NSW GOVT SCEPTICS TRY TO KEEP COAL ALIVE

Friday, 02 October 2009 14:06

Total Environment Centre (TEC) today slammed the NSW Government for keeping the door open for more polluting coal-fired power. The exhibition today of the environmental assessment for two new 2000 MW power stations at Muswellbrook and Lithgow leaves the door open for polluting coal despite energy efficiency and renewable energy capable of securing NSW’s energy supply beyond 2020.

“The so-called ‘technology neutral’ approach is reckless and irresponsible,” said Jane Castle, Senior Campaigner at TEC. “It’s a mask for pushing another couple of coal-fired power stations. The NSW Government’s energy policy is being torn apart by rogue sceptic elements. The Premier must immediately rule out any new coal-fired power.”

“NSW has one of the strongest energy efficiency schemes in Australia. The Energy Savings Scheme’s targeted reduction of 4% of energy demand by 2014, planned cogeneration and new wind power triggered by the Renewable Energy Target means that there is no need for more dirty base-load power.”

A recent report by the Institute for Sustainable Futures showed that NSW may have surplus electricity generation of more than 12,000 GWh by 2019/20 with the right mix of energy efficiency, renewable energy and cogeneration.

“The Premier must take strong action to keep up the momentum for the transition to smart, clean power instead of gifting rising energy consumption to the coal industry as a cash-cow.”