Browsing: Nuclear

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 Government should debunk the ‘false paradigm’ of low-cost renewables and prepare the groundwork for a domestic nuclear industry, says uranium and coal miner Rio Tinto in its response to the Rudd Government’s energy white paper.

• Wong to send CPRS changes straight to Senate committee
  
• This Budget is about photo opportunities, not transformation, says Milne
  
• We need to talk about nuclear energy, Switkowski urges
  
• Refinery carbon costs will take 15% of net profit, says AIP

The Rudd Government's 2020 targets are 'insufficient', China would like Australian uranium to help wean itself off conventional coal and claims that Australia's actions don't matter are wrong, an adviser to China's climate negotiators said today. But Climate Change Minister Penny Wong and a senior Australian negotiator defended the targets.

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.

The costs of cutting emissions will be greater than expected, according to soon-to-be-released OECD research. Meanwhile, a separate study to be released next month says global nuclear capacity could increase almost four-fold by 2050.

• Economic modelling – Garnaut names the day
  
• Consider nuclear, Rio Tinto tells NT Government
  
• WorleyParsons seeks sites for large-scale, solar-thermal plants
  
• New Zealand issues renewables policy
  
• National Pollutant Inventory launches video
  
• Al Gore's new ad pushes 100% renewables (with video)

An inquiry into the Kyoto Protocol by Parliament’s treaties committee will hear evidence on Australia’s negotiating position in upcoming international climate talks and the implications of ratification for Australia’s proposed emissions trading scheme.

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.

• ACCC deflates Goodyear tyre claims
  
• AWU's nuclear vision 'fanciful' says coal mining union leader
  
• Attorney-General highlights climate change national security risks
  
• ACT signs Principles for Responsible Investment
  
• NSW releases trade-exposed, emissions-intensive seminar papers
  
• NSW flags contaminated sites auditor accreditation fee price hike
  
  Low-carbon economy poses massive skills challenge