Climate change and energy leaders gathered in Adelaide in November to push for a national energy policy which rejects coal and delivers clean, affordable and reliable energy.
Leaders discussed concerns about any proposed national energy policy which prioritises coal and punishes renewable energy.
South Australia has more renewable energy than any other mainland state, currently 48.9 per cent of the state’s energy mix.
SA Premier, Jay Weatherill, said renewable energy guarantees lower power prices, cleaner power and more jobs.
“Latest figures show wholesale electricity prices in SA have fallen below the other states, and that’s because of major investments in renewable energy,” Mr Weatherill said.
“There is nothing in the federal plan for South Australia. We have already set in motion a plan for South Australia to be energy self-sufficient and to increase renewable energy generation and storage in the state.”
Minister for Climate Change, Ian Hunter, said renewable energy is the future.
“Only this week we saw Australia’s Chief Scientist, Alan Finkel – handpicked by Malcolm Turnbull – say there are no issues with having 50 per cent renewable energy in this country,” Mr Hunter said.
“We have also seen reports this week that more than 2000 jobs in South Australia could be in jeopardy if Malcolm Turnbull implements his latest energy thought bubble.
“What we need is energy policy that accounts for climate change – that facilitates renewable energy – puts downwards pressure on electricity prices and provides secure and reliable energy.”
In March 2017, the State Government released its energy plan, South Australian Power for South Australians, which supports renewable energy technologies and South Australian gas. Since then, South Australia’s wholesale prices have fallen, with prices projected to continue to fall.
The Federal Government has rejected proposals for an Emissions Intensity Scheme (EIS) and Clean Energy Target (CET), despite broad support.
In October 2017, the Federal Government proposed a National Energy Guarantee (NEG), which will be the subject of further discussions at tomorrow’s COAG Energy Council meeting.
