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.
Tony Blair has warned the final G8 Gleneagles Dialogue meeting, attended by Energy Minister Martin Ferguson, that the world has reached 'the critical moment of decision on climate change'.
The former UK Prime Minister has called for a 'revolution' to transform our economies and says this will have to involve a 'renaissance of nuclear power' and a rethink of the patent framework that governs how technologies are shared.
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
Survey rates BHP Billiton a top online sustainability communicator * Trail-blazing examples of online sustainability communication * Sydney industrial water recycling project steps on the gas * Queensland set to approve re-use of coal combustion by-products * Business council sets out power sector sustainability strategies
GHG permits likely to be worth $105 billion over a decade; Gore sees 'limited role' for nuclear; EBA seeks clean energy pledges from major parties; Qenos signs major recycled water deal; SA sets out details of licence fee restructure.
Queensland court fines two for obstructing EPA officer; Export of nuclear waste gets EPBC Act clearance; NSW’s 2% ethanol obligation kicks in; Iluka Resources wins appeal against WA EPA ruling; Victorian Water Smart funding on offer; Victoria invites award nominations
Australia’s greenhouse emissions could be cut to 23% below 2004 levels by 2050 by building 11 nuclear power plants, through energy efficiency measures and by massively boosting the use of renewables, government research agency ABARE says.