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Strong ALP renewable energy target good for jobs and the environment

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Posted in Global Warming | Tagged Global Warming

Australian Labor’s commitment to a 20 per cent renewable energy target represents a strong move towards a clean energy future. “This announcement could reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 13 million tonnes per annum and create 5,800 jobs,” said Australian Conservation Foundation executive director Don Henry.

“It’s an investment in a clean, renewable energy future for our children.

“This announcement would put Australia on a par with the Chinese renewable energy target of 20 per cent by 2020, but still behind California’s 33 per cent target.”

Environment groups have called for all parties to commit to a 25 per cent target.

“We urge the Coalition to strengthen its commitment to renewable energy,” he said.

With this announcement, Australians can now compare what the parties are offering on targets for renewable energy by 2020.

� Existing state and federal targets =15 per cent renewable
� Liberal/National = 15 per cent �clean energy’ (see below)
� ALP = 20 per cent renewable
� Democrats = 25 per cent renewable
� Greens = 25 per cent renewable

The announcement shifts Labor’s score on the ACF election scorecard from 51 to 56 per cent.

Renewable energy targets require a fixed percentage of electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources with zero emissions (like wind, solar and geothermal), while �clean’ energy targets require a fixed percentage of electricity from sources with emissions intensity below a particular threshold. Electricity from coal fired power stations with geosequestration or nuclear reactors could be included in a clean energy target.

http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=1498&eid=6801

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