SYDNEY, Sept 9 2020 – With the economic case for replacing coal with renewables won convincingly, the only barrier to Australia seizing the opportunities the energy transition offers is our political leaders, Mark Butler says.This morning, the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy told the Smart Energy Council’s Virtual Expo that the only thing that stood in the way of Australia moving to a cleaner and fairer energy system was the lack of political will from the Coalition.
“The economics favour renewables, which are not only the cheapest form of new-built electricity generation but can already produce electricity at lower cost than existing coal-burning power stations,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Communications Campaigner, Martin Zavan said.
“If economics rather than ideology come to guide the Coalition’s climate and energy policy, Australia can still take its rightful place as a world leader in clean energy. But right now we are in the ludicrous situation where Angus Taylor is trying to change laws so he can gift even more public money to coal and gas companies, with no obligation for them to provide anything in return.
“Instead of seeking to prop up dying industries at the greatest cost to taxpayers, the Coalition should embrace a renewables-led recovery that will create jobs, lower electricity prices and safeguard our future in a way that is fair and sustainable.”
Contact
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Communications Campaigner, Martin Zavan
0424 295 422