A WA parliamentary question challenges the Minister on the decision to power the Kwinana desalination plant with fossil fuels despite the availability of renewable energy options and the government's commitment to greenhouse gas abatement. The Minister defends the decision by highlighting the use of low-emission natural gas and carbon sequestration.

AnsweredQoN 2422Legislative Council
Asked
21 September 2004
Portfolio
Government Enterprises

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Is the Minister aware that Alinta has announced the go-ahead for a 90 megawatt wind farm near Geraldton?
(2) Was the Minister aware of this wind farm proposal when she reviewed the proposed Kwinana desalination plant?
(3) Does the Minister still maintain that there is insufficient renewable energy available to power the proposed Kwinana desalination plant?
(4) If yes, please explain?
(5) If no, will the Minister reconsider the energy supply for the desalination plant?
(6) Does the Minister believe that the Government and its Agencies should be setting an example of best practice in greenhouse gas abatement?
(7) If not, why not?
(8) If yes, how can she justify her decision to approve the use of fossil fuels to power the proposed Kwinana desalination plant?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
21 October 2004
Responded by
Minister for Government Enterprises
Response time
30 days
(2) Yes (3) The Water Corporation won the 2003 Australian Greenhouse Challenge Gold Award, a highly prestigious award voted on each year by the Australian Greenhouse Office. The Corporation's use of 7% renewable energy was an important component, amongst many other actions, in achieving this national recognition. (4) Not applicable (5) No (6) Yes (7) Not applicable (8) The use of electricity generated using low emission natural gas, along with the commitment to offset the greenhouse emissions by sequestration, is a very strong demonstration of efficient greenhouse gas abatement.
(3) The Water Corporation won the 2003 Australian Greenhouse Challenge Gold Award, a highly prestigious award voted on each year by the Australian Greenhouse Office. The Corporation's use of 7% renewable energy was an important component, amongst many other actions, in achieving this national recognition. (4) Not applicable (5) No (6) Yes (7) Not applicable (8) The use of electricity generated using low emission natural gas, along with the commitment to offset the greenhouse emissions by sequestration, is a very strong demonstration of efficient greenhouse gas abatement.
(4) Not applicable (5) No (6) Yes (7) Not applicable (8) The use of electricity generated using low emission natural gas, along with the commitment to offset the greenhouse emissions by sequestration, is a very strong demonstration of efficient greenhouse gas abatement.
(5) No (6) Yes (7) Not applicable (8) The use of electricity generated using low emission natural gas, along with the commitment to offset the greenhouse emissions by sequestration, is a very strong demonstration of efficient greenhouse gas abatement.
(6) Yes (7) Not applicable (8) The use of electricity generated using low emission natural gas, along with the commitment to offset the greenhouse emissions by sequestration, is a very strong demonstration of efficient greenhouse gas abatement.
(7) Not applicable (8) The use of electricity generated using low emission natural gas, along with the commitment to offset the greenhouse emissions by sequestration, is a very strong demonstration of efficient greenhouse gas abatement.
(8) The use of electricity generated using low emission natural gas, along with the commitment to offset the greenhouse emissions by sequestration, is a very strong demonstration of efficient greenhouse gas abatement.

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