Antinuclear

Australia’s Energy Minister subtly sabotages photovolcaic solar energy

Ferguson labeled all clean technologies as expensive and requiring subsidies, however the figures in the white paper, concerning photovoltaics, are more than 12 months old and do not reflect the rapidly falling cost of photovoltaics.

Australian energy “white paper” neglects PV potential, PV Magazine, 14. DECEMBER 2011, BY:  JONATHAN GIFFORD A strategy document released this week, on Australia’s energy future, seems to have overlooked the potential of photovoltaics in the country. Instead the report focused on unproven technology, like carbon capture and storage, and leaving the door open for thedevelopment of nuclear power stations.

The Australian Federal Government has released a draft energy “white paper” in an attempt to develop a clearer energy policy direction for the nation. While “accelerating cleaner energy outcomes” is identified as one of the policy priorities, it appears that a major role for photovoltaics has been eschewed in favor of alternative “cleaner” energy technologies, such as carbon capture and storage – forcoal-fired power plants, nuclear and geothermal power.

The draft white paper is the result of a number of factors at play in
the Australian energy market. Firstly, there has been a lack of a
national policy direction, in terms of energy, in the past, with an
earlier white paper being put on hold due to political wrangling.
Secondly, Australia has seen major increases in residential
electricity prices, due to a lack of energy infrastructure investment
in the past and also state governments winding back their electricity
subsidies.
While the government has committed AUD17 billion to support
clean-energy technologies in an attempt to drive down their costs,
photovoltaics do not feature strongly in the draft report.

“Expensive” PV

Ferguson labeled all clean technologies as expensive and requiring
subsidies, however the figures in the white paper, concerning
photovoltaics, are more than 12 months old and do not reflect the
rapidly falling cost of photovoltaics.

The report also makes reference to an Australian Productivity
Commission report that was highly critical of photovoltaics, saying
that it was the costliest technology in terms of the carbon it
displaces. This report has been blasted by the Australian photovoltaic
and sustainable energy industry for its outdated cost data….
Renewable response

Australia’s Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) responded to the
draft white paper, saying that while a focus on energy efficiency and
reduced consumption is good, expectations of renewable energy are
overly conservative.

“While the draft Energy White Paper frequently mentions renewable
energy, it is hardly bullish on the expected share of renewable energy
in the longer term,” said the SEA’s Ray Wills, “yet there is already
strong data suggesting significant moves for electricity generation
from renewable sources in Australia has started.”

Wills added that existing subsidies to the fossil fuel industry needs
to be addressed also. “Electricity price reform is needed – reform
that eliminates subsidies for the use of fossil fuel in the generation
of energy, and delivers cost reflective pricing that has perversely
inhibited the improvement of energy efficiency, and take up of
renewable energy in Australia.”

Submissions to the review of the draft document are due by March 16,
ahead of the release of the final energy white paper by mid-2012.
http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/archive/2011/december/beitrag/australian-energy-white-paper-neglects-pv-potential_100005239/

December 15, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, solar | solar