“Amending the term ‘clean coal’ to ‘low emissions coal’ throughout the Act will better reflect the outcomes sought by the research and development activities under the Act,” Mr Hartcher said.

“The Act will now be called the Coal Innovation Administration Act, the council will now be called Coal Innovation NSW and the fund will be known as Coal Innovation NSW Fund.”

The Clean Coal Council was established under the Clean Coal Administration Act to advise and give recommendations to the Minister on the funding of projects from the Clean Coal Fund, and on policies to encourage development and implementation of clean coal technologies.

Under the Amendment, there will be a reduction in size of the Council to nine members, comprising two members each from government and industry and up to a further four members to be chosen by the Minister in addition to an independent chair.

“Reducing the size of the Council is expected to contribute to its efficiency and effectiveness and streamline the membership,” Mr Hartcher said.

“A smaller Council will allow for more flexible and responsive consideration of projects submitted for funding and for swifter recommendations to myself on the allocation of funds.

“The change of name of the Council and the Fund to Coal Innovation NSW and Coal Innovation NSW Fund will better reflect their role in developing innovative technologies to lower emissions from the use of coal as an energy producing fuel.”