Antinuclear

Australians have not yet realised the country’s future for solar energy

stable, consistent policy is very important – and that’s the case for any industry – and by looking at an economically justified, low-cost feed-in tariff system is the way the government can get stability because it’s providing benefit to the community. It’s not costing anyone anything, it’s sustainable.  That’s the kind of policy you can get with solar power

Sunburnt country ‘not convinced’ by solar, SMH, Adam Cooper April 23, 2012 THE head of one of Australia’s most successful solar start-ups admits negative perceptions are preventing the renewable energy industry fulfilling its potential, and that more consistency from governments would encourage people to embrace greener energy.

Energy Matters chief executive Jeremy Rich believes there is no reason Australia cannot one day attain a near-100 per cent commitment to solar energy, domestically and commercially, thanks to the sunny
climate and industry expertise…. ”They’ve got the ability to do so. We’ve got low costs, it’s a sunny continent and it’s a great place for solar, really.”
Mr Rich said Australia risked losing ground to China, Japan, the
United States and Italy – countries committed to large solar projects
– unless common perceptions changed and governments encouraged people
to embrace the technology.
Energy Matters is now focusing on installing commercial solar power
systems in businesses and factories, an area Mr Rich said was
”untapped” here.
Mr Rich called on the federal government to adopt a uniform policy on
feed-in tariff schemes to encourage people to consider renewable
energy. Several states have dropped or reduced schemes amid claims
that solar was an expensive way to lower greenhouse emissions.
”The issue with the instability of the government’s policies does
affect the cost of capital, so it does push up the cost of large-scale
commercial projects,” he said.
”I think stable, consistent policy is very important – and that’s the
case for any industry – and by looking at an economically justified,
low-cost feed-in tariff system is the way the government can get
stability because it’s providing benefit to the community. It’s not
costing anyone anything, it’s sustainable.
”That’s the kind of policy you can get with solar power, which is
fantastic, so they’re the kind of things the government should be
looking at.”
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/managing/sunburnt-country-not-convinced-by-solar-20120422-1xewl.html#ixzz1stuE4WgG

April 23, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News