With the Finkel review imminent the Climate Council has released their 10 top facts regarding electricity in Australia.
The report which was released this week looks at the impact that fossil fuels are having on the Australian energy climate and what renewable energy could do to help mitigate the negative outcomes.
The Finkel review will set out how to keep consistent global temperatures below 2 degrees. By doing this the smallest change to households and businesses will be achieved and ensure our energy future.
The report also has the added stipulations that the suggestions made will provide reliability and the highest level of security to the energy sector.
The facts
The report which lists 10 energy facts begins with a statement that renewable energy is cheaper than traditional energy forms such as coal. Solar energy costs as low as $78 AUD/MWh (Megawatt hour) whereas coal with carbon capture technology costing as much as $352 AUD/MWh.
The report goes on to point out other key reasons as to why the Australian energy sector needs to change including the fact that the states that use fossil fuels the most are the states in which electricity prices have risen the most.
Climate Councillor and former president of BP Australasia Greg Bourne saying in a press release,
“Australia must fundamentally transform its energy system, and we need to do it now. We must invest in renewable energy and rapidly reduce our use of fossil fuels,”
“Recommendations arising from the Finkel Review must remove the roadblocks that prevent Australia’s transition to zero emissions before 2050. We will not meet our Paris commitment without resolving the policy uncertainty around climate and energy policy in this country.”said Mr Bourne.
The bottom line
The report throughout all its recommendations does not talk of fossil fuels favorably pointing towards the great work that renewable energy can have in Australia if more widely adopted.
One of the reports most poignant points which is also its last is that renewable power and storage can provide secure electricity 24/7.
Through employing more than one form of renewable energy it helps to stabilize the grid and create a smarter, more cutting edge power generation.
