The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP has appointed the first three directors to the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute (GCCSI), which was incorporated on Friday.The GCCSI will drive towards the G8 goal to develop at least 20 large scale integrated CCS projects globally by 2020.
Minister Ferguson said: "Australia is leading by example with a $2.4 billion commitment in the 2009-10 Budget to build two to four industrial-scale CCS demonstration projects in Australia within the next decade."
The Australian Government will also provide up to $100 million per year to fund the GCCSI.
Minister Ferguson said: "I am pleased to announce Russell Higgins AO as chair of the GCCSI. Mr Higgins brings extensive corporate and government experience in the energy sector in Australia and internationally.He is a non-executive director of APA group and was Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources from 1997 to 2002.He also led the APEC work in the energy sphere for many years.
"Tina McMeckan brings to the Institute substantial energy market experience, having served on the boards of a number of energy-related corporations, including Alinta Ltd, United Energy Ltd and Snowy Hydro Trading Pty Ltd.
"The third member of the board is Dr Makoto Akai of Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. Dr Akai brings a great deal of technical knowledge and expertise associated with the energy sector and specifically carbon capture and storage.
A further four members will be appointed to the skills-based board once formal operations of the GCCSI commence.