Victoria proving the dirtiest state

Age
Tuesday 21/7/2009 Page: 2

VICTORIA is the least climate friendly state - hone to three of Australia's four dirtiest power stations and none of the 12 biggest renewable energy plants. An analysis by the Climate Group, an international thinktank, found less than 2% of electricity generated in Victoria last year was from clean sources. brown coal accounted for 94% of electricity, with gas making up the other 4%.

Victoria's largest renewable energy generator was not a purpose-built power station, but the Maryvale pulp and paper mill, which produces energy on site and feeds a small amount into the grid. It was ranked the 13th biggest renewable power generator in the eastern states, generating 166,000 MW hours, or just 0.003% of the state's total electricity.

Climate Group Australia director Rupert Posner said the analysis was a wake-tip call. "What's clear is we need to rapidly scale up renewable energy," he said. "It is far too small a part of the energy mix." The analysis found Victoria lagged behind other eastern states in renewable energy generation. Clean power sources make tip 13% of the electricity mix in South Australia, 6% in NSW and 3% in Queensland. Mr Posner said there was not enough renewable energy in the country. "A large chunk of our renewable energy to date has come from large-scale hydro projects," he said.

The analysis conies as the Federal Government tries to push through the Senate its renewable energy target, requiring 20% of electricity to come from clean sources by 2020. The target is supported by the Liberal Party, but stalled after the Government made an industry compensation package contingent on its controversial emissions trading scheme also being passed.

Environment Victoria campaigns director Mark Wakeham said more renewable energy projects were being developed, but the analysis showed the state was on an unsustainable path. He said Victoria's main problem was its continued support of brown coal. Its increased use led to emissions from electricity rising 1% last year. The Loy Yang A, Hazelwood and Yallourn W power stations, all in the Latrobe Valley, were found to be among the highest emitting plants in the country.

"It's very easy in the climate change debate to point the finger at different countries around the world.., but when we've got some of the largest polluting power stations supplying the majority of our electricity, the onus is on its to take action very quickly," Mr Wakeham said.

Victoria can expect an influx of wind energy. It has just 427 MWs of wind energy, but 1558 MWs more has been approved with 2424 MWs at various stages of planning. A large solar plant near Mildura and a hydro plant at Bogong are also in development. Government spokeswoman Emma Tyner said the state renewable energy target had attracted $2 billion in investment and would create more than 2000 jobs.