Tasman research co-op.

Press, 13 February 1979, Page 22

Tasman research co-op.

By CEDRIC MENTIPLAY

Co-operation in the fields of research and experience in various energy fields has been promised in notes ex-i changed between the respective Ministers of Energy, Mr j . Newman (Australia) and Mr 1 W’. F. Birch (New Zealand). Mr Newman was guarded' about this when he made a

partial disclosure at the recent Australia New Zealand

Science Congress at Auckland. He said that New Zealand would benefit from research in Australia — and that Australia would be looking to New Zealand for

knowledge gained in the production of methane. But before Mr Newman returned to Australia he saw Mr Birch again, and tied up what will be called “an

agreement to co-operate in exchanging information and views on energy policies and activities, particularly those related to research' devel-

opment and conservation.” It must be emphasised that the two countries are in no way committed to assist actively in the development

i of each other’s resources. So : far it is in no way a i “N.A.F.T.A. agreement on : energy" and the probability I is that it never will be. But as a method of pooling enI ergy expertise and views, it represents a healthy step II forward. • At this stage the Ministers

have identified four areas for possible co-operation.

They are: The possible use of alcohol (thanol and ethanol) from natural gas, coal, and hiomass for blending with gasoline:

The conservation of energy in transport fuels; The use of coal and coal technologies, including the ■roduction of liquid fuels; and

The development of renewable energy technologies, including solar energy. These areas were agreed on by the Ministers in for-

mulating their agreement. They have also looked into international possibilities, and agree that there is scope for co-operation in research

and development to help the developing countries of the Pacific and South-East Asia to achieve self-sufficiency. The emphasis in this field remains in renewable energy resources.

A meeting is being set up . between representatives of I the Australian Department !of National Development, ! the Australian National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Council, the New Zealand Ministry of Energy, and the New Zealand Energy Research and Development Committee.

This meeting will discuss co-operation, and there is a possibility of joint research and development projects being set up. But so far. it is emphasised, the exchange is one of information only.

A joint statement prepared by the Ministers said: “Increased co-operation in energy matters adds a further dimension to Australia-New Zealand co-operation, which already exists to our mutual benefit in other important

areas such as trade and defences. Both Ministers realise that! the two countries have sim- i ilar interests in energy, issues. The movement being! made now may lead to greater interdependence. But it is apparent at this stage. and remembering N.A.F.T.A. obscurities, that more detailed proposals will have to be examined by both countries before there is complete freedom of energy exchange across the Tasman.