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The Iemma Government’s failure to announce any new funding for renewable energy infrastructure in next year’s Budget almost certainly means it will not meet its renewable energy targets, Shadow Minister for Energy Mike Baird said today.
“The absence of any material investment in renewable energy infrastructure exposes the Iemma Government’s Renewable Energy Targets as a sham,” Mr Baird said.
“While the Iemma Government is intent on selling the State’s old energy assets, it is forgetting to invest in the new.
“Currently only 6% of the State’s total energy usage is provided from renewable energy sources – significantly lower than in States such as Queensland and Tasmania.
“The Government has promised renewable sources will supply 15% of the State’s energy needs by 2020 – equivalent to an additional 7,250 GWh.
“Yet the Owen Report states only 1,600 GWh is expected to come from new renewable sources by 2016-17 – far less than the Government’s target.
“It is extraordinary that they come out with grand renewable energy targets and yet have not planned to build any new infrastructure to meet those targets.
“The Premier trumpeted on last month about the new wind farm at Bungendore but it will do nothing to help the Government achieve its renewable energy targets as every megawatt of power will be consumed by the desal plant.
“If the Government was serious about making the transition to a more sustainable future, it would have allocated funding to build new renewable energy infrastructure in the Budget.
“We hear a lot of claims from this State Government that fall apart when you delve into the detail – a lot of grand announcements that fail to deliver.
“The Renewable Energy Targets will not be met unless the Government increases the State’s capacity to generate energy from sources such as tidal, wind and solar.” MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
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