Climate Institute
With only five months before Hazelwood power station closes, the
federal government’s reluctance to plan for Australia’s transition to
net zero emissions is setting up more shocks for communities, energy
users and the power system, The Climate Institute said today.
“When
giant multinational power companies like Hazelwood’s owner Engie decide
that they’re going to get out of coal, it’s irresponsible for the
government to ignore the implications,” said John Connor, CEO of The
Climate Institute. “Forward-looking businesses are planning for a world
with net zero emissions, and it’s time the government did the same.”
Engie, the world’s largest electricity company, has committed globally to
exit coal generation and grow its renewable energy capacity. As the
owner of two Latrobe Valley coal stations, Engie’s decisions affect the
future of the region and the broader electricity system.
“This
decision comes a day before the Paris Agreement becomes international
law. In Paris last December Australia joined other nations in committing
to limit global warming to 1.5–2°C, and achieve net zero emissions.
Australia’s commitment at Paris requires the steady replacement of our
coal-fired power stations with clean energy over the next 15 years, and
full decarbonisation well before 2050.”
“The federal government can no longer just leave it to the power companies themselves to decide if
and when to close coal stations. Nor can it keep clinging to its weak
2030 climate target made in August 2015, which is inconsistent with both
Paris goals and global energy trends.”
The International Energy
Agency recently reported that renewable energy capacity now outstrips
coal-fired capacity and conservatively estimates show renewables will
meet 60 per cent of new electricity demand over the next five years.
“The
government’s reluctance to face up to the current global energy
transformation is stopping us from securing the future of regional
communities and building a power system that is modern, smart and
clean,” said Mr Connor
“We should start investing in replacement
industries in communities like the Latrobe Valley, and replacement clean
energy services, well before coal stations close, not after their
retirement has been announced.”
“It’s just a six months since the
shock closure of South Australia’s Northern coal station, which caused
great disruption to people living and working in Port Augusta. Now it’s
the Latrobe Valley. Which coal station in which state will be next? We
don’t know.”
“This is why we need a nationwide plan. If we plan
and invest ahead of time we are better placed to cope with the
challenges of the inevitable transition. Without this our communities
will face much more stress, our energy system will face continued shocks
and investment in clean energy will face ongoing uncertainty.”
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