Energy Crisis forum for Newcastle today

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Resolving Australia's energy crisis, could start close to home in Newcastle, with a forum today to discuss the future of gas energy production in the region.

The forum will be held at Fort Scratchley hosted by the Newcastle branch of the Australian Institute of Energy.

Weston Energy CEO Garbis Simonian and Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon will also participate, championing the idea of gas playing a major role in the Hunter's economy into the future, as the coal industry fades out.

Image theaustralian.com.au

"Our coal fired generators are reaching the end of their commercial life and we need to plan for what the period after that looks like. We need a transition to renewable's and I think gas is the answer and we need to have a debate about getting more gas out of the ground," said Joel Fitzgibbon.

The forum will be just the start of stimulating debate about the Hunter's own energy crisis, with many more discussions planned for the future.

"Well I hope to have rolling discussions about these issues over the course of the next six months. We need to have these conversations because if we don't find some answers then our lights are going to be turning off, we won't have heating for our homes and our manufacturing plants will be closing down. That's a real crisis," said Joel Fitzgibbon.

Other guest speakers today include Jim Snow, Executive Director of Oakley Greenwood and Adjunct Professor UQ, as well as Alister Alford, formerly Acting general Manager of Marketing for Delta Electricity.