SYDNEY, Jan 30, 2019 – Climate action groups are calling on the major parties in NSW to prioritise clean energy by adding 4000MW of renewables to the state’s capacity during the next term of government, and helping families install rooftop solar.
Thailand has great potential in producing solar power. Government promotion of renewable energy supports these cleaner technologies. The Thai Government has also set a National Agenda for renewable energy, which aims for 25% of the country’s energy portfolio to come from renewable sources by 2022.
However, Thailand lacks the infrastructure that will truly support such high potential, like pushing for a ‘Renewable Energy law’ for example, that will promote policies, increase energy security in the country by reducing energy imports, increasing energy resources, building competitive energy market for sustainable economic growth, and help reduce CO2 emissions.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, and Solar Citizens today announced their energy policy bottom lines of an incoming NSW government. [1]
“Premier Gladys Berejiklian has an opportunity to decisively turn the page on the Abbott era, and to put the Liberal Party – and NSW – on a responsible pathway to a future powered by clean, affordable and reliable electricity,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific NSW Campaign Manager Holly Dawson said.
“The Berejiklian government has been trying to reassure voters that it is different to its chaotic counterpart in Canberra. Well, now it has the chance to make that real by legislating the clean-energy policies the people of NSW want and need.”
Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski said: “Just last week, as the southeast sweltered through heatwaves and coal and gas power stations broke down, it was solar energy that prevented more widespread blackouts. But to date none of the major parties has announced a credible plan to bolster clean energy and act on climate change.
“NSW has one of worst records in Australia for clean energy, with less than 7 percent of the state’s power coming from wind and solar. NSW needs to ramp that up to 40 percent over the next four years to get on track to net-zero emissions by 2040 and allow for the planned closure of both the Liddell and Vales Point coal power stations.
Solar Citizens National Director Joseph Scales said: “An incoming NSW Government serious about cutting bills and helping the climate must adopt policies that help everyone access clean, affordable renewable technology.
“During our summer scorchers, access to cost-cutting rooftop solar can be the difference between a family being able to afford to put on a fan or the air conditioning.
“But there are thousands of families that face barriers to slashing their bills with solar, including renters, people living in apartments and low-income households.
“Luckily, there are simple policy solutions available to address this issue.”
The groups are calling on all parties to ensure:
- The NSW Government tenders for 4000MW of large-scale clean power;
- All government operations are powered with 100 percent renewable energy, including schools and public hospitals during the next government (2019-2023;
- Every household (including rental properties) can access solar power within 10 years by introducing a Solar For All Rebate and helping families with solar install batteries; and
- Legislate for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, and ensure all government decisions consider the impact of policies on climate change.
ABOUT US
Greenpeace Australia Pacific, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, and Solar Citizens have a combined NSW membership of about 300,000. We are working to raise awareness of climate and energy issues state-wide and specifically in the state seats of Coogee, Monaro, Penrith, Bega, and Ballina.
NOTES
[1] https://www.greenpeace.org.au/blog/climate-action-nsw-heres-plan/
FOR INTERVIEWS
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Communications Campaigner | Martin Zavan |
0424 295 422, [email protected]
Nature Conservation Council | James Tremain | 0419 272 254 | [email protected]
Solar Citizens | Stephanie Gray | 0425 543 006 | [email protected]