Government's flood plan a renewable
energy wash-out

It makes no sense to fund the clean-up of the worst floods in Australia’s history by cutting investment in climate change solutions, according to the Clean Energy Council, the peak industry body for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said the Gillard Government was in danger of losing its way on delivering an effective climate change strategy for Australia by assuming a carbon price, currently under negotiation, will be the “silver bullet” to address the problem.

“The reality is that climatic events like the recent floods are likely to become more severe and frequent with the impacts of climate change,” Mr Warren said.

“Cutting funding for clean energy projects that will ultimately mitigate this impact is as bizarre as it is counterproductive.”

The cuts announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the National Press Club yesterday included reductions in funding to renewable energy initiatives such as the Solar Flagships Program, the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme which supports solar hot water systems, and the Solar Homes and Communities Plan.

“Solar hot water systems are among the most efficient and effective ways for Australian households to reduce their power bills. Rebuilding in flood affected areas is a perfect opportunity to use more clean energy like this to reduce greenhouse emissions.

“Australia has the potential to be a world leader in developing affordable large scale solar energy. We need more investment in its development, not less. Yet Labor's own Solar Flagships program to accelerate development of this technology has already been trimmed - twice - before the program has even started.”

Mr Warren said a comprehensive response to climate change requires a price on carbon, support for energy efficiency and investment into clean energy generation to deliver affordable clean energy at scale as quickly as possible.

“The Government has a choice – it can either build a cleaner economy, or it can continue to add carbon risk and investment uncertainty.”

(Media release 28th January 2011)

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February 15, 2011