Coal remained the only fuel that can support the energy demand at a scale that will allow a managed transition to viable alternatives.

“The probable future position of coal as an energy source is closely linked with the development of advanced coal technologies and therefore takes on a global dimension,” van Schagen said.

“The work of CCSD is crucial to Australia’s energy landscape where 39 coal-fired power stations in five states are currently contributing 38% of Australia’s carbon emissions.

“CCSD is dealing with new coal technologies that include gasification, combustion and emissions research, and is collaborating with the CO2CRC which is concerned with the storage of CO2 emissions,” he said.

van Schagen endorsed comments made by Dr Peter Cook, CO2CRC, who said that if world communities want a GHG solution the consumer ultimately will have to pay more for electricity.

CCSD’s Research Manager, Dr Lila Gurba, told the conference that the industry is moving towards managing atmospheric CO2 levels through a range of options and energy efficiency improvements. This includes replacing a percentage of coal with other fuels, eg biomass and natural gas, enhancing natural sinks for CO2, and the capture and storage of CO2, she said.

Brian Roby, Delta Electricity Assets Manager, presented the conference with a case study to demonstrate how generators can meet the requirements of the Generator Efficiency Standard.

Delta Electricity was one of the first electricity generators to commit to the Federal Government's Greenhouse Challenge, a voluntary program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More recently, Delta was the first generator to sign onto the Generator Efficiency Standard with legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to Roby the main focus now at Mt Piper and Wallerawang power stations is improving efficiency to meet the targets set in the generator efficiency standard.

“We have been able to decrease greenhouse gas emission rate whilst maintaining the same levels of production. This is achieved through improvements in efficiency and is being rewarded by credits received through the NSW Government's Greenhouse Abatement Certificate scheme.

“Delta has a real commitment to reducing CO2 emissions from its power stations in NSW and we will concentrate on operating efficiency and technologies developed by CCSD,” Roby said.

“We feel that additional government incentives would encourage more generators to work with CCSD and CO2CRC. The decision-making process for greenhouse abatement measures should have a balance of both cooperative and punitive considerations,” Roby said.