With submissions to the Renewable Energy Target review due to close this week, Energy Matters is encouraging everyone with an interest in Australia’s clean energy future to have their say.
After the slaughterhouse of this week’s budget that will heavily impact renewables in Australia, tensions are high concerning the future of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target.
Even given the compelling evidence of the many benefits the RET has provided and will continue to provide if left untouched, there are very real concerns of a predetermined and biased outcome.
This is why it’s important the Review panel are repeatedly shown evidence that the RET is not only working; but gutting it will have a detrimental impact on all Australians, including increased power bills and fewer jobs.
Comments on any matters covered by the Terms of Reference for the Review have been encouraged, but submissions close at 5pm on Friday 16 May 2014 – this Friday.
According to Energy Matters CEO Jeremy Rich, if anything, the RET should be strengthened. Mr. Rich says Energy Matters firmly believes the following is not only desirable, but achievable:
1. Increase the Target to 100% in 10 years – Beyond Zero Emissions has already shown this is possible and every year that goes by it becomes cheaper and easier to attain this goal.
2. No more reviews for 5 years to provide industry with the certainty to get on with the job of working towards Australia’s clean energy future.
3. No protection for the traditional fossil fuel energy players that need to rapidly move to a world where renewables are the dominant form of energy.
4. A level playing field for renewables and traditional sources of energy.
5. Assistance and leadership from governments to facilitate and support the fossil fuel energy companies to transition their business models towards renewable energy, so that another bail out of yet another industry sector in ten years time can be avoided.
The Terms Of Reference for the review can be viewed here, a paper to assist preparing responses is here (PDF) and the online submission form is here.
Related:
Renewable Energy Target – Cost Vs. Value
