Visits, visitors and the RACE for 2030 has started. An update on A2EP work in train. No Images? Click here September 2019 NewsGreetings fellow energistas It has been an incredibly rich and full last six weeks. Last week we had a very productive visit with the German MP Carsten Mueller. Carsten is also the chair of DENEFF, our partner organisation in Germany. Carsten discussed Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition) with ministers Matt Kean, Mathias Cormann and Angus Taylor, noting that the framework now has ‘energy efficiency first’ as its mantra, in line with Europe. Deeply dissatisfied with only reducing carbon emissions by 36% by 2020 (target 40%), the new German Climate Cabinet met last Friday under Chancellor Angela Merkel to support a AUD$70 billion further package of climate policies aimed at getting Germany back on track to meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 55% by 2030! A cornerstone measure is a carbon price which will raise to 35Euros/tonne (AUD$57/tonne) by 2025 and transition to a trading system. This is a contrast with Australia’s ‘meet our 26% target at a canter’ rhetoric. Thank you, Carsten Mueller, for your amazing efforts including formal events with A2EP and German associations, EEC, GBCA and government officials in two states and the Commonwealth. We intend to ensure the initial impact of his visit is followed through. I had a very worthwhile trip to US last month, spending time with Amory Lovins and the team from RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) and Richard Adams and a day at NREL (National Renewable Energy Labs), and speaking at the ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Portland. I prepared a detailed trip report which we distributed to members (please email a2ep@a2ep.org.au if you'd like a copy). Here are some observations:
We are pleased to be the Australian agent for the EP100 program, a global voluntary commitment program through which companies commit to improve their energy productivity. You may recall our efforts a few years ago to set up a similar program in Australia. Please see info about what it takes to join EP100 and get global recognition here. We will be launching EP100 formally in Australia later this year. On the Cooperative Research Centre bid (CRC RACE for 2030), I am now formally the interim CEO and we’ve just heard that we are shortlisted. This is encouraging news The energy efficiency event of the year. New. 23-24 October. Melbourne. Must go. Energy Efficiency Expo is a new trade exhibition and conference addressing energy productivity and affordability, presented in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Council. This free-to-attend event offers exclusive access to the latest technologies and solutions to take control of rising energy costs. Co-located with All-Energy Australia and Waste Expo Australia which had a record-breaking attendance in 2018 with more than 9,000 unique visitors, Energy Efficiency Expo runs from 23-24 October 2019 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. More here In the news Renewables for process heat: A2EP & Climate-KIC & Opportunities Energy efficiency solutions for farms: A2EP & NSW DPI The often-overlooked emissions reducer The Three Per Cent Club: Global efficiency goals Manufacturing modernisation fund open for business Minister Taylor launches assistance for energy consumers If you missed it New York has set the most ambitious climate target in the USA:carbon-free electricity by 2040 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. More here Infrastructure Australia finds energy prices are adversely affecting international competitiveness and domestic equity. More here Fresh off the press: A new guide to help farmers use energy more efficiently, switch to renewables and save money. CEFC and NFF, More here Demand for electricity is becoming more dispatchable.Load flexibility could satisfy up to20% of US peak demand, saving $15 billion a year by 2030. More here The retail sector is often regarded as an energy effectiveness laggard. Not in this vicinity. One leading operator targets net zero carbon emissions by 2030. More here The national forum of building ministers, guardian of the construction code, sets a course towards higher residential standards. More here Shell drives into electricity. And mobility. In Australia. Thus furthering its ambition to become the largest electricity company in the world. More here The swings and roundabouts of public sentiment on climate change are gauged by The Australia Institute. More of us are concerned, more of us want action. More here Know more Forthcoming For training and development with a focus on energy efficiency, the Energy Efficiency Council delivers. Calendar and other details here. NSW DPIE (formerly Office of Environment and Heritage) offers a range of courses for business including Energy 101 for Small Business. The courses are presented at locations around the state and by webinar. Many are free of charge and some are supported by interpreters. More here |