Melbourne focus for Clean Energy Technologies
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31 March 2008
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The seven-nation Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP) has congregated in Melbourne to discuss joint activities and projects to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from coal powered electricity generators.
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The five-day meeting of the APP Taskforces on Cleaner Fossil Energy and Power Generation and Transmission is being attended by delegates from the United States, Japan, China, India, the Republic of Korea and Canada, as well as Australia.
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The Victorian Government is calling for greater international collaboration and participation to hasten the development of energy technologies and policies that will combat climate change and reduce poverty.
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“Victoria is committed to developing collaborations with our international colleagues in support of the goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions,” the Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Peter Batchelor, said.
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“We want to see an acceleration in the development and deployment of new and emerging energy technologies that will deliver advanced coal and gas electricity generation with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emission levels, airborne pollutants and other environmental impacts.”
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He said that accelerating efforts in collaborative research and providing an ongoing demonstration of what is achievable with new and emerging technologies will be essential in reducing cost barriers and bringing about affordable low-emission technologies.
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“Victoria is a leading state in Australia with more than $180 million of coordinated efforts in research, development and demonstration initiatives with the private sector under its Energy Technology and Innovation Strategy,” Mr Batchelor said.
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“Victoria has set a long-term target for emissions reductions of 60 per cent compared to 2000 levels by 2050. We are also working with all States and Territories through the National Emissions Trading Taskforce for the implementation of a national emissions trading scheme by the end of 2010.”
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The early implementation of an emissions trading scheme will give Victoria and Australia the opportunity to be at the forefront of technology development and to play a key role in influencing global action.
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“The increasing energy demand in the Asia-Pacific region highlights the need to improve efficiency and environmental performance of fossil fuel use,” Mr Batchelor said.
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“We must share best practices and eliminate market barriers to the deployment of cleaner fossil fuel energy technologies and increase the utilisation and efficiency of cleaner fossil energy.
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The APP Power Generation and Transmission Taskforce has already highlighted potential areas for co-operation in the power sector, including efficiency and environmental performance improvements at existing power plants of all types, loss reduction in electricity transmission and distribution, improved demand side management and electricity market reform.
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“We look forward to working closely with our international partners on these and other initiatives in the energy sector in the coming years,” Mr Batchelor said.
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