Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - April, 2012
The CSIRO has released a report into a four-year, $21 million research study into the viability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology offsetting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the country’s coal-fired power stations.
The report confirms that post-combustion carbon dioxide capture (PCC) technology operates effectively and efficiently under Australian conditions and is now available to the industry as the first stage in the CCS chain.
The program, funded through the Asia-Pacific Partnership (APP) on Clean Development and Climate and supported by a grant from the Department of Resource, Energy and Tourism (DRET), enabled two PCC plants to be successfully established and operated at existing Australian power stations - at Delta Electricity’s Munmorah power station in NSW and at Stanwell Corp’s Tarong power station in Queensland.
IPART backs carbon price
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has released findings that show households will be better off under the the Federal Government’s carbon pricing scheme, with the planned compensation associated with the legislation more than covering any potential price increases.
Latest NPI pollutant data released
The latest data on emissions of pollutants from industry facilities across Australia were released by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
Mining company hit with environmental harm fine
Mining company MMG Century has been fined $40,000 for causing environmental harm following a zinc slurry spill from the Lawn Hill to Karumba pipeline in October 2009.
Public consultation begins for Gladstone EIS
The Queensland Government has opened the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed multi-billion dollar Arrow liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Gladstone.
SA demands changes to MDBA draft plan
The South Australian Government has issued 71 recommendations to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Draft Plan, saying more must be done to ensure the health of the river system is maintained.
Toll Group leading the way with Isuzu green trucks
Leading Australian transport and logistics provider, Toll Group, has heightened its reputation as an industry leader in environmental sustainability following a major acquisition of Isuzu CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)-powered medium duty trucks.
Toll IPEC's recent order of 42 Isuzu FSR 700 CNG models adds to the company's earlier CNG purchases and brings the total number of Isuzu CNG trucks in Toll's fleet to more than 70.
The latest acquisition is the largest single CNG fleet purchase since the launch of Isuzu's second generation CNG models in 2009.
CNG-powered vehicles show reductions of around 50 per cent of nitrogen dioxide (NOx), 98 per cent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emit virtually zero PM (particulate matter) when compared to similarly sized conventional diesel trucks.
Toll IPEC General Manager, Rodney Johnston, said the CNG additions to the fleet would assist in helping reach environmental goals, while helping provide operational efficiencies.
"One of Toll Group's key objectives is to look at ways to manage the environmental impacts within our facilities and operations, and act to reduce our rates of emissions, energy and waste," Mr Johnston said.
Work starts on Greenough PV project
The Greenough River Solar Farm is a 10-megawatt facility 50km south of Geraldton, with construction of the above ground electrical works starting four months ago to support the 150,000 solar panels across an area of 80 hectares.
BAF to see off red tape
The Business Advisory Forum (BAF) has agreed to reform that will expedite environmental approvals and assessments at its inaugural meeting.
Qantas to undertake biofuel study
Qantas has announced it will conduct a feasibility study into the potential of an Australian sustainable aviation fuel industry, backed by funding from the Federal Government after the company conducted a successful test flight of an Airbus A330 fueled by a 50-50 blend of biofuel and regulat jet fuel.
SA passes water industry legislation
The South Australian Government has passed the Water Industry Act that forms part of the largest overhaul of the State’s water sector in its history.
Worldwatch raises concern over consumerism
US based environmental research group Worldwatch has published its Sate of the World 2012, warning that current trends of consumerism cannot be sustained and that more must be done to ensure development does not further compromise environmental health.
New CEO of the Clean Energy Council appointed
Clean Energy Council appoints UK clean energy pioneer David Green as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Melbourne to lead a new global network on Sustainable Urban Development
The City of Melbourne and C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group have announced that Melbourne will lead a new global network on Sustainable Urban Development.
Sydney rolls out historic LED lighting scheme
In an Australian first, Sydney has begun installing the first batch of energy-efficient LED street and park lights.
$12 million for solar development
The Federal Government has announced close to $12 million in funding to bolster developments in the solar technology sector.
Australia pushes for link with EU trading scheme
The Federal Government and the European Union have confirmed their ‘strong commitment’ to working towards linking their respective Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS), during bilateral talks in Brussels.
CER begins operations
The Federal Government’s Clean Energy Regulator has commenced operations, with responsibility over a broad range of Government initatives.
SA blasts Murray plan
The South Australian Government has blasted the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) draft plan, saying the allocated 2750 gigalitres for environmental flow is not enough to return the system to a state of health.
Cash for containers hits the road
The Northern Territory Government and Envirobank has announced the new cash for containers mobile depot will be operational shortly after Easter and will service large and small-scale volumes of returned containers.