Renewable Energy Target Good Step Forward

Thursday, 09 November 2006 20:37

The announcement, made at TEC’s Green Capital ‘Climate Crunch’ event will help bring renewables into the mainstream and counter ineffective action by the Howard Government on climate change.

“This is the kind of action that is missing in action at the Federal level.  NSW will now join Victoria as the only two states to provide a clear mechanism to deliver new renewable energy,” said Jeff Angel, TEC Director

“The Premier has taken a concrete, important step towards action on global warming. He now needs to complete the picture by legislating tougher greenhouse reductions under the state’s emissions trading scheme and quitting NSW’s growing addiction to coal exports.”

The 15% by 2020 target falls short of utilising the full potential of renewable energy projects on offer in NSW.  Environment groups had recommended at 25% target by 2020 that would have delivered 4000 new permanent jobs and $9 billion of new investment.

“The target will need to be increased when the scheme is reviewed in 2013.  Global warming has become too urgent.  We’re confident that the NSW Government of the day will see the gains to be made by a higher target.”

“The plan allows NSW retailers to meet the target by buying renewable energy from other states.  Unless there are effective legislative requirements, this could lead to double counting by other states, taking the pressure off those states to fulfil their own renewable energy targets, reducing the total amount of new renewable energy projects that are built.”

“We’ll be wanting to see the details of the target and legislation to ensure NSW consumers get the best environmental outcome from the Premier’s announcement,” Mr Angel said.

TEC also welcomed the announcement of plans to legislate greenhouse emissions reductions targets, but warned that higher reduction targets - of 30% by 2020 and at least 80% by 2050 are needed to address global warming.

Read the environment groups' plan for 25% NSW renewable energy:
The Great Opportunity - 25% Renewable Energy for NSW [3.48MB]

Further information:
Jeff Angel or Jane Castle – 02 9261 3437 / 0432 287 554