Winds of change blowing through Australian energy policy 

AUSTRALIA is in the middle of a revolution in energy policy driven by the threat of dangerous climate change. Whatever the outcome of the looming federal election, Australia will have a national emissions ... trading scheme operating from around 2011, based on economic analysis to be completed next year. But it is generally agreed that trading alone will not be enough to deliver the deep cuts in greenhouse gases required both here and overseas. Along with the debate over privatisation of government-owned energy generation and retail assets, the next big climate change policy debate confronting Australia will be about shaping a comprehensive industry strategy for energy. The stakes are high. Energy users have already forecast that up to $75 billion of new-generation infrastructure will be needed by 2030 to achieve emissions cuts and increase supply to sustain economic growth. Business accepts the change, but wants it at the lowest possible cost and has started to weigh in to the debate.   [More...] [Less...]