The rise of renewables5 March 2012Australia is developing new technologies to reduce carbon emissions at a time when demand for renewable energy grows rapidly in Australia and around the world. In 2011, Australia’s Climate Institute estimated that A$31 billion worth of clean energy projects were already underway in Australia. With the country’s commitment to generate 20 per cent of energy from alternative sources by 2020, investment in Australia’s wind, solar, natural gas, and geothermal industries is expected to soar. As Australian researchers set about developing technologies to supplement coal-fired power, they are collaborating with international companies eager to capitalise on Australia’s resources and expertise. The CSIRO, Australia’s leading scientific research organisation, has partnered with China’s Huaneng Group to run a pilot of post-combustion capture (PCC) of carbon dioxide (CO2) from coal -fired power stations. The PCC process strips CO2 from the flue gases of emissions-intensive industrial plants and prepares it for long-term geological storage. Project leader Dr Paul Feron says Australia’s collaboration with China is an important contribution towards future emissions reductions in a country with one of the world’s largest carbon footprints. “If you want to make a difference with this technology then you really need to get involved in China, and get the Chinese involved in your activities, and to be able to achieve that gives great satisfaction,” Dr Feron said. More information |