Australian Clean Energy Council Releases ‘Power Shift’ Blueprint
Australia’s Clean Energy Council published a comprehensive blueprint outlining the policy levers necessary to “supercharge a Power Shift” to the country’s energy system.
On Tuesday, Australia’s Clean Energy Council (CEC) published Power Shift: A blueprint for a 21st century power system. The report details “a suite of strategic policy and regulatory measures” that the CEC believes will drive the transition of Australia’s high-emission power sector to a renewable energy-powered energy system, combined with battery storage and efficient & smart technology.
The CEC Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, explained that taking advantage of Australia’s huge clean energy potential is the big step necessary to modernize the country’s energy system, while cutting emissions.
“Power Shift outlines a plan to cut pollution through the orderly closure of clapped-out old power stations and drive new private sector investment in cleaner, smarter energy technology,” Thornton said. “While they have served us well over many decades, some of our current power plants would be more at home in the Eastern Bloc than in an innovative country such as Australia. As these plants phase out, Australia can take advantage of our world-class sun, wind, waves and bioenergy that will deliver the lowest-cost form of new electricity generation.”
The Power Shift report contains a specific five-point plan:
- Ensure long-term and transparent carbon reduction targets that apply to the energy sector, recognizing the important interaction between energy policy and climate change policy. This should facilitate the closure of Australia’s most carbon-intensive coal-fired generation over time.
- Set strong and long-term renewable energy targets that ensure the continued and steady deployment of renewable energy. This can be achieved by an increase and extension of the Renewable Energy Target beyond 2020.
- Innovation that delivers the next generation of clean energy solutions with appropriate institutions and support for R&D, demonstration, and innovative financing for the clean energy sector.
- Smart regulation for a 21st century energy system that creates a competitive market and empowers consumers. Reform the energy market and current regulatory framework to facilitate greater competition, empower consumers and overcome the barriers to unlock the commercial opportunities to transition to smarter, cleaner energy technologies.
- Cement public support by unlocking the benefits of renewable energy for local communities and consumers.
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