Browsing: <a href="/tag/nuclear">Nuclear</a> <i class="grey">•</i> <a href="/tag/ccs">CCS</a>

Shadow energy minister Ian Macfarlane today cautioned that the prospects for coal-fired electricity are uncertain, warned of a blight of 'old wind farm technology' and urged an open debate, 'based on facts and not fear', about nuclear power.

The Federal energy department has commissioned international and national experts to develop 'clean energy technology cost curves' to inform policy-making and market decision-making in Australia, says departmental chief Drew Clarke.

As the G8 summit looms, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair releases a report telling G8 leaders the world needs a radical solution – involving cleaner coal and nuclear power – that steers the world away from carbon dependency.



Meanwhile, California outlines plans for a 30% emissions cut by 2020.

A PwC survey of more than 100 senior power utility executives across the globe - including 15 in Australia - shows industry expectations of 'clean coal' are generally low, and most believe nuclear power will edge out renewables as the technology having the biggest impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

Australia can affordably slash its emissions 60% below 1990 levels in just over 20 years, says a study released today by consultancy McKinsey & Company, but it will mean fitting two-thirds of coal-fired plants with carbon capture and storage technology by 2030. If that doesn't happen, costs would rise.



The study also says Kyoto's Clean Development Mechanism could make the abatement challenge massively cheaper – and concludes nuclear would make the task even less costly.

The head of the International Energy Agency told last week's major economies meeting in Hawaii a "CO2 incentive" of US$200 a tonne would be needed to deliver a 50% cut in emissions by 2050, the IEA revealed yesterday.



Meanwhile, the head of Australia's mining union, Tony Maher, has canvassed the creation of a new climate change pressure group and has urged resource companies to massively boost their spending on carbon capture and storage.

Industry association calls for abolition of national energy efficiency program * Federal government says energy efficiency data not up to scratch * EPA Victoria says environmental offsets can lead to better outcomes * SA to trial kerbside food waste program as NSW issues kerbside guide * Nominations open for Tasmanian awards



* Global fuel, power and transport businesses urge renewable energy milestones and greater government efforts * Carbon Disclosure Project urges business to explore supply chain emissions * UK overhauls legislation on nuclear, renewables and carbon capture and storage