Antinuclear

Business bodies call for end to the inertia on Renewable Energy Target

Renewable energy target: Peak bodies call for end to ‘detrimental’ deadlock in open letter to politicians, ABC News 30 Mar 15  By environment and science reporter Jake Sturmer  Peak bodies representing clean energy companies and electricity users have written an open letter to Australia’s politicians urging them to resolve the renewable energy target (RET) impasse.

Last week the Government emphatically rejected a proposal from the Clean Energy Council for a compromise on the RET.

A group of peak business associations including the Business Council of Australia, Clean Energy Council (CEC) and Energy Users Association of Australia warned time was running out.

“[The CEC compromise] provides a strong basis for a speedy negotiated outcome,” the letter read.

“The uncertainty of this unresolved review is having a material and detrimental impact on the renewable energy sector, energy users, the traditional energy sector and the broader business community.

“The impact will increase significantly if the issue remains unresolved.”………Both the Coalition and Labor agreed to cut the target, but are yet to settle on how big the reduction should be.

Labor want a figure in the mid-to-high 30,000s GWh and has said there will be no deal if the Government does not lift its offer.

Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane told the ABC last week he was not considering anything above 32,000 GWh. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-30/ret-impasse-impact-detrimental-peak-bodies-say/6357154

March 30, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News