SYDNEY, Thursday, July 30 2020 – In response to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated System report, Greenpeace Australia Pacific Campaigner Elizabeth Sullivan said:“This report clearly shows that there is no need for new gas power stations and that the National Covid-19 Commission’s agenda to push for more gas is nothing but rent-seeking by vested interests.
“AEMO’s step-change scenario shows a clear pathway for Australia to achieve the energy security we need, while increasing investment and providing clean energy jobs for Australians at a time when we need them most.
“Gas is a polluting fossil fuel responsible for driving climate change. Further investment in gas, only serves to lock in greenhouse gas emissions, increasing extreme weather events like this past bushfire season.
“In a rapidly decarbonising world, investing in fossil fuels like gas puts Australia on the back foot globally when we should be a renewable energy powerhouse with our abundant natural resources.
“In all scenarios, we’re going to need strong leadership on climate and energy policy from Government, which we are still yet to see after six years of a Federal Coalition government.
“Morrison’s Government needs to seize this rare opportunity for a clean, renewable recovery, or risk losing out on many thousands of future-proof jobs for Australians.
“The Australian Government can make decisions right now that will lead us away from dangerous fossil fuels of the past like gas, and put us on a path to a clean and modern electricity system, powered by thousands of future-proof jobs.”
Contact
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Communications Campaigner, Martin Zavan
0424 295 422