Browsing: CCS

Shadow minister slams WA government over environment laws * ACCC sets out Trade Practices Act carbon offsets concerns * EPA Victoria to establish internal cap and trade scheme * Wong chairs first meeting of COAG climate and water group * Think tank proposes power industry levy to fund carbon capture and storage * Greenpeace targets Canon

The European Commission last night unveiled plans for a sweeping overhaul of the EU's emissions trading scheme. It also proposed new measures to speed up the development of carbon capture and storage and to put Europe on a path to meet its 20% by 2020 renewables target.



And in comments likely to set off alarm bells for Australian exporters to Europe, EC President José Manuel Barroso floated the prospect of protecting the competitiveness of EU industry by requiring importers to obtain emission allowances.



CE Daily reports on the latest initiatives from the region widely seen as the global pacesetter on climate change policy. (with video

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

Even if injecting CO2 at a particular site might contaminate oil, gas or mineral deposits, the government should have power to grant an injection licence if this would be in the public interest, suggests a Victorian government discussion paper on the regulation of carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Vienna waltz – Labor sidesteps on Vienna declaration cuts * WA Parliament passes waste legislation and geothermal amendments * Greg Hunt to take on Wong and Garrett * ABARE says climate change could lead to 19% decline in agriculture productivity * EPA Victoria issues air protocol for mining * WA regulator proposes overhaul of water and wastewater sector * Mothballed Mobil refinery to be home to Adelaide's desal plant * Cleaner coal – union urges faster action and more cash * Co-firing with coal set to be an early beneficiary of Labor's MRET * Strong support for mandatory sustainability reporting * Greywater now main garden water source for 15% of homes

Australia to help guide talks on Bali roadmap * Carbon capture and storage decision some way off * Funds and levies * Not so fast and fairly loose? Pew Centre chief appraises likely Bali outcome * Business group sets out thoughts on building a global carbon market * Environment and religious groups urge better use of levies to fund adaptation

Victoria's prime sites for storing CO2 are offshore, but submissions to the state government reveal major players disagree on how best to make this happen. Meanwhile, a BP and Rio Tinto joint venture warns arguments over federal CO2 storage legislation must be settled quickly and the CFMEU slams cleaner coal's "lost decade".

Exactly what did Labor say it would do, how much will it spend and when will it spend it? CE Daily went through Labor's policy documents and statements with a fine-tooth comb and brings you a concise, comprehensive summary of the incoming government's commitments on climate change, water and cleaner coal.

The Coalition's climate policy includes $125 million for hot dry rocks and sequestration projects and research, while its urban water policy promises to draw 'to the extent possible' on permit auction revenue to fund innovative urban water infrastructure. Meanwhile, Labor says it will target large, industrial water users.

As CE Daily went to press, police have arrested eight Greenpeace protestors attempting to shut down the 600MW Munmorah power coal-fired power station north-east of Sydney. Meanwhile, a new database ranks the Australian power sector as the world's seventh largest power sector emitter and ABARE identifies $7 billion in imminent coal projects.