From the Minister for Energy and Resources

The Hon Michael O’Brien MLA

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Victorians urged to have their say on feed-in tariffs

Friday, 18 May 2012

Treasurer Kim Wells and Energy and Resources Minister Michael O'Brien have welcomed the release of a draft report from the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) into distributed electricity generation.

Coalition invests in Victoria’s energy security

Tuesday, 01 May 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government has allocated $33.7 million over five years for a package of new measures, including stronger government oversight of the smart meter program and protecting Victoria's interests during the introduction of the...

Victorian Government confirms support for waste-to-energy pilot plant

Thursday, 26 Apr 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government today confirmed $4.5 million funding for a biomass plant turning organic waste into a clean new source of electricity.

Victorian Government statement regarding the National Energy Retail Law (Victoria) Bill 2012

Friday, 13 Apr 2012

On 27 March 2012 in Parliament I tabled the National Energy Retail Law (Victoria) Bill 2012.

Labor’s fracking hypocrisy knows no bounds

Thursday, 12 Apr 2012

Calls by Victorian Labor to ban exploration for new forms of gas in Victoria are hypocritical, unnecessary and would cost jobs, Minister for Energy and Resources Michael O'Brien said today.

Coalition Government to support direct geothermal project for heating and cooling

Tuesday, 03 Apr 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government today announced a $1.6 million grant to support the University of Melbourne and its partners to demonstrate the efficiency of direct use geothermal for heating and cooling buildings.

Victorian Government funds pioneering hydro-electric project

Wednesday, 28 Mar 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government announced funding today for a cutting-edge hydro-electricity project that uses unique Victorian-developed technology to harness kinetic energy in open water flow to generate power.

Victoria adopts Commonwealth position to reject new emissions intensity restrictions

Tuesday, 27 Mar 2012

In line with the Commonwealth Government's recent announcement that it will no longer proceed with the introduction of national emissions standards or carbon capture and storage (CCS)-ready requirements for new coal-fired power stations, the...

Victorian Coalition Government funds cutting edge solar project

Monday, 26 Mar 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government announced today it will provide $1 million in funding for the cutting edge Victorian development of an ultra efficient solar power system.

Co-operative effort on consumer energy concerns

Thursday, 15 Mar 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government is helping householders to shop around for the best deals on energy without being pressured into taking up an offer on the spot, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Energy and Resources Michael O'Brien said.

Victoria funds energy-saving light controllers

Thursday, 23 Feb 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government today announced a $250,000 grant for a company to develop new technology that could help businesses reduce the amount of electricity they use on lighting by as much as 80 per cent.

Coalition Government secures power supply for Melbourne’s inner-east and CBD

Wednesday, 15 Feb 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government has acted to ensure the security of electricity supply to the inner-east and Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) by approving the upgrade of the Brunswick Terminal Station.

Otway plant upgrade highlights South West gas hub

Wednesday, 15 Feb 2012

Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Michael O'Brien today officially marked the completion of a major upgrade to the Otway Gas Plant near Port Campbell that will keep gas flowing to Victorians for years to come.

$100m carbon capture investment for the Latrobe Valley

Friday, 10 Feb 2012

The Australian and Victorian Governments will collectively provide $100 million towards the development of Victoria's first carbon capture and storage (CCS) project - CarbonNet.

Coalition Government delivers on commitment to set up inquiry on feed-in tariffs and barriers to local generation

Friday, 13 Jan 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its election commitment to establish a Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) inquiry to determine the most appropriate regulatory framework to encourage Victorian households and...

Victorian Coalition Government to reduce risk of bushfires caused by powerlines

Thursday, 29 Dec 2011

The Victorian Coalition Government has outlined its work plan to substantially reduce the risk of bushfires caused by powerlines in Victoria.

Journal paper boosts Victorian CCS reputation

Thursday, 15 Dec 2011

Victoria's burgeoning reputation as a leader in the development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has received a boost with the publication of a paper on the CO2CRC Otway Project in a prestigious US journal.

Coalition announces major changes to smart meter program

Wednesday, 14 Dec 2011

The Victorian Coalition Government has announced major changes to the electricity smart meter program following an extensive review.

Vic Coalition Govt awards $5 million to innovative wave energy project

Friday, 02 Dec 2011

The Victorian Coalition Government has provided further significant support for renewable energy with a $5 million investment in a wave energy project based on mimicking the movement of seaweed.

Daniel Andrews and Victorian Labor fail to support workers in regional Victoria

Thursday, 10 Nov 2011

Daniel Andrews, his Geelong Labor MPs and the Victorian Labor Party have turned their back on 1,100 workers in regional Victoria by failing in Parliament today to support legislation to extend the Alcoa Anglesea coal mine lease.