Biomass push fails to generate support
June 28, 2010
The South East could become the generator of a national industry creating renewable energy from wood waste biomass if councils, state and federal governments heed the calls of advocates to realise the sector’s potential.
Developments in biofuel technology have created a buzz in the region with Plantation Energy’s plans for pellet plants at Wandilo and Heywood and local innovators such as Australian Kelp Products managing director Bevan Mills forging paths ahead for emerging opportunities. Read more
First tests completed on geothermal energy project
April 14, 2010
Penola’s geothermal plant produced its first steam from drilling this month.
Panax Geothermal managing director Dr Bertus de Graaf said a significant amount of steam was produced at the plant’s pioneering Salamander-1 well. Read more
Green energy project breaks new ground
March 22, 2010
The drilling rig at the Salamander-1 well south of Penola has reached its target depth.
A depth of 4025 metres was reached before 1am last Tuesday, after 695 metres was drilled for the week, meeting the mid-March target, according to a report to the Australian Stock Exchange. Read more
Geothermal project steams ahead
March 5, 2010
Resources and Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson, today opened the Panax geothermal project near Penola.
Panax successfully applied for $7 million under round one of the Federal Government’s $50 million Geothermal Drilling Program.
Visiting the site, Mr Ferguson said South Australia offers great opportunity to develop geothermal energy technology. Read more
Gas production ramps up
January 28, 2010
Adelaide Energy plans to double or even triple gas production from its Katnook plant near Penola in the coming months.
The plans include the use of a local firm to drill gas exploration wells. Read more
Customers cool on higher prices
December 22, 2009

A Mount Gambier air-conditioning expert has welcomed the State Government’s move to ban the sale of “grossly inefficient” air-conditioners from July 1 next year. Read more
Macquarie backs proposed wind farm
December 22, 2009
Robe Wind Pty Ltd announced yesterday it has reached an agreement with Macquarie Capital Group Limited for the development of a wind farm along the Woakwine range between Beachport and Mount Benson.
Macquarie will be responsible for all of the ongoing development activities for the proposed wind farm. Read more
Government buildings to go solar
December 19, 2009
Solar panels will be mandatory for all new and substantially refurbished government buildings from July 1 next year, Premier Mike Rann announced this week.
Speaking from Copenhagen, where he was chairing the international States and Regions Alliance Climate Leaders Summit, Mr Rann said this was another action the government was taking to move South Australia towards an even greater uptake of renewable energy. Read more
Nuclear is a debate we need to have
August 27, 2009
Australia’s energy industry has been under the parliamentary microscope for the past fortnight.
The result was the passing of legislation mandating a minimum use of renewable energy by 2020. It has all the feel-good green attributes of modern policy. Read more
Insulation sales go through the roof
July 4, 2009
South East insulation sales have gone through the roof this week since new Federal Government insulation assistance grants to homeowners came into effect.
An earlier boom occurred in February when $1600 insulation grants were announced, allowing homeowners to take advantage of the offer before it came into effect on July 1. Read more
