Budget cashes in on Australia's clean energy surplus

Clean Energy Council
13 May 2009

NATIONAL: The Federal Government's new $1.5 billion investment in renewable energy demonstrates their commitment to clean energy as a frontline solution to mitigating dangerous climate change. The clean energy headline in last night's federal budget was a new $1.35 billion Solar Flagships program that will drive up to four large scale solar energy stations.

"Australia is blessed with world class roaring 40s wind and is the sunniest continent on earth – we should be making the most of these clean energy assets," Clean Energy Council (CEC) chief executive Matthew Warren said. The CEC welcomes the creation of a new agency, Renewables Australia, to steward the development of emerging technologies. "If effective this new agency can help fill a gap in the development of new technologies and help grow great ideas and small companies into big solutions," Mr Warren said.

The CEC also welcomed certainty for the growing PV industry in Australia, with sustained support for the $8000 solar rebate until it is replaced with a Solar Credits scheme under the renewable energy targets expected later this year. Mr Warren said the endorsement of clean energy, like solar and energy efficiency by the government is the next big step towards developing the new green jobs market and reducing national greenhouse emissions.

"The initiatives outlined will not only accelerate our ability to deliver affordable clean energy at large scale, but will help deliver new jobs – particularly in regional Australia – and stimulate investment in this important emerging industry," Mr Warren said. The CEC looks forward to working with the government towards helping remote, regional and rural communities transition from diesel reliant systems to clean energy.

The budget commitment to developing Australia's first smart grid network will allow householders to go beyond the traditional energy saving methods such as retrofitting lighting. "The smart grid initiative puts the power in everyone's hands – reducing demand and lowering greenhouse emissions," Mr Warren said.