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m iÂ»iSSÂ»S--rPRESS STATEMENT by the Minister for National Development NATIONAL SURVEY OF ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Minister for National Development, Mr. Kevin

Newman, today tabled in Parliament a report presenting the

results of a survey of energy research, and development in

Australia in 1976/77. Mr. Newman said the report which was

prepared by the Department of National Development summarises

the financial and manpower resources devoted to energy

research and development during the 1976/77 financial year

by Commonwealth and State energy agencies, educational

institutions and industry. Detailed information, by sector,

is also included for research and development effort on a

wide range of energy related topics.

Mr. Newman said the survey identified 449 energy

research projects being carried out during that year

involving a total expenditure of $26.8 million and a

manpower effort equivalent to 1137 man years.

Of the total research effort, 180 projects were

carried out directly by the Commonwealth at a cost of

$16.6 million. Educational institutions accounted for

194 projects involving an expenditure of $3.8 million.

Industry carried out 58 projects valued at $5.7 million

and State Government activity accounted for $0.8 million

in 17 individual projects.

The Minister pointed out that the greatest

activity in energy research and development was classified

as being directed towards coal with 99 projects involving

an expenditure of $8.25'million and 292 man years of effort.

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*  Other areas of significant activity were solar energy

with 93 projects involving an expenditure of $3.1 million,

energy conservation and utilisation with 76 projects involving ,

an expenditure of $4.6 million and nuclear energy with 63

projects involving an expenditure of $5.7 million.

Mr Newman noted there has been a significant increase

in energy research and development activity in Australia since

the survey period. The Commonwealth Government has taken the

lead in vastly increasing the funds available for energy

research in Australia.

The Minister said that in addition to Commonwealth

funds available in the normal way in 1978/79 to CSIRO,  the

Australian Atomic Energy Commission, the Bureau of Mineral

Resources and other Commonwealth authoritiesÃ¢ÂÂ   the Government

has made a further $15 million available for energy research

and development. These funds will be administered on the advice of

the National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration

-  Council. Approvals for the allocation of these funds have

commenced and will be completed in the near future.

The Minister said the results of the research and

development survey would provide a most useful basis for policy

formulation and would greatly assist the National Energy

Research, Development and Demonstration Council in its role

in advising on the coordination of energy research and

development activities. '  Â·

The information will be periodically updated to

ensure its continuing usefulness.

Copies of the report are available from the

Australian Government Publishing Service bookshops throughÂ­

out Australia. ,

Canberra 24 November 1978

