Consultation underway on future of ERF concessions for landfill gas method
The Clean Energy Regulator, which is now responsible for the Emissions Reduction Fund has proposed an extension to the timeframe for earning carbon credits through the generation of electricity from landfill gas.
NWRIC CEO Rose Read said the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee had completed a periodic review of the Landfill Gas method and was calling on submissions in response to the draft variation to the method.
"This is a positive move by the Regulator. There's been a 35% reduction in waste emissions since 1990 through sustained improvement in the recovery of waste methane gas from landfills.
"Extending the carbon credits will ensure that emissions continue to be reduced and that there is economic viability for business that capture carbon from landfill," Ms Read said.
The Committee is calling for submissions on a draft variation to the method developed to implement their findings in the two reviews. Submission close on 16 November 2020 and more information can be found here
In addition, the Regulator will undertake further consultation in 2021 around:
- ongoing audit requirements for ERF projects with an extended crediting period
- a new landfill gas method providing an extended crediting period for projects engaged in electricity generation
QLD election result - WRIQ secures key commitments
Labor has claimed victory in the Queensland state election and been awarded a third term.
NWRIC CEO Rose Read acknowledged the work done by WRIQ and CEO Mark Smith in actively engaging with all parties prior to the election being held and outlining the sector's priorities.
"Prior to the election, WRIQ called for the separation of the environmental regulator from industry development. This reflects the situation in other states where the separation of these two roles ensures accountability and avoids conflicts of interest.
"The ALP's Steven Miles MP has acknowledged this call and said that
'a re-elected Palaszczuk Labor Government will investigate, and consult widely on, the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect our environment and support economic growth. Queensland is the only state that does not have an EPA, and stakeholders have raised an interest in separating the policy functions from the regulation and compliance functions to improve the effectiveness of the Department.'
"This is a great outcome and we will be following this process with great interest," Ms Read said.
Other commitments secured by WRIQ include the development of an Organic Waste Strategy by June 2021 and the finalisation of a Decision Regulatory Impact Statement in relation to the Local Government Waste Management Reforms.
Victorian government consults on proposed CDS
The Victorian government has moved on plans to introduce a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) by seeking feedback on its proposed model, due to be introduced by 2023.
NWRIC CEO Rose Read joined with the Victorian Waste Management Association in welcoming the announcement.
"It is pleasing that the CDS proposed by the Victorian government has examined those Schemes in existence across other states to ensure best practice.
"The CDS proposed in Victoria includes a separate scheme co-ordinator and network operator, ensuring transparency and accountability, which NWRIC has been advocating for," Ms Read said.
Waste to energy session at Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo (AWRE)
NWRIC is pleased to be a supporting partner as AWRE goes online on 25-26 November, delivering four sessions over the two-day program.
The final of NWRIC's four interactive online sessions will focus on waste to energy with Richard Kirkman, Managing Director Veolia, Dr Marc Stammbach, Managing Director of Hitachi Zosen Inova and Justin Koek, NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment on the panel.
With export bans looming and the growing demand for renewable, reliable and alternative baseload power, how close are we to getting national agreement between states and territories on the role of recovering energy from waste in solving Australia's waste problems while also providing alternative energy source? Australia has been slow to adopt this well-established technology at any scale due to lack of social license and desire to change, however during the past five years, numerous proposals have been placed on planning and development pathways. States and territories continue to refine their policies and proponents actively engage with local communities on the science and benefits of energy recovery from waste. Are we at the tipping point? Is the community changing its views? What is the potential future of recovery of energy from waste over the five to ten years?
Don't miss this important topic at this year's AWRE conference! Click here
