The Federal Government has decided to maintain Australia’s Renewable Energy Target(RET), ensuring a minimum of 20 per cent of the nation’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
A recent review of the Renewable Energy Target by the Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Authority has encouraged the Federal Government to maintain the scheme.
The RET will ensure that at least 20 per cent of the country’s electricity is supplied by renewable sources such as solar and wind by the year 2020.
A statement released by the office of Greg Combet, Minister for the Climate Change Authority, highlighted a need for Australia to remain a competitive force in the international shift to clean energy.
“Those arguments to reduce or cap our RET at 20 per cent completely ignore the need to reduce the emissions-intensity of our energy sector.”
The Sustainable Energy Association of Australia (SEA) said the recent report and recommendations by the Climate Change Authority were a positive in continuing to reduce Australia’s emissions.
“The Government has shown policy stability and this will ensure the industry attracts the necessary level of investment to meet the RET,” said Kristen Rose, Chief Executive of the SEA.
Unfortunately the Government has also agreed to phase out the Small-scale renewable Energy Scheme.
This will ultimately be done by reducing certificated deeming so that renewable energy generation is not rewarded after 2030.
Of the recommendations proposed by the Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Authority, the Government has accepted 28, principally agreed to 3 and rejected 3.
The Government’s full response to the Renewable Energy Target Final Review can be found at:
