The Federal Government has released it’s long awaited Energy White Paper, which is due to form the centrepiece of the country’s future energy policy.

 

The Energy White Paper – Australia’s Energy Transformation white paper details the Federal Government’s policy framework aimed at guiding the country’s transition to a cleaner and more productive energy economy.

 

The 2012 Energy White Paper identifies four priority areas for further action:

  • Delivering better energy market outcomes for consumers;
  • Accelerating Australia’s clean energy outcomes;
  • Developing Australia’s critical energy resources, particularly gas;
  • Strengthening the resilience of Australia’s energy-policy framework.

 

Launching the Energy White Paper in Melbourne, Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson outlined the current changes underway in the energy and energy resources sector, saying that the right balance in policy settings must be achieved in order to respond to challenges in the sector.

 

A centrepiece of the White Paper is the proposed deregulation of energy markets, adopting the style already in place in Victoria.

 

It faces up to major challenges such as rising energy prices, pressures in Australia's gas markets, remaining competitive in the development of our energy resources, maintaining our liquid fuel security and bringing new clean energy technologies to market,” Mr Ferguson said.

 

“To meet these challenges, the Australian Government is committed to open and transparent markets that allow competitive pricing, efficient resource allocation and innovation that delivers benefits to consumers and the nation.”

 

The full White Paper can be found here