A new report from the ACT Government highlights its many actions during this year to drive down greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate uptake of renewables.
An annual climate action report states the ACT Government has slashed emissions from its operations by 17% since 2012-2013. The Government has committed to being emissions-free in the next four years.
In addition to its world-leading and award-winning 100% renewable energy target, there has also been a push for improved energy efficiency among Canberra’s households.
Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) initiatives have now reached 70,000 households and through the use of items such as high efficiency light globes, standby power controllers and door seals, 670,000 tonnes of abatement has been achieved in the nation’s capital.
Also highlighted in the report is a battery storage initiative that will see more than 36 MW of new-generation solar batteries rolled out in more than 5000 Canberra homes and businesses over a four year period.
“The ACT is an example to the rest of Australia, and the world, of what cities and regions can achieve if they show leadership and ambition,” said Minister for Climate Change Shane Rattenbury.
“But, this is the beginning – not the end – of the ACT’s transformation into an entirely renewable energy powered region.”
Renewable energy isn’t just lowering emissions in the ACT, it’s generating jobs.
“The renewable energy jobs growth rate here in the ACT is six times higher than any other state and territory and twelve times higher than the national average. At the same time, we have delivered Australia’s lowest ever renewable electricity prices,” said the Minister.
Adding to the many feathers in its increasingly green cap, the ACT’s pioneering reverse auctions for large scale wind and solar power have captured the attention of cities around the world.
A reverse auction for 200 megawatts of large-scale wind generating capacity was finalised in March 2016 and another for 200 MW of large-scale wind, solar and other nominated renewable energy technology was conducted in May.
Also this year, the ACT Government implemented legislation for new zero net carbon emissions across the Territory by 2050.
The 2015–16 Minister’s annual report: Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act can be viewed here (PDF).
