The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has released the National Energy Security Assessment, Liquid Fuels Vulnerability Assessment, and the Energy White Paper Strategic Directions Paper. These documents are important milestones towards developing a comprehensive strategy to meet Australia's long-term energy needs.
Minister Ferguson said: "We have a long-term challenge to maintain the strength of Australia's energy sector and transition to a cleaner energy future, and these documents identify areas of focus for the forthcoming Energy White Paper.
"The National Energy Security Assessment and the Energy White Paper Strategic Directions Paper were developed by my Department, while the Liquid Fuels Vulnerability Assessment was prepared for the Ministerial Council on Energy, which I chair. They provide an insight into Australia's energy position today and the opportunities and challenges for the future.
"Reliable, affordable, and secure supplies of energy are critical to Australia's economic prosperity and, as a major energy exporter, our energy resources and technologies are vital to the energy security and economic development of our neighbours in the Asia Pacific.
"Through our LNG and uranium reserves, Australia has a significant role to play in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and our investment in low emission coal technologies will ensure that coal also plays a major part in the world's clean energy future. "
The International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2008 estimates global energy demand could rise 45 per cent between 2006 and 2030. Almost half of this demand growth is expected to be in China and India, with oil, LNG and coal to be the main sources together with growth in renewables.
Minister Ferguson said: "As a nation rich in energy resources, global energy growth presents an incredible opportunity for Australia; however, we will be unable to take advantage of demand growth without adequate infrastructure, skills, or policy settings and energy markets that promote investment. These issues are canvassed in the Energy White Paper Strategic Directions Paper.
"Open and genuine consultation is an important part of the Energy White Paper process and I encourage industry and other interested parties to provide their input and feedback. Submissions on the Strategic Directions Paper, together with a series of discussion papers to be released in coming weeks, will be sought by the end of May.
"We want to ensure the Energy White Paper takes a long-term perspective and provides companies and governments with the information and policy settings needed to promote investment that will enhance our energy security, increase Australia's productive capacity and exports, ensure our ongoing international competitiveness, and transition us to a cleaner energy future."
The Energy White Paper Strategic Directions Paper, the National Energy Security Assessment and the Liquid Fuels Vulnerability Assessment are available at www.ret.gov.au.