16-12-2024
US oil giant taps Australian thermal storage start-up
MGA Thermal, based in New South Wales, has partnered with Chevron for a 5 MWh trial of its "clean steam" technology, developed at the University of Newcastle (in New South Wales). This collaboration marks MGA's first major customer win and involves a front end engineering and design (FEED) study. The technology generates process-grade steam using renewable energy, providing industrial heat at temperatures from 150°C to over 550°C. The energy storage system uses insulated tanks to store energy, eliminating the need for batteries.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/green-steam-us-oil-giant-taps-australian-thermal-storage-start-up-for-real-world-trial/
02/12/2024
NSW may face gas shortages if they do not consider imports.
Homes and businesses in NSW may face temporary gas shortages by winter 2026 due to declining local gas production, particularly from ExxonMobil’s aging Bass Strait fields. Despite a shift towards electric appliances, the transition is insufficient to prevent supply gaps, with forecasts indicating an annual gas deficit by 2028. EnergyQuest warns that these states will need to rely on liquefied natural gas imports soon, as supply may only meet 70% of demand in the winters of 2026-2028. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission anticipates deficits could arise as early as 2027. This shortage poses a challenge for Australia in balancing climate change efforts with energy supply needs.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/victoria-nsw-risk-gas-shortages-unless-they-turn-to-imports-20241129-p5kumk.html
19/11/2024
Whyalla to produce sustainable aviation fuel
Zero Petroleum will explore a low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel production facility in Whyalla, South Australia, with government and industry support. The feasibility study includes collaboration with an aviation industry consortium and aims to evaluate the viability of a facility capable of producing up to 10 million litres of synthetic aviation fuel, gasoline and diesel annually. The project has the potential to create up to 150 construction jobs and 25-30 ongoing operational positions, supporting the aviation industry's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and South Australia's efforts as a global leader in the low-carbon transition.
https://invest.sa.gov.au/articles/whyalla-set-to-take-flight-with-sustainable-aviation-fuel-project
29 September, 2024
Australia’s next biomethane plant
Jemena and Valorify have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of injecting biomethane into the NSW gas network. Valorify's proposed plant in regional NSW could produce up to four petajoules of biomethane, enhancing the state's gas supply for over 1.5 million homes and businesses.Biomethane, derived from biogas from organic waste, is interchangeable with natural gas and compatible with existing infrastructure and appliances. Jemena's managing director, David Gillespie, noted that the Riverina Bioenergy project could meet the energy needs of over 50,000 households or 6% of industrial demand, aiding the decarbonisation of high-heat gas users. The first 2PJ module of the project is expected to launch in 2027.
https://www.energytodaymag.com.au/australias-next-biomethane-plant/
29/07/2024
States pump up ‘key technology’ to get households off gas
State and federal governments are ramping up their push for households to switch their hot-water systems from gas to electric heat pumps, in a bid to meet ambitious climate targets and avert a gas supply shortage. But the cost of the new technology continues to put off consumers.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/states-pump-up-key-technology-to-get-households-off-gas-20240719-p5jv2p.html
New South Wales authorities are working to secure a new gas supply
The new legislation that advances Australia's offshore regulatory approval regime is a significant step towards restoring the nation's economic and energy security. The oil and gas industry in Australia has welcomed the efforts of Resources Minister Madeleine King to streamline the reform process after months of uncertainty for major energy supply, carbon capture and storage, and decommissioning projects.
https://www.miragenews.com/victoria-nsw-boss-tasked-to-secure-new-gas-1229231/
