The latest ABS data demonstrate that Western Australia is both the economic powerhouse of Australia and the population growth state and home to 2.2 million. As Perth stretches its boundaries to accommodate a sizable 1.6 million people, the common denominator is that we are all energy consumers.

The opportunities and challenges of economic and population growth in WA are a primary focus for Government. The task of improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewables are part of the response to those challenges as part of the suite of state, national and international strategies to deal with the challenges of climate change.

Some of the year’s highlights - the Government’s Strategic Energy Initiative, which aims to deliver secure, reliable, competitive and cleaner energy is well underway and expected to be completed by end of 2010.

As well, the Government released a discussion paper and sought comment on the preferred design of a net Feed-in Tariff paid on all excess electricity sent to the grid from household renewable energy systems to take effect from July 2010.

Nationally, the Commonwealth Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme was rejected a second time by the Senate and is expected to return to the upper house for further debate in February 2010.

All State and Territory Governments agreed to a set of national energy efficiency standards for new residential buildings. They also support the implementation of a new national scheme for the mandatory disclosure of commercial office building energy efficiency to prospective buyers and lessees.

And globally, the Copenhagen climate talks wrapped up with a political accord rather than a binding agreement and the developed countries required to set emissions reduction targets by February 2010.

In the USA, the practice of drying laundry on a clothesline is a rare sight however, moves are underway to try to divert householders away from tumble dryers as a way to save energy.

The generation of power from renewable energy sources compared with times when the electricity system needs it the most is being studied by the Office of Energy to determine whether changes are required.

A UK study indicates a five-year window remains to get all low-carbon industries onto an accelerated growth path, or targeted emissions savings may be considered beyond reach.

The Western Australian 2009 Environment Awards recipients were announced including the SEDO sponsored ‘Community Energy Efficiency’ category.

And we look at the Masdar Initiative in Abu Dhabi which intends establishing a world-class research and development hub for new energy technologies including a large-scale carbon capture project.

In our final Sustainable Energy Matters for the year, we express our sincere thanks for your interest and comments and wish you and your family and friends the best of everything for a safe and joyful festive period and a fulfilling and satisfying 2010.

Michael Kerr
Executive Director

Dust off your Hills Hoist and save energy

A growing number of Australians opt for a tumble dryer rather than a clothesline to dry their clothes. While it may be easier to push a button than hang out the washing, the convenience can add around a $100 a year to the household energy bill – not to mention the unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions it generates.  More info...

The Masdar Initiative is an ambitious large-scale carbon capture project.

As the first major hydrocarbon-producing economy to take such a step, Abu Dhabi has established a leadership position by launching the Masdar Initiative.  More info...

Reliability of intermittent renewable energy sources investigated

Electricity generation from renewable energy sources compared with times when the electricity system needs it the most is being studied by the Office of Energy to determine whether changes are required.  More info...

New analysis answers a key climate change question: Do we have enough time?

Climate Risk (Europe) Ltd recently launched results that aim to answer the question: how long will it take clean-tech industries to deliver a low-carbon economy? The results of the project indicate that there is a five-year time critical window to get all low-carbon industries onto an accelerated growth path and maintain greenhouse gas emissions at manageable levels.  More info...

National scheme for mandatory disclosure of commercial office building energy efficiency

Federal legislation is being developed for a Mandatory Disclosure of Commercial Office Building Energy Efficiency scheme to be introduced later next year (2010).  More info...

The Department of Environment and Conservation announces the Community Energy Efficiency 2009 Award winners

The winner of the Western Australian Environment Awards 2009 category Community Energy Efficiency is Environment House for their $WaP (Saving Water and Power) Project.  More info...
 print this page