An outline of the proposed carbon pricing mechanism is available here.

Hear from the key policy makers, decision makers and international experts at EcoGen 2011 – the first major clean energy event since the announcement of the Federal Government’s carbon pricing plan. EcoGen 2011 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5–7 September. Click here to register for the event. Earlybird rates are available until Friday 29 July.

Below, EcoGeneration provides a snapshot of the clean energy industry’s responses to the carbon price package.

Australian Geothermal Energy Association (AGEA)

AGEA Chief Executive Susan Jeanes said that the announcement of a $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation to supplement the $3.2 billion in existing funding for the industry would be an important step forward, but that the industry and its potential investors need to see details before funds flow into clean energy projects.

“The geothermal industry urges that the existing funds and future funding provided through the new corporation should support the development of our projects now, and not [in] some months or years into the future, so that projects can be developed to meet the timing of the emissions targets,” Ms Jeanes said.

The Australian Photovoltaics Association (APVA)

“The APVA is pleased to see that the plan includes an 80 per cent greenhouse gas reduction target for 2050, with an anticipated 40 per cent of electricity coming from renewable energy sources,” the APVA has said.

“We expect PV to be a major component of this – there is already 1 gigawatt of solar photovoltaic (PV) installed in Australia, and the measures announced yesterday will ensure the market for both grid‐connected and off‐grid PV continues to grow.”

The APVA added that information and support for 55 indigenous communities to install renewable energy systems is welcome, as is the removal of fuel rebates for non‐road use, as both will assist the off‐grid PV market.

“APVA notes the inclusion of a skills development component in yesterday’s announcement and looks forward to working with education and training providers to develop and deliver the required courses,” the APVA said.

Sustainable Energy Association of Australia (SEA)

The SEA has said that the national emissions reduction target of 80 per cent from 1990 emissions by 2050, used as the basis for the Federal Government’s proposed carbon pricing mechanism, must also be used to guide substantial short-term action on renewable energy funding.

“A transition to a fully flexible carbon price under an emissions trading scheme on 1 July 2015, with the price determined by the market, is SEA’s preferred option for pricing greenhouse gas emissions,” SEA said.

Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES)

AuSES Chief Executive John Grimes said “Big solar is a big winner in the announcement...we are finally penalising pollution and rewarding clean energy; that will deliver substantial investment in solar power, and will position Australia as a solar nation.”

“While the details are still being worked out, it is likely big solar companies will be able to access loan guarantees and equity investments,” Mr Grimes said.

Beyond Zero Emissions

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomed the news that 2,000 megawatts equivalent (MWe) of coal-fired power generation will now be closed down by tender, and has encouraged the Federal Government to replace that coal-fired output with 2,000 MWe of base load solar power.

The Climate Institute

Climate Institute Chief Executive John Connor has said that the new policy package will jump-start investment in Australia’s clean energy power generation, particularly in solar, geothermal and wave power.

“The Climate Institute particularly welcomes the package of measures and commitments on energy efficiency and National Electricity Market reform,” Mr Connor said.

The Institute also acknowledged the importance of linking the Carbon Farming Initiative to the carbon price mechanism, and providing $200 million in support for landholders to develop the new industry.