In an address to the Chifley Research Centre on Friday, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten extolled the virtues of Australia’s solar power revolution.
The main theme of Mr. Shorten’s speech was the opportunities of action and the cost of delay on climate change.
He pointed out Australia has enough renewable energy resources to power the nation 500 times over and a push for increasing renewables wasn’t so much about the country becoming leader, but more about catching up with other countries such as China and India.
“I want Australia to get our fair share of the $2.5 trillion in investment in renewables in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030,” said Mr. Shorten, who believes Australia can be a clean energy superpower.
With regard to small scale solar power systems, Mr. Shorten detailed the massive uptake in recent years and the bright future the clean power technology has globally.
“This is a consumer revolution, as much as it is an energy transformation. Empowering Australian households, communities and businesses.”
More than 15,000 Australian small businesses have installed small scale solar and in excess of 1.4 million Australian households now have solar panels on their rooftops.
Mr. Shorten said renewable energy is giving freedom and choice to millions of Australians and a solar future is one with good jobs. 20,000 Australians work in the local renewable industry and this is set to at least double by 2030.
“This is the case for renewable energy: new jobs, new investment, new industries. Cutting pollution, downward pressure on prices and more empowered consumers, businesses and farmers,” he said.
“And what is the case against? Well…Tony Abbott rode his bike near a windmill once and didn’t like it. Joe Hockey drives past a windfarm on his way to Canberra and he finds it ‘utterly offensive’.…and that’s about it.”
Mr. Shorten said a huge amount of investment and thousands of jobs were hostage to the Prime Minister’s and Treasurer’s personal tastes and stated this was not leadership, but gambling.
Last month, Mr. Shorten announced the ALP will be going to the next Australian federal election with the promise of implementing a target of 50% renewable energy by 2030.
The full text of Mr. Shorten’s speech can be viewed here.
