Solar industry supports Queensland plan for gross feed-in tariffs

Clean Energy Council
5 June 2005

QUEENSLAND: The Clean Energy Council today endorsed the Queensland Opposition's plan for a gross metering feed-in tariff for all solar photovoltaic (PV) generators in the state. The scheme involves a guaranteed premium payment for all the solar energy produced in the state, both domestic and commercial, including households, schools, shopping centres, sporting clubs, community halls and government buildings.

The Clean Energy Council, the peak industry body for clean energy including solar power, is seeking a nationally consistent gross metering feed-in tariff from 1 July 2009 - with a longterm price set high enough - to provide certainty for consumers and encourage growth of the solar industry.

"We would welcome Queensland becoming the ‘first mover' ahead of a national scheme," said Irena Bukhshtaber, GM – Communications, Clean Energy Council. "We believe that homes and businesses across the nation should be rewarded for all the clean energy they produce. A national gross feed-in tariff is an essential policy for both the growth of zero-emission solar energy and a viable, healthy solar industry in Australia," she said.

Stationary energy is responsible for 50% of Australia's emissions so any climate change solution must target the energy sector specifically. Clean energy like solar power provides electricity where and when it's needed without producing climate-changing greenhouse gases.

"With the recent introduction of means testing on solar rebates, a national gross feed-in tariff policy is vital to reduce financial barriers and maintain the incentive for all Australians to invest in climate change solutions" added Ms Bukhshtaber.

Feed-in tariffs have been proven in 46 countries where they stimulated rapid uptake of solar energy and reduced demand for high-emission, carbon intense power. Some countries are now looking at feed-in laws for large scale clean energy infrastructure as well. The Clean Energy Council is working with all Australian governments to deliver a suite of sustainable energy policies that will effectively cut greenhouse gas emissions at least cost to the economy.