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Labor Invests In A Clean Coal Future For The Latrobe Valley Jane Rowe ALP candidate for Gippsland Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources, Senator Chris Evans, said today that Federal Labor’s $500million commitment to the development of clean coal technologies would help to secure the future of coal fired power stations in the Latrobe Valley. By Jane Rowe - 10th November 2007 - Back to News LABOR INVESTS IN A CLEAN COAL FUTURE FOR THE LATROBE VALLEY
Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources, Senator Chris Evans, said today that Federal Labor’s $500million commitment to the development of clean coal technologies would help to secure the future of coal fired power stations in the Latrobe Valley.
"Labor's commitment to clean coal has been matched by $1billion from the coal industry. This funding will help give Australia world leading clean coal technology and expertise, securing jobs in Victoria," said Senator Evans.
Importantly for the Latrobe Valley, Federal Labor has committed $50million towards the installation of a large scale carbon capture plant at a power station in the region. This plant will capture more than 50,000 tonnes of carbon a year and allow for the development of full scale carbon capture technology.
In addition Labor today committed $10million towards the planning needed to establish the infrastructure required for carbon capture and storage.
Senator Evans said "A Rudd Labor Government will bring forward the use of clean coal technologies, secure the future of Latrobe Valley power stations and cut greenhouse gas emissions."
Christine Maxfield, Federal Labor Candidate for McMillan, said, "Labor recognises the vital role played by the power industry to our region’s economy."
"Installing this large scale carbon capture plant in the Latrobe Valley is a critical step towards the deployment of clean coal technologies in the region and will contribute to reducing the greenhouse emissions from the use of brown coal."
Jane Rowe, Federal Labor Candidate for Gippsland, said "In 2006 the Howard Government refused to continue funding research specifically aimed at lowering emissions from brown coal. As a result expertise developed over many years was lost."
"Federal Labor has committed $75 million towards long-term funding for clean coal research and has nominated lowering emissions from brown coal as a focus for this research."
Senator Evans said, "The Latrobe Valley, with its vast reserves of brown coal and proximity to depleted gas fields in the Bass Strait, is recognised as one of the best regions in the world for the deployment of clean coal technologies."
"We have already seen two significant proposals come forward that would establish coal gasification plants in the region, producing both electricity and ultra clean liquid fuels."
"In the future clean coal technologies will allow brown coal to be used, while producing a fraction of current emissions, allowing Australia to continue to benefit from our coal resources."
"Federal Labor will work with the Victorian Government and energy industry to bring forward the use of clean coal technologies in the State."
"While Labor has a plan to support the development of clean coal technologies and protect the future of the coal mining industry in the region, the Howard Government has a dangerous plan to build twenty five nuclear reactors."
"Possible reactor sites that have been identified include Yarram, Seaspray, Woodside and Western Port, replacing coal fired power stations across the State."
"Labor has ruled out nuclear power in Australia and has committed $500 million to the development of clean coal technologies."
"Labor believes it makes economic sense for Australia to develop clean technologies that will allow coal to be used for decades to come, while also tackling climate change."
"At the coming election, Australians face a stark choice between the clean coal and renewable energy future offered by a Rudd Labor Government and Mr Howard’s nuclear nation."
Contact: Tim Friedrich (Evans) 0417 753 219
Christine Maxfield 0428 252 755
Jane Rowe 0424 157 584
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: howardw@aapt.net.au
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