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Australia is a resource rich country with significant resources of liquid petroleum, natural gas, coal and uranium. Australia is also a significant net energy exporter, with energy commodity exports being an important part of the economy. Australia consumes only 34 per cent of its energy production.
Coal accounts for more than half of the fuels produced in Australia and is a major export earner, accounting for one-third of world coal trade, 7 per cent of world black coal production, and 24 per cent of world's lignite deposits. A large proportion of Australian black coal resources are high quality bituminous coals. There is also growing commercial utilisation of Australia's vast natural gas resources, and coal seam gas. Australia's identified natural gas deposits have increased fourfold over the past two decades. Australia is also a major producer and exporter of uranium and natural gas.
Additional dSata on Australian energy production, consumption and trade can be found at: http://www.abare.gov.au/publications_html/data/data/data.html
The Australian Government is undertaking a number of activities in consultation with industry and the broader public which aim to provide a strong long term policy framework for Australian energy policy. These initiatives include:
・ The National Energy Security Assessment (NESA)
The Australian Minister for Resources and Energy released the National Energy Security Assessment (NESA) on 26 March 2009. The NESA is a key action in addressing energy security issues. The NESA considers the domestic energy security environment and key strategic risks to the adequate, reliable and affordable supplies of liquid fuels, gas and electricity out to 2023. The NESA will provide a key input into the development of energy policy including the Energy White Paper to be prepared by the Australian Government. The NESA is available at: http://www.ret.gov.au/energy/energy_security/national_energy_security_assessment/
Pages/NationalEnergySecurityAssessment.aspx
・ Development of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) by 2010
| On 15 December 2008, the Government released its CPRS White Paper which outlines the design of the CPRS and the medium-term, target range for reducing carbon pollution. This paper follows from the Green Paper, released in July 2008, which canvassed options on the design on the scheme. It takes into account the outcomes of a broad consultation and input from more than one thousand submissions. Further information is available at: http://www.climatechange.gov.au/en/government/initiatives/cprs.aspx |
・ An Energy White Paper
| The Energy White Paper will provide for Australia's long-term energy security and economic prosperity in an increasing carbon constrained world. In developing the Energy White Paper, the Government intends to ensure the provision of clean, adequate, reliable and affordable energy supplies to meet an expected 44 per cent increase in Australia's energy consumption needs by 2030. This will be integral to Australia's economic prosperity and to ensure Australia reduces its fossil fuel related greenhouse gas emissions. Further information is available at: http://www.ret.gov.au/energy/facts/white_paper/Pages/default.aspx |
・ The Renewable Energy Target
| Australia provides support for the increased use of renewable energy for electricity generation through the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target scheme, which came into effect in April 2001. The scheme aims to increase the uptake of renewable energy in Australia’s electricity supply, with electricity generated from bioenergy, one of the eligible forms of electricity generation under the scheme. The Government is currently revising the existing scheme and is aiming to raise the target so that 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity supply is generated from renewable sources by 2020.
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In addition, the Government is conducting a comprehensive review of Australia’s tax system to create a tax structure that positions Australia to deal with the demographic, social, economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century. The review will be conducted in several stages. An initial discussion paper on the architecture of Australia's tax and transfer system was released on 6 August 2008. The review panel will provide a final report to the Treasurer by the end of 2009. Additional information on the Review of Australia’s Future Tax System, including the terms of reference, can be found at http://www.taxreview.treasury.gov.au.
The Australian Government
also has a number of initiatives that will capitalise on Australia's vast natural resources and utilise Australia's unique technical expertise to deliver a range of renewable and clean energy technologies, including alternative transport fuels. The Government has established the:
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$500 million National Low Emissions Coal Fund to support the development of clean coal technologies, including projects that deliver ultra clean synthetic fuels from coal with minimum carbon emissions.
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Please find attached the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resources Economics publication, Energy in Australia 2008. This publication discusses Australia's energy resources and energy supply and demand. |
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