NSW’s efforts to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions, including the development of clean coal technologies and carbon trading, are being discussed at a major summit in Sydney’s Parliament House this morning.

Keynote speaker at today’s summit, which is expected to attract around 200 people, is ANU Economics Professor, Professor Ross Garnaut, who heads up the Federal Government’s Climate Change Review.

Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald said the NSW Clean Coal Summit is examining approaches to reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions for the State’s electricity industry.

"The purpose of the Summit is to bring together key participants from the mining, investment, infrastructure and research industries along with State and Federal Government Department representatives to discuss issues facing Australia and the opportunities for NSW in the area of clean coal technologies" he said.

"The Iemma Government is committed to reaching an interim target of Year 2000 greenhouse gas emission levels by 2025... and a long term target of a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

"The Owen Inquiry noted the need for coal-fired power to meet the State’s base-load energy requirements beyond 2013 that is why clean coal technology is so important - we need to make our energy sources as clean and green as possible.

"Clean coal technologies involving carbon capture and storage will play a vital role in meeting future greenhouse constraints - for example, the Iemma Government already has a pilot program underway at Lake Munmorah on the Central Coast.

"A co-ordinated approach is needed to hasten the commercial availability of these technologies while the Iemma Government works on supporting development of renewable sources of energy."

Minister Macdonald said the Iemma Government has already committed $22m to two clean coal projects signalling our commitment to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"While renewable energy sources will play an increasingly important role it must be recognised that active support for clean coal technologies, to complement renewable energy plans, is needed if we are to achieve significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions," he said.

"The development of clean coal technology and knowledge supports the continuation of an industry that provides enormous economic benefits for NSW - ensuring NSW stays open for business.

"The Iemma Government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in NSW, while continuing to maintain a strong and sustainable mining sector.

"This approach requires co-operation between Government, industry and research organisations to implement viable targets and technological solutions."

The Climate Change Review - the equivalent of the UK Stern Report - focuses on economic opportunities for Australia to become a regional hub for the technologies and industries associated with low carbon emissions.

A draft report is to be distributed for comment by next month with the final report due to be published by September.

The NSW Government is also establishing a Clean Coal Council to help drive research and funding in this crucial area.

Presentations from the Clean Coal Summit 2008 are available for download.

Media contact: Jenny Ward 02 8289 3925