Townsville Solar City celebrates its success - media release 29 September 2009
PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20090929a.html
SNIPPET: With over 1000 Smart Meters and a range of energy-saving lighting and appliances installed throughout Magnetic Island, northern Queensland's Townsville Solar City has a lot to celebrate. The one-year anniversary of operation also coincides with Solar 09, the annual conference of Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society, which is being hosted by Townsville this week. 'Later today the Townsville Solar City team will also be turning the first sod of a 100 kilowatt Solar Farm, currently in the design and approvals stage.

Commencement of Solar Credits Scheme

Solar power from space: moving beyond science fiction
For more than 40 years scientists have dreamed of collecting the sun’s energy in space and beaming it back to Earth.Science & Technology - Michael Lemonick - posted 10/9/2009

The electric revolution is on track
The race to bring electric vehicles to market has begun. It will profoundly change the way we think about transport and energy – even offering to turn the nation's vehicle fleet into a giant reservoir for renewable energy. 1 Sep 2009 7:00 AM

US climate change bill hits new Senate delay
Legislation delayed for weeks, to be unveiled later in September. 1 Sep 2009 6:12 AM

China Sunergy gets 10 MW Australian contract
Solar cell maker to supply solar modules to Nue. 1 Sep 2009 12:24 AM

Speech to the 5th Australia-NZ Climate Change and Business Conference - speech 25 August 2009
PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
URL: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/sp20090825.html
Major speeches. We are 104 days from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conference in Copenhagen. President Obama's Assistant on Energy and Climate Change, Carol Browner, has said:.

Minister for Resources and Energy, Minister for Tourism
Resources, Energy and Tourism
http://minister.ret.gov.au/thehonmartinfergusonmp/pages/launchofsolarinstitutegrantsprogram.aspx
SNIPPET: The Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP. Minister Ferguson said: The solar expertise in Australia puts us at the forefront of research and development in this field. Australia has the potential to be a world-leader in the development of solar energy.

Australia announces funding priorities for Pacific climate change adaptation - media release 6 August 2009
PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/mr20090806.html
A further $12 million will be provided for the Pacific Adaptation Strategy Assistance Program to strengthen the capacity of Pacific Island countries to assess their vulnerabilities to climate change and develop adaptation strategies. Australia is committed to decisive action on climate change both at home and globally, and recognises that building resilience to climate change is critically important for vulnerable countries in the Pacific.

International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, Pacific Islands Forum, Renewable energy target legislation, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme - transcript 6 August 2009
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/tr20090806a.html
Doorstop interview: Pacific Islands Forum, Cairns. As you may be aware we have a program of $150 million toward adaptation International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative.

Pacific Islands forum, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme - transcript 6 August 2009
PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/tr20090806.html
Now we ran a story earlier this week on people from the Carteret Islands having to leave now - this is happening now - they have to leave their homes because of rising sea levels for Bougainville. That means passing the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

Australian Eco-Screen Invention to Help Reduce Carbon Emissions
PORTFOLIO: Foreign Affairs and Trade
http://www.trademinister.gov.au/releases/2009/sc_090806.html
SNIPPET: Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, today congratulated Brisbane-based manufacturer Centor on the launch this week of its Australian invention - a fully retractable, flyscreen and solar control blind. This is an excellent example of Australian research and design capability - a locally manufactured invention that will reduce carbon emissions and allow people worldwide to enjoy an Australian outdoor lifestyle, Mr Crean said. The Minister for Trade is in Brisbane to attend a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Ministerial Council on International Trade on 6-7 August, hosted by the Queensland Government.

Highest-ever winter water temperatures recorded (Media Release)
PORTFOLIO: Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
http://www.csiro.au/news/Highest-winter-water-temps.html
SNIPPET: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. CSIRO expertise is organised into 16 research areas. The Marine National Facility -.

Media release from Resources, Energy and Tourism Portfolio
PORTFOLIO: Resources, Energy and Tourism
http://minister.ret.gov.au/thehonmartinfergusonmp/pages/australiansolarinstituteboardappointed.aspx
SNIPPET: The Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP. The ASI is a $100 million commitment by the Australian Government to support solar thermal and solar photovoltaic research and development. Mr Thomas is currently the director of TFGInternational.

Solar capital on the agenda at national solar industry conference
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=8281

Concentrating Solar Thermal Power: Clean Energy for the United States
In the Southwest United States, an enormous solar energy resource remains largely untapped. There is already more than 500 MW of concentrating solar thermal power in the United States and Spain primarily, but there is significant scope to scale up development. As Congress oversees the nation’s transition to a clean energy economy, a homegrown renewable energy technology—concentrating solar thermal power—can help cut emissions and enhance energy security with American resources.

Strong industry response to solar facility EOI
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=8230

TRUenergy in coal-to-liquids venture; Meeting to consider new packaging covenant; and more
* TRUenergy in coal-to-liquids venture * Meeting set to consider reworked packaging covenant * Renewables scheme should include a solar-only band, Senate inquiry told » read the full story »
Global report proposes key CCS role for Australian-backed institutions
A report launched by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair ahead of this week’s crucial major economies forum and G8 meetings floats the prospect of key roles for two institutions founded by Australia – the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute and the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate. » read the full story »

Vic energy companies sign an MOU on coal-to-oil plant

Squeezing More Juice From Concentrating Solar Thermal
Australia and other nations rich in solar resources should invest in concentrating solar thermal (CST), a key low-carbon technology.Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently announced plans to build the world’s largest solar energy project.

Previously, the Rudd Government announced it would invest nearly US $3.5 billion in a Clean Energy Initiative to support the growth of clean energy generation technologies, reduce CO2 emissions, and stimulate economic activity. Under this initiative, the Rudd Government is investing US $1.2 billion in solar technologies, including US $1.1 billion in the new Solar Flagships program. The tender specifications will be announced later in 2009 and the successful bids in 2010, but based on Rudd’s outline, the Program will develop up to four solar generation plants for 1GW of generating capacity—three times the capacity of the largest operating solar project in the world. The projects can use solar photovoltaic or concentrating solar thermal power (CST).CST uses reflective material to concentrate the sun’s rays to power steam turbines or engines. When combined with thermal storage—which enables a plant to produce power under cloud cover and after the sun has set—CST can generate electricity on demand, not just when the sun is shining.Given Australia’s solar resources, the announcement of the Flagships program is an important step toward meeting Australia’s 20% by 2020 renewable energy

Harsh Words for ‘Deniers’ from Nobel Laureate
"YET the deniers are choosing, willfully, to ignore that threat, placing future generations of Americans in gra [...]

'On again, off again' solar policy
It's hard to reconcile the government’s mismanagement of solar energy 'policy' with statements made before the election.Domestic Politics - Bill Parker - posted 1/7/2009

Forests - the essential climate fix
Native forests must be preserved: they play a critical role in securing a safe climate future.Feature - Amelia Young and Lucy Manne - posted 1/7/2009

Australian Government Media Releases

Bioenergy to Canada
PORTFOLIO: Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.austrade.gov.au/bioenergy-to-canada/default.aspx
SNIPPET: (Last updated: 17 Jun 2009). General Canada import requirements are also available at the . Canada is a very open economy that is receptive to new ideas due in part to a strong import culture and deep history of working with other nations.

Carbon capture and storage to Canada
PORTFOLIO: Foreign Affairs and Trade
URL: http://www.austrade.gov.au/carbon-capture-and-storage-to-canada/default.aspx
SNIPPET: (Last updated: 17 Jun 2009). Carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities in Canada range from R&D commercialisation engineering and economic analyses regulatory, policy and program initiatives technologies and processes offered by Canadian companies to public outreach activities. General Canada import requirements are also available at the .

Green building to Canada
PORTFOLIO: Foreign Affairs and Trade
URL: http://www.austrade.gov.au/green-building-to-canada/default.aspx
SNIPPET: (Last updated: 17 Jun 2009). Potential to reduce building energy costs, decrease green house gas emissions, reduce water consumption and increase building value has seen the green building industry as an emerging market in Canada. The Canada Green Building Council.

Public meetings on proposed solar facility
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=8115

Call for applications for ACT Environment Grants
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=8114

Water Market Rules and Water Charge (Termination Fees) Rules Public Notice
http://www.environment.gov.au/water/policy-programs/water-act/market-charge-rules.html
The Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, signed the water market rules and termination fee rules on 10 June 2009.

Solar Energy for a Sustainable Future
LOCATION: Melbourne Convention Centre
ORGANISED BY: Swinburne University of Technology21 June, 2009 This lecture, to be presented by Professor Martin Green from the University of New South Wales, will explore the importance of solar energy to our daily lives.

Australian Government Media Releases

Closure of Solar Homes and Communities Plan
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv
Unprecedented growth under the Government's Solar Homes and Communities Plan has resulted in early closure of this program and the immediate introduction of Solar Credits.

Interview with Leon Byner, 5AA Adelaide: Transition of Solar Homes and Communities Plan to ...

Geothermal drilling program, round two
Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP. Geothermal energy is important because it has the capacity to produce baseload power, diversify Australia's energy supply and increase our energy security. Program documentation including the GDP Applicant Information Guide and GDP Application Form can be obtained from the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism or by contacting the GDP Program Management Team

Garrett guillotines solar scheme
Environment Minister Peter Garrett, we are told, treats his staff well, not like some people. But he’s not so kind [...]

Nuclear power and ‘Promethean Environmentalism
’We need to put all the energy cards on the table to solve climate change fully.
Feature - Barry Brook - posted 10/6/2009

ACT Solar Energy Facility

Industry interest called for on ACT solar facility
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=8016

Community Consultation on possible solar facility sites
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=8015

A potential breakthrough in harnessing the Sun’s energy
New solar thermal technology overcomes a major challenge - how to store the sun’s heat for use at night or on a rainy day.Science & Technology - David Biello - posted 13/5/2009

Australian Government Media Releases

Solar hot water rebate Rheem's United Nations contract solar hot water industry renewable energy Mt Barker windfarm Christmas Island Roe Highway Stage 8 Solar Credits - transcript 22 April 2009
PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
URL: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/tr20090422.html
SNIPPET: It is also I think a tremendous vindication of the work that has been done by Solahart as a part of this enterprise here given that they have now received a significant contract - a $7 million contract from the United Nations - for solar hot water systems to go into these housing packages that get located in different parts of the world. Look, the second thing I want to say is that we are very clear that we have the right policy settings in place to see an increase in solar hot water around this country, that we recognise that a healthy manufacturing industry is absolutely essential to sustainable economic growth and that we now have 11,000 applications for the solar hot water rebate - a very strong and positive signal that Australian's are embracing this technology and taking up the Government's policy announcements with great gusto.

$4.2m for new WA wind farm
Minister for Environment, Heritage and The Arts - Media Statement - 22-04-2009

Australian Government Media Releases

TITLE: Sales soar on solar hot water - media release 3 April 2009
PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the ArtsURL: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20090403a.html
SNIPPET: You are here: &raquo 2009. Sales of solar hot water systems have soared since the Australian Government boosted its solar hot water rebate to $1,600 in February this year as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan. The solar hot water rebate helps people replace their old electric storage hot water system with a solar or heat pump system.

TITLE: Solar hot water rebate Prime Minister Kimberley strategic assessment recycling national waste policy - Transcript 3 April 2009
PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the ArtsURL: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/tr20090403.html
SNIPPET: You are here: &raquo Transcripts. In February of this year the Minister announced that he was going to increase the Federal Government rebate on solar hot water heaters, which has led to an exponential growth in sales. : Minister, can I ask about your reaction to the Prime Minister - reports today of the Prime Minister reducing a woman to tears on his - on a flight?.