Event Alert: Sunshine Coast Energy Champion Training
The push from the Federal Opposition and Shadow Minister for Climate Change Ted O’Brien to introduce risky nuclear power in Australia is out of touch with community ambition for solar and renewables
A recent report by the Queensland Conservation Council revealed just one nuclear power plant would push out the equivalent of 45,000 rooftop solar systems out of the system every day.
To make nuclear power plants economically viable, nuclear must run at full capacity. That means a direct clash with rooftop solar whenever the sun is up and to enable nuclear power production during the day they’ll have to stop rooftop solar panels from exporting to the grid. The simple truth is adding nuclear power to the Australian energy mix will undermine the interest of rooftop solar owners.
Renewable energy accounted for about 40% of Australia’s energy generation last year.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast has been chosen as the site of Australia’s first Local Renewable Energy Zone (LREZ). The Caloundra LREZ pilot will provide people living in rentals, units, and people living on lower income to access solar access to cleaner, cheaper renewable energy.
The Sunshine Coast community is invited to discuss how the renewable energy transition can benefit the community, the threat of nuclear power and how they can be a local voice for solar and renewables at a sold-out local energy champions training event on Sunday 25 August.
Big decisions are being made about the future of renewables and energy on the Sunshine Coast and Queensland, making now a critical time for political leaders to hear and act on the views of people and communities.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council Advocacy and Engagement Manager, Narelle McCarthy said, “We know our region is extremely vulnerable to the intensifying impacts and risks from climate change. So, as a Biosphere Reserve community, we embrace sustainability and demonstrate we are leaders in renewable energy uptake, transition and innovation.
Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas said, “The Sunshine Coast is at a cross-roads - does it want to be powered by solar and renewables or take a risk with nuclear energy? We can’t have both options in our future energy mix.
“Local households with rooftop solar and the whole community have a lot to lose if their solar output is shut off during the day by nuclear. I don’t think Queenslanders will accept politicians shutting off their rooftop solar exports.”
Event: Sunshine Coast Energy Champion Training
When and Where: 9:30am - 5:30pm, Sunday 25 August
Venue: Maroochy Surf Club
Please note the event is fully booked.
Media interviews with Narelle and Heidi are available in the lead-up to the event and on the day.
Media contact: Jane Garcia (Solar Citizens) 0455 111 593
