International Technological Initiatives
Methane to Markets
The Methane to Markets Partnership is an international initiative that focuses on advancing cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a clean energy source. The Partnership is designed to promote collaboration between developed and developing country partners - with strong participation from the private sector - to enhance economic growth, improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It aims to promote the adoption of existing technologies focussing on methane emissions from coal mines, landfills and the oil and gas sector.
Australia joined the US led Partnership at its launch in November 2004. A major focus for Australia under the Partnership will be to advance collaboration on the recovery and use of coal mine methane with China - the world's leading producer of emissions in this sector. The Partnership might also provide opportunities for Australian companies specialising in landfill gas to develop export markets in China.
Country profiles
Australia is a member of the Partnership's Steering Committee, Coal Mine Methane Subcommittee, and Landfill Gas Subcommittee. Australia has submitted profiles of our landfill gas capabilities and coal mine methane to the relevant subcommittees:
- Australia's Landfill Gas Country Profile
- Australia's Coal Mine Methane Country Profile
More information on M2M is available at: www.methanetomarkets.org .
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP)
REEEP is a coalition of governments, businesses and organisations committed to accelerating the development of renewable and energy efficiency systems. Partners commit to working with partners from governments, business, finance and civil society around the world to expand the global market for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The UK led Partnership aims to facilitate the development of supportive policies and regulations amongst partner countries by promoting information sharing and raising awareness of the economic benefits of renewable energy sources. REEEP also works with financial institutions to promote more innovative financing mechanisms and repayment schedules for renewable energy sources. Among other things, this Partnership provides opportunities for business engagement, on issues including technology transfer and innovative project financing mechanisms.
Australia joined the Partnership in 2004. More information on at REEEP is available at www.reeep.org .Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF)
The CSLF is an international climate change initiative that is focused on cooperation to develop and apply technologies for the separation and capture of carbon dioxide for its transport and long-term safe storage. The purpose of the CSLF is to make these technologies broadly available internationally, and to identify and address wider issues relating to carbon capture and storage. This could include promoting the appropriate technical, political, and regulatory environments for the development of such technology.
Australia joined the CSLF at its launch in 2003, and hosted the Forum's Second Ministerial Meeting, in Melbourne in 15 September 2004. Australia holds the position of Vice-Chair of the Policy Group, and is a key member of the Technology Group.
For more information on CSLF is available at www.cslforum.org
International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy
The IPHE aims to serve as a mechanism to organise and implement effective, efficient, and focused international research, development, demonstration and commercial utilisation activities related to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. It also provides a forum for advancing policies, and common codes and standards that can accelerate the cost-effective transition to a global hydrogen economy to enhance energy security and environmental protection.
Australia joined the IPHE since November 2003, at its inaugural ministerial meeting. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources leads Australia's involvement in the Partnership.
For more information on IPHE see www.iphe.net .
