NZ Herald - Another threat to electricity network

Power companies' intentions to build new power stations have collapsed over the past year, with potential for electricity shortages re-emerging from 2013 onwards unless more new projects are committed in the next 12 months, says the Electricity Commission.

The Australian - More evidence CO2 not culprit

Earlier this month (The Australian, December 9) I commented on recently published results showing huge swings in atmospheric carbon dioxide, both up and down, at a time of global cooling 33.6 million years ago.

Paul Pearson and co-authors in a letter (The Weekend Australian, December 11) took exception to my use of their data and claimed I misrepresented their research

NineMSN - Insight: Prepare for lower oil prices

The outlook for the oil price remains mired in much confusion. Peak oil theorists see production in terminal decline. Others, who expect the oil price to revisit its 2008 highs, argue that rapid demand growth from emerging markets, most notably China, will underpin a long and aggressive rally in the price.

Radio NZ - Sombre forecast on electricity supply

The Government says it is already dealing with many issues raised in a sombre forecast on energy supply from the Electricity Commission.

The report indicated possible supply problems next year and follows a series of similar problems in the past decade.

In a document issued just before Christmas, the commission said electricity supply this year will be adequate, but the supply of electricity is likely to be tight in 2011.

It said investment in new electricity plant is slowing, with more than 600 megawatts of new generation deferred until at least 2013, or cancelled.

ABC - New mines needed for coal expansion

The New South Wales Government has conceded new mines will have to open to meet a planned expansion in coal exports from the Port of Newcastle.

Starting today, the Hunter Coal Export Framework will see exports double from 90 million to 180 million tonnes in five years.

The first vessel to operate under the new agreement enters Newcastle port this morning, to accept 82,000 tonnes of coal for a Korean customer.

Courier Mail - Electricity prices set to double

Opposition energy spokesman Nick Minchin yesterday accused the Rudd Government of trying to hide the real costs of tackling climate change.

"I think Australians will be stunned to learn that their power bills could more than triple as a result of Mr Rudd's climate change policies," Senator Minchin said.

The Australian - Don't expect too much down Mexico way

IT has been said that Copenhagen was all about attitudes and aspirations and the meeting this year in Mexico City will be about results. But without the leadership of the US - which accounts for 20 per cent of all greenhouse gases - the prospects of an enforceable, verifiable and legally binding new global treaty on emissions reductions are virtually zero.

All the evidence indicates that President Barack Obama won't be able to lead the world to a post-Kyoto deal. This is because the politics of the environment have shifted dramatically in recent months. There are many reasons for the changing climate in Washington. Here are four of them:

SMH - Second oil shock pushed crude price up 250%

The second ''oil shock'', coupled with cuts in supply, limits on production imposed by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and panic buying drove the price of crude up 250 per cent.

On June 26, cabinet approved measures to reduce dependence on imported oil. These included a cut in fuel octane ratings, sales tax incentives for fuel-efficient cars and encouraging the use of liquefied petroleum gas. A submission on the use of ethanol failed to inspire the cabinet.

But it deemed the situation dire enough to consider a compulsory requirement on oil companies to report supply, consumption and export data. There were also measures to shore up locally produced energy, such as urging the joint venturers Esso and BHP to be ready for a terrorist attack.

The Australian - War of words over cost of ETS to households

A ROW over the impact of Kevin Rudd's emissions trading scheme has erupted, with Tony Abbott claiming half of middle-income earners will be left worse off by higher electricity and gas prices. In reply, the government has accused the Opposition Leader of being "fraudulent" over his charge the scheme will cost households $1100 a year.

As Mr Abbott challenged the government to release modelling showing the impact of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme on average families, Acting Climate Change Minister Peter Garrett returned fire by accusing Mr Abbott of failing to back up his $1100 figure with "reliable, accurate and relevant" modelling.