The clean energy industry has welcomed the release of the final report from the Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel into Australia’s energy security and is calling on political leadership to finally end the energy crisis, the industry’s peak body said today.
Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton says Dr Finkel’s report recognises that Australia has the clean energy technology and solutions to deliver a reliable power system, at affordable prices.
“Dr Finkel’s proposal for a clean energy target (CET) could provide much needed long-term confidence to investors in new clean energy projects, bringing on new power supply that can lower power prices and ensure energy security as old coal-fired power stations continue to close,” Thornton said.
“The CET and reforms put forward by the Chief Scientist have the opportunity to lead Australia’s energy system into the 21st century.”
Thornton said the clean energy industry welcomed the proposal for a clean energy target and believes this could deliver much needed investor confidence, noting there is a range of detailed design considerations that would need thorough investigation and consultation.
“Dr Finkel’s report also outlines a vast suite of policy and regulatory reforms necessary to modernise our energy system. Many of these reforms are long overdue. The blueprint sets the groundwork for Australia to be much smarter in how we manage the energy system, integrate these new technologies and take advantage of their very sophisticated capabilities.
“Australia needs to be much smarter in how we manage the energy system, integrate new technologies and take advantage of sophisticated renewable energy and energy storage capabilities. The need for additional standards on new renewable energy projects to support energy security – such as the proposed ‘Generator Reliability Obligations’ – needs careful consideration to ensure they do not act as punitive measures that stifle innovation and unnecessarily drive up costs.
“We look forward to working with energy ministers and regulatory bodies to ensure these reforms are progressed and implemented in the most effective and expedient way.”