Conference signals Queensland ready for Clean Energy Business

The Bligh Government is open and ready for the clean energy business, hosting the inaugural National Clean Energy Council of Australia’s Conference and Exhibition on the Gold Coast 24 to 26 November.

Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara will open the conference which he believes is a great opportunity to highlight the future growth of clean energy development in Australasia.

"The successful transformation of our energy sector is a key part of the global climate change response," Mr McNamara said.

The conference aims to develop regional energy strategies and business opportunities for the clean energy sector.

"Queensland is encouraging industry to be part of the transformation to a low carbon economy."

The changing landscape of clean energy development in Australia, and strategies on how industry can meet future demands will be discussed at the event.

Attending the conference is Matthew Warren, CEO of the Clean Energy Council, and Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IAE).

Mr McNamara said data from the Agency’s recently released World Energy Outlook 2008 report suggested that continuing the world’s "business as usual" approach to providing energy services will see a six degree temperature increase.

He said recent storms in South East Queensland should sound a warning Queensland needs to act now.

"Based on a business-as-usual estimate, Queensland’s emissions are projected to double by 2050.

"This is a great threat to our future; however, Queensland is ideally positioned to lead the development of clean energy and low emissions technology in this emerging market."

The conference has attracted more than 600 delegates, 100 speakers and 80 exhibitors.

The full Clean Energy Council Conference and Exhibition program is available on the conference website at http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/conf08/index.php