The uncertain future of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) has been welcome development for its opponents – and some of the related debate from within the industry isn’t helping the situation.
In 2011, Tony Abbott said the Coalition had no plans to change the Renewable Energy Target. In April this year, he signalled a major turnaround in this stance if the Coalition were to gain power; stating “there is going to be a serious review of this,” (RET). True to his word in this instance, yet another RET review will occur next year.
There are those within the renewables industry who are supporting fiddling with the controls of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target that would result in the RET slashed; with some perhaps seeing it as a compromise in order to ensure long term survival. For others, it will also mean protection for their fossil fuel interests.
The Australian Solar Council’s John Grimes has warned capitulation on the target by the industry “is not a strategy, rather it is a pretty useful outcome if you sit on the side of the incumbent polluters.” Mr. Grimes also reminds the industry that “our leaders struggle to look 3 years out, forget 27 years in the future.”
Mr Grimes also points out reviews of the Renewable Energy Target have increased four-fold since 2008.
“The last thing the renewable energy industry needs is more reviews and more uncertainty.”
The effects of uncertainty are already abundantly apparent when it come to large scale projects. Acciona Energy chief Andrew Thomson has warned Acciona’s Spanish parents would redirect capital from Australia if uncertainty reigned.
Acciona isn’t Robinson Crusoe in this regard.
In an article published last week on RenewEconomy, Infigen Energy CEO Miles George is quoted as stating “Nobody, including us, will make an investment in this uncertain environment.”
Mr Grimes’ main message for the industry is to fight for more; not less in terms of a 2020 target and for a scheme extended to 2040 – and it would seem the Australian public wants the sector to battle for more, not less, too.
