Antinuclear

ACT’s push for renewable energy is hampered by Federal govt’s push against renewables

On the same day the ACT government announced a groundbreaking investment deal that will deliver state-of-the-art hydrogen electrolysis to the territory, The Canberra Times reported planned federal Coalition cuts to renewable energy research would gut the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, slashing jobs and closing down potentially lucrative research programs…..

The Turnbull government’s antipathy towards renewable energy, highlighted some years ago by then treasurer Joe Hockey’s views on the wind farms between Sydney and Canberra, appear to be as irrational as they are inexplicable…….

Canberra’s greenhouse emissions will be running at about 40 per cent below what they were in 1990.

This is a remarkable effort that looks like being achieved while still providing Canberrans with access to some of the most affordable electricity, and certainly the cheapest renewable energy, in the country…….

Many of the game changers, such as the reduction in the cost of solar panels for private homes and the development of affordable battery systems that allow private consumers to accumulate power during the day and use it at night, are the result of intense and expensive research.

By encouraging that research, and actively trying to develop a hub of intellectual excellence within its own borders, the ACT government is doing its bit to ensure the good ideas keep on coming and may, in time, deliver even more remarkable dividends.

The Turnbull government, on the other hand, still seems to have ideological hang-ups that unless reversed, will continue to hold back what could be a boom industry for Australia. http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/ct-editorial/one-step-forward-and-two-steps-back-for-acts-renewable-energy-future-20160831-gr5939.html

September 2, 2016 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News