EcoGeneration

March/April 2008

Meander hydro commissioned

Tyco Tamar completed the installation of a mini hydro project in February this year at Tasmania’s Meander Dam that feeds energy back into the grid. Sarah Robertson reports.

The Bioenergy Roadmap - a map for a cleaner energy future

Bioenergy technology is ready today and has a proven track record of delivering reliable energy to industry and households. Sarah Jones reports on the Bioenergy Roadmap being developed by the Clean Energy Council to increase Australia’s bioenergy production and grow the industry.

Waste with opportunity-biogas from bananas

Sarah Robertson

Australians have high standards when it comes to bananas. Up to 30 per cent of harvested bananas in Australia are deemed unsaleable by the market and are wasted along with leaves and plant stalks. However a new project under development in Queensland hopes to turn this wasted opportunity into power by generating biogas from bananas.

Making waste matter

Rapid industrialisation coupled with a rising world population has contributed to a massive increase in the generation of waste matters. In many cases waste matters can be toxic and polluting to waterways, oceans, landscapes and the earth’s atmosphere.

Monitoring solutions for the clean energy industry

Utilising methane for power generation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, however monitoring methane levels in power station engines is crucial. A new methane analyser enables real-time monitoring, ensuring accurate methane levels and optimum engine efficiency.

Hot rocks - heating up Australia

Australia’s geothermal industry is heating up, with governments emphasising the great potential of the industry and hot rock companies eager to seize permits and tenancies that are progressively being released across the country.

The geothermal roadmap-securing Australia’s hot rock future

Dr Stephen Hinchliffe, SKM Strategic Consulting Group, Jim Lawless, SKM Geothermal Group and Greg Lee, SKM Communications Group

The Geothermal Industry Development Framework and Technology Roadmap is being developed by the Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET) in close cooperation with industry, researchers and State and Territory governments.

Hidden heat - tapping into Tasmania’s hot rocks

The most southern Australian state may be small, but Tasmania has resources that could see it play a major part in the country’s future renewable energy mix. Sarah Robertson speaks with KUTh Energy Chief Operations Manager Malcolm Ward about the potential for hot rock energy from the ‘Natural State’.

Solar on display

Sarah Robertson

A Solar Technology Demonstration Facility under development in Central Australia will display large scale solar installations in a bid to encourage the use of solar energy in Australia’s harsh desert environment.

Towards a solar powered nation

Australia’s solar industry has been through challenging times, however, the right policy settings and incentives will allow the industry to move forward and grow in line with global trends. BP Solar Regional Director Brooke Miller argues that, along with all the sunshine, a national feed-in tariff is an essential measure in making Australia a solar powered nation.

Canberra Stadium reduces emissions

Lyndsie Mewett

Canberra Stadium is set to go green with the installation of approximately 200 solar photovoltaic panels and three vertical non-bladed wind towers as part of the Australian Capital Territory’s response to climate change.

Solar PV - increasing efficiency

A new 215 watt (W) high efficiency SunPower solar PV module has been released on the Australasian market, boasting the world’s highest efficiency module available today.

Clean Energy Council National Conference & Exhibition 2008

The 2008 Clean Energy Council Conference & Exhibition offers the ideal opportunity to accelerate growth for your business.

Australia on the way to 20% renewable energy

Is a 20 per cent renewable energy target achievable for Australia? The simple answer is, yes, of course it is. The Clean Energy Council’s Rob Jackson explains why this target is achievable and how it can be realised.

South Australia - first cab off the feed-in tariff rank

Clean Energy Council Greenhouse analyst Sarah Morton discusses Australia’s first feed-in tariff scheme in South Australia and how the state and territory schemes compare.

Labor Government will set interim emissions target

Minister for Climate Change Penny Wong has reiterated the Australian Government’s commitment to setting a medium term target, both in an interview on ABC Radio and in her first major speech on climate change since being appointed Minister.

Engineering excellence sparks renewable light

Sarah Robertson

Alice Springs-based engineering technologist Grant Behrendorff was awarded the Engineers Australia ‘2007 Engineering Technologist of the Year’ for his commitment to building renewable energy projects in Australia’s remote communities.

Post-Kyoto - Bali and the ICSE

The Clean Energy Council represented the Australian clean energy industry at the groundbreaking Bali climate change meetings in December 2007. The Clean Energy Council’s REEEP Manager Amy Kean reports on the conference’s outcomes, the International Council for Sustainable Energy and the way forward towards an international climate change agreement post Kyoto.

US energy secretary talks green Down Under

Hannah Cartmel

A recent visit to Australia by Assistant Secretary Alexander ‘Andy’ Karsner proved an enlightening experience for those who heard him speak about the progress of the United States Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) applied science and clean energy technology portfolio, and his vision for a clean energy future.