Discussion invited on long term energy vision

The Strategic Energy Initiative 2030 will address key areas of security and reliability, a cleaner energy future, infrastructure, energy supply and demand, regional and remote energy, and markets and regulation.
Collier said it would set out clear goals to provide guidance for policy makers and investors, while maintaining flexibility for the State to adapt quickly to take advantage of new opportunities and address emerging issues.
“This will include delivering a cleaner energy future through the development of renewable energy supplies, while meeting our commitment to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020,” the Minister said.
Collier said while the Government was increasing the use of renewable energy for power generation, effective planning was needed to increase the State’s fuel mix.
“There are unique circumstances in WA due to the expanse of the State and that needs to be taken into consideration as we develop a strategic energy direction and work towards the 2020 target,” he said.
The Minister said the Karratha Gas Plant shutdown in January 2008 and the Varanus Island explosion in June 2008 provided valuable lessons on the need to protect energy security and prepare for the unexpected.
The Initiative is a positive step towards ensuring the State has a secure, reliable and sustainable supply of energy, according to the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME).
“On behalf of the resources industry we have been calling for a coordinated energy strategy for Western Australia for some time,” said CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith.
The CME recently provided the Government with a paper highlighting what it believes needs to be addressed in such an energy initiative.
“We believe that policies that promote an efficient, secure, reliable and sustainable supply of energy should be a critical focus in developing the strategy.
“Energy is a vital contributor to the West Australian economy, as the use and application of energy underpins economic growth,” Howard-Smith said.
In 2008, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) conducted a growth outlook study for the minerals and energy industry, which included a survey of the expectations of the industry in relation to energy industry growth through to 2014.
The study showed that growth in the demand for electricity and gas from the minerals and energy sector is expected to increase significantly over the period through to 2014, with the majority of growth expected in the Pilbara and Mid West regions.

A copy of the Strategic Energy Initiative is available on the Office of Energy website: www.energy.wa.gov.au