selected AquaSure, consisting of Suez Environnement, Degremont, Thiess and Macquarie Capital Group to build the $3.5 billion desalination plant, with key features including:

A guarantee to deliver desalinated water by the end of 2011;
Value for money for water users;
Delivery of water to meet Victoria's high water quality standards;
Flexibility to supply between 0 and 100 per cent of the plant's capacity in block increments;
Proven and secure desalination technology; and
Security of finance for the project in a constrained global economy.

"I am delighted to announce today that AquaSure will build Australia's biggest desalination plant near Wonthaggi," Mr Brumby said.

"This desalination plant will be operational from the end of 2011 and is critical to securing water supplies for Melbourne, Geelong and towns in Western Port and South Gippsland.

"Our Government is committed to Victoria's Desalination Project because we must deliver a solution that is not rainfall dependent in an era of climate change.

"Together with the Food Bowl Modernisation Project and Sugarloaf Pipeline, our new desalination plant will help ease water restrictions. I expect these projects will see our water storages begin to recover in 2012 and restrictions progressively eased.

"At the same time as securing our water supply, we are securing 1700 direct jobs and as many as 3050 indirect jobs during construction in a tough global economy."

Mr Brumby said AquaSure had committed to additional features and projects, to ensure Victoria's desalination plant was not only Australia's biggest, but Australia's most advanced, including:

Secure underground power supply;
Commitment to renewable energy projects to offset the plant's energy use;
Minimising the impact on the local environment, including continued use of Williamson's Beach and
the best possible visual amenity at the plant site; and
Delivering benefits to the local community, such as a new broadband fibre optic cable and a secure
local water supply.

Water Minister Tim Holding, said household water bills were increasing as a result of the water projects, but reiterated the Brumby Labor Government's commitment that average bills would not more than double by 2012.

"Importantly, Victoria's Desalination Project is being delivered as a Public Private Partnership which ensures that water remains in public hands and delivers value for money," Mr Holding said. Mr Holding said the bidders had been able to secure finance for the project in the most challenging economic climate since the Great Depression.

"The capacity of AquaSure to raise the necessary funds in such a tough global economic environment is a testament to the strong Victorian economy under the Brumby Labour Government," Mr Holding said.

"AquaSure will now seek to diversify its investor base, with the Victorian Government providing a Treasurer's Guarantee of Syndication. This means the State will be a lender of last resort if required, at commercial rates.

"This innovative arrangement will ensure the project can be delivered on time, despite the global financial crisis."

Mr Holding said the desalination plant was being built to deliver up to 150 billion litres of water a year, with the capacity to increase production to 200 billion litres if necessary.

"Victoria's desalination plant will give water users complete flexibility with the capacity for the Government to order water in annual block increments, starting at zero, then 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 billion litres as required," Mr Holding said.

An independent reviewer and environmental auditor will ensure quality design and environmental protection.

"Victoria has set high international standards for the project with strict environmental safeguards as well
as undersea inlet and outlet tunnels to minimise the impact on marine life," Mr Holding said.

"AquaSure has committed to develop, in partnership with AGL, the Oaklands Hill 63MW wind farm near Glenthompson which will create 200 new jobs.

Mr Brumby welcomed AquaSure's commitment to power the plant by the Government's preferred option; an underground power line travelling largely along the desalination pipeline alignment to Cranbourne.

"We listened to the local community and concluded that underground power was the preferred option to power the desalination plant," Mr Brumby said.

"By securing underground power, the project will have the least impact on landowners, farmers and other people living and working in the area.

"AquaSure has also committed to running a high speed broadband cable alongside the power line, in another great result for the local community."

Other local projects to be delivered with the desalination plant include:

$12 million in road upgrades, many of which are underway; and
Development of a housing strategy for workers coming to the region.

Mr Brumby thanked BassWater consisting of Veolia, John Holland and the Royal Bank of Scotland for their highly professional and competitive bid.

"I believe that either consortium could have successfully delivered the project, however BassWater was unsuccessful in its bid," he said.

Financial close on the contract will occur by 4 September. AquaSure will begin construction in October on the desalination project, which will include the plant at Wonthaggi, the 86-kilometre transfer pipeline to connect to Melbourne's existing network, the underground power source and renewable energy projects.

30 juillet | NSW launches clean energy prize at inaugural University Government Business Forum -
www.business.nsw.gov.au

NSW Premier Nathan Rees has announced a new $5 million international prize to keep the State at the forefront of clean energy.

The NSW Energy Challenge Prize was announced at an inaugural University Government Business Forum held on July 20 to bring together the three sectors to find new ways to tackle global challenges faced by NSW.

"This prize signals to the rest of the world that we are serious about research and innovation and serious about a clean energy solution for NSW," Mr Rees said.

Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay said identifying research priority areas will help consolidate NSW's position as Australia's leading green, clever State.

"Having a definitive approach to research across NSW will allow us to attract greater Commonwealth and international research funding, support new jobs and emerging industries and help NSW to become a globally competitive and highly skilled workforce," Ms McKay said.

Minister for Education and Training Verity Firth said the NSW university sector made an enormous contribution to the State with 11 NSW universities employing over 25,000 staff and educating over 300,000 students.

"This Forum is about finding ways to support and extend the engagement between universities, industry and the Government for the benefit of the State," Ms Firth said.

7 juillet | Cleaner options for Victoria’s coal: new Latrobe Valley projects - www.invest.vic.gov.au

Ignite Energy Resources (IER) and TRUenergy, one of Australia's largest, integrated energy businesses, are set to build a coal-to-liquids and coal drying demonstration project in the Latrobe Valley in a bid to create new and cleaner options for coal development in Victoria.

The project’s aim is to convert abundant, low-cost, high-moisture lignite into high-valued oil and coal products, in order to provide a cleaner, secure energy source, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

The new facility will be developed in three modules to process up to 60,000 tonnes of high moisture content brown coal per annum that will produce up to 60,000 barrels of IER high-grade oils and 18,000 tonnes of high-grade dry coal.

IER's proprietary supercritical water technology (patent pending) is central to the conversion process, transforming low ranked coals, including lignite, directly into high-valued oils and cleaner coal products.

Dr Len Humphreys CEO of IER said: "We are delighted that TRUenergy, who are committed to address climate change, is supporting the development of this plant. In a CO2 conscious world, we believe IER's technology can fundamentally change the way the world looks at lignite."

IER's operating reactor at Somersby, NSW converts one dry tonne of Gippsland Basin lignite into approximately two barrels of oil and 0.6 tonnes of high ranked coal. Independent expert reports predict that the Company's coal, compared to lignite, will reduce CO2 emissions by 40 per cent when used for power generation.

Subject to feasibility studies and based on the operating Somersby reactor design, IER will build and operate a commercial-scale reactor at the TRUenergy site at Yallourn in the Latrobe Valley. Work is expected to begin in mid-July with the initial plant operating by the second quarter of 2010.

IER has certain rights to significant, proven reserves of lignite through a Gippsland Basin Exploration Licence, and the company's modular plant design, using multiple reactors, allows for significant expansion beyond the initial 20,000 tonnes per annum scale.

Richard McIndoe, MD of TRUenergy said: "TRUenergy's involvement in this demonstration plant and support for Ignite's innovative approach is consistent with our strategy to support new technology initiatives that can help ensure a future for Victoria's brown coal. This is a resource that has a huge potential if solutions to its high carbon intensity can be developed and commercialised. We believe this is an important initiative."

Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor welcomed the announcement and said it was vital that both industry and government examine new and clean options for the development of Victoria’s vast brown coal resources.

“The Victorian Government has invested record levels in leveraging investment and job growth from the Latrobe Valley’s brown coal and, through projects such as this, it is fantastic to see industry also committing to the future development of our coal resource and the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Batchelor said.

“Projects such as this have the potential to help establish new non-power industries for coal development in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region.”

The State Government has outlined its plan to guarantee South Australia’s future water security to 2050 and beyond, diversify our water supplies and reduce reliance on the River Murray.

Premier Mike Rann and Minister for Water Security Karlene Maywald launched the plan, titled Water for Good, in Adelaide in front of 200 industry, government and community representatives.

The plan outlines more than 90 strategies to secure water supplies with more than 60 new actions such as:

“Our number one priority is ensuring South Australia has sufficient water supplies for future economic and population growth – our plan guarantees this.

“Already, South Australia leads the nation in stormwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, irrigation practices and rainwater tank ownership.

“This plan outlines new and effective ways to protect and supplement our water supplies both now and for the longer term.

“Our first step to this goal has been Adelaide’s expanded 100 GL desalination plant, currently under construction at Port Stanvac. The $1.83 billion plant will provide up to half of Adelaide’s drinking water and does not rely on rainfall, giving us the insurance we need against future climate variability.

“Stormwater will play a larger role in diversifying water supplies and in partnership with local government, we will send a funding submission to the Commonwealth immediately for assistance with projects identified in the plan.

Minister Maywald says the Stormwater Management Authority appointed independent consultants during development of the plan to determine where further stormwater capture and reuse could be feasibly established.

“These investigations found in the metropolitan area it is technically feasible to capture 60 billion litres of stormwater. The plan also targets up to 15 billion litres in regional South Australia in the longer term.

“With projects currently in operation, under construction or being scoped, we will harvest about 20 billion litres by 2013. The plan estimates an extra 42 billion litres can be captured for up to $700 million in the long term.

“The State Government has already committed to harvesting 1.2 billion litres at Cheltenham Park and given support to smaller projects, such as green village development Lochiel Park.

“In addition, the government will work with key stakeholders on new stormwater projects at the Adelaide Airport, Riverside Golf Club, Old Port Road, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Barker Inlet wetlands, and further stages of Waterproofing Northern Adelaide and Water Proofing the South.

“From September this year, new rebates will be offered to encourage water efficiency, including $150 for hot water recirculators and $200 for covers and rollers for existing swimming pools.

“Garden goods rebates will increase from $50 to $100 for a range of products, including rainwater diverters, and washing machine rebates will apply to 4.5-star rated machines, up from 4-stars. This adds to existing rebates for low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, rainwater tanks and home water audits.

“Water for Good also outlines how regional communities will play a key role in developing water demand and supply plans that account for future growth and local supply issues.”

Minister Maywald says the State Government will work with industry to modernise our water legislation to enable a new approach to managing a more competitive and diverse water industry.

“The first step will be the release of a detailed issues paper for consultation, which will drive the direction for new legislation, to be introduced to Parliament next year. It will be a single and modern Water Industry and Planning Act.

“We will develop a third-party access regime, allowing new suppliers to use our water delivery network and appoint an independent regulator to oversee pricing, licensing and consumer protection.

“These measures acknowledge calls to modernise our approach to water planning, price-setting, legislation and research.

“We will also continue to lead the nation in recycling treated wastewater. Currently, Adelaide recycles 30 per cent, compared with the national average for other metropolitan utilities of 13%. Projects are under way to increase our reuse capability to 45%.

“An important part of Water for Good will be an annual review on the progress of actions, to be delivered yearly by the Commissioner for Water Security. This provides accountability for all stakeholders to ensure strategies are delivered in the coming years, as our state continues to grow."

23 juin | Awash with wave power - www.southaustralia.biz

South Australia has licensed its second wave-energy pilot plant.

Premier and Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change Mike Rann says Wave Rider Energy Pty Ltd will establish its world-first “wave energy converter” in a pilot plant off Elliston on the Eyre Peninsula.

Mr Rann says the Wave Rider Energy seabed lease follows the issuing in February of the State’s first wave-power licence to Carnegie Corporation, which will test a site along the Limestone Coast near Port MacDonnell.

“Wave energy represents a largely untapped sustainable energy resource and is one of the most environmentally benign forms of energy generation,” Mr Rann says.

“South Australia is said to have excellent wave-energy potential, due to the nature of its coastline and the power of waves generated in the Southern Ocean.”

Wave Rider Energy managing director Christian Gerlach says the location of the site - 800 metres off-shore at a depth of 30 metres - and its limestone seabed will result in minimal impact on the environment.

2 juin | Deferred start to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) - www.environment.gov.au

The Rudd Government recently announced that the start of the CPRS will be deferred by one year and will commence on 1st July 2011.

This decision has been taken to allow time for the Australian economy to recover from the global recession.

It was also announced that for the first year the permit price will be fixed at $10 per tonne before being opened to prevailing market price in subsequent years (with a ceiling price of $40 per tonne in the short term).

During 2009/10, eligible business can also receive funding to undertake energy efficiency measure from a new $200 million Climate Change Action Fund.

Pour plus d'informations, visiter : Federal Government's CPRS statement

21 avril | World-leading carbon storage project to expand in Victoria - www.invest.vic.gov.au

In a milestone at the world-leading carbon capture and storage (CCS) project underway in south-western Victoria, 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide has been injected underground in the first year, prompting plans for the project’s expansion.

The $40 million Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) Otway Project is the Australia’s first demonstration of the deep geological storage or geosequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most common greenhouse gas.

The trial has confirmed that carbon storage can be safely undertaken at an industrially-significant scale, with the carbon dioxide behaving as predicted by computer modelling.

Due to the success of the project to date, plans are currently underway to expand the trial with the potential for additional CO2 to be injected two kilometres underground into a depleted gas field, via a second well.

Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said the project has helped put the international spotlight on Victoria’s climate change research.

“The second well proposal is still in the early stages of planning, but if it goes ahead it would provide a cost-effective way of carrying out additional verification and testing of the technology as the infrastructure is already in place. It would also provide further confirmation of the global significance of the research,” Mr Batchelor said.

The project includes a monitoring program, which international and national scientists believe to be the most comprehensive of its type in the world. Lessons learned from the project, particularly from the extensive monitoring, will be adopted by other geosequestration projects around the world.

“Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has the potential to make deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and the Victorian Government, through projects such as this, is taking action to ensure Victoria is positioned as a global leader in CCS,” Mr Batchelor said.

Last year, the Victorian Government introduced the first stand-alone legislation in Australia for CCS - the Victorian Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act 2008. A discussion paper has been released seeking industry input to the preparation of guidelines and regulations to support the Act.

“The Victorian Government is investing in technology to test both the capture and storage of carbon but it is also important that we ensure the right regulatory framework is in place for CCS.

“The development of regulations and guidelines to support the Act will provide certainty for industry looking to invest in this technology, while also ensuring checks and balances are in place to protect the community, other resources and the environment, Mr Batchelor said.

Submissions are open until May 20, 2009, and the discussion paper is available to download at www.dpi.vic.gov.au.

It is expected that draft regulations will be released later this year for further public comment before the regulations and guidelines are finalised for the introduction of the Act no later than on January 1, 2010.

In addition to the CO2CRC Otway project, the Victorian Government has invested in CCS research including: