A new $90 million partnership between the Federal and Victorian Governments will aim to ensure a ‘bright future’ for the state’s Latrobe Valley coal industries in a future low emissions economy, according to Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson.

 

Mr Ferguson joined his Victorian counterpart Michael O’Brien in launching the Advanced Lignite Demonstration Program, which will fund development and deployment of emerging technologies to improve the economic recovery of brown coal and reduce emissions from coal-fired electricity generation.

 

 

“The Program will ensure continued opportunities for economic growth, employment in the Latrobe Valley region and a sustainable source of energy for Victorian industries and households,” Mr Ferguson said.

 

 

“There is also potential for brown coal to develop into a valuable export, which would not be possible without the technological innovation that may also assist in meeting the Government’s emissions reductions targets of five per cent fewer emissions than 2000 levels by 2020.”

 

The new program will pursue development of more efficient and less emissions-intensive coal upgrading technologies including direct conversion, drying or dewatering of coal and conversion to higher value energy products.

 

Applications will be assessed by an Independent Assessment Panel with shortlisted projects to be invited to submit a Request for Proposal in December 2012.

 

Funds will typically be provided over a four-year period, with the first funded projects scheduled to commence construction during the 2013-14 financial year.

 

Further information on the Advanced Lignite Demonstration Program is available at: www.ret.gov.au and www.dpi.vic.gov.au/etis.