Newly released research by the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Alliance and Solar Citizens shows that power generated from household solar in Tasmania is worth more than double the current price, holding back an industry that could bolster energy resilience. The analysis of electricity generation, network, health and climate benefits shows solar is worth between 17 and 22c/kWh.
TREA and Solar Citizens have called on Minister for Energy, Matthew Groom to step in and set a fair price for solar.
“A fair price for solar would give Tasmania’s solar industry the boost it desperately needs and would lift jobs, improve energy resilience, provide a fair rate of return and create clean, healthy communities, said Claire O’Rourke, National Director with Solar Citizens.
“The current price paid to solar households is simply unfair, and it’s holding back Tasmania’s solar industry. Currently, solar households receive 6.1c for exported solar. At the same time, grid electricity costs 25c whilst Hydro Tasmania is generating electricity from gas and diesel, sometimes at a cost of between 17 and 30c”, said Jack Gilding, Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Alliance.
The new research follows a report released last week by Tasmania’s Economic Regulator that failed to see the benefits of solar energy in boosting the State’s employment and energy security. The Regulator has recommended a 7.3c feed-in tariff but acknowledged that it failed to take into account network benefits as well as jobs, energy security and environmental benefits.
In stark contrast, the Victorian Essential Services Commission has recently released a report arguing that the price for exported solar should be increased to account for environmental benefits and benefits brought to the grid.
Matthew Groom is the Minister for Energy, the Minister for State Growth, and the Minister for Environment. He is responsible for energy security, jobs and reducing the environmental damage from fossil fuels.
“The Regulator proposes exactly the same formula as it used three years ago, despite the urgent challenges facing Tasmania energy security and the globally agreed need to rapidly phase out fossil fuels.” said Mr Gilding.
“Tasmanians need their government to see the big picture and take decisive action on supporting renewable energy. Burning diesel and gas, praying for rain and importing dirty Victorian electricity is not an acceptable response to Tasmania’s energy situation .”
Solar Citizens and TREA call on Matthew Groom and the Premier Will Hodgman to intervene now before the Regulator publishes a final rate for 2016-2017 that is expected to be far below the true value solar PV delivers to Tasmania.

A full copy of the report and the graphic below can be found at: www.tasrenew.org.au/fit
Media comment:

Andrew Bradley +61 403 777 137

18 May, 2016: The Australian Greens policy, announced today, on accelerating the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is a welcome and much needed intervention in this Federal Election, and should be a real national conversation starter according to Claire O’Rourke, National Director of Solar Citizens.

“We are pleased to see the national discussion in this election, we might add on this occasion led by the Greens, moving towards the game changing technology of electric vehicles,” she said.

“EV’s and battery storage are game changing technologies that will put us firmly on the path to 100% clean renewable electricity by 2030.

“Getting the right policy settings in Australia will assist with EV rollout while also preparing for a future where this technology becomes the dominant technology over ‘traditional’ fossil fuel powered transport.

“That future is coming, right around the world, and it is coming fast — and it’s critical that EV’s become everyday vehicles, not get stuck in a niche, luxury vehicle market.” Ms O’Rourke said.

“Setting targets for vehicles on the road, the proposition that the Federal government would cover the costs of state vehicle registration fees for new fully electric vehicles for the first five years, investing in EV charging stations, encouraging fleet uptake at the Government level and for NGO’s are all positive policy interventions.

“We also fully support the idea that the Council of Australian Government's (COAG) should urgently place EV uptake and planning on their standing agenda and aim to develop a policy framework by COAG for EV’s.

“Solar Citizens believes that this would have a significant positive impact on planning at the State and Federal level for the future that is hurtling towards us — a future of our roads buzzing with electric vehicles,” she said.

“Making this transition smooth and in line with the falling costs of EV’s globally obviously requires coherent and smart policy settings.

“So looking at where we are in the election cycle, we can again see the Greens leading the pack, the ALP having a swag of policies that are smart steps in the right direction, and a distinct, and disturbing, lack of policy as yet from the Federal Coalition,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Media Contact:

Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137 E: andrew@holdfastcommunications.com.au

Solar Citizens is an independent, community-based organisation bringing together millions of solar owners and supporters to grow and protect solar in Australia. Together, we take action to protect the rights of millions of Australians with solar to cut bills, create clean power and take energy generation back into our own hands.

Solar Citizens have welcomed the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) legislating a target of 100% renewable energy for the Territory by 2020, following debate in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon.

“The ACT clearly demonstrates that the shift to 100% renewable energy for electricity at the local, regional, and indeed national level is not only feasible, it is a reality,” said Claire O’Rourke, National Director, Solar Citizens.

“The ACT is leading the nation on this vital economic, environmental and social reform.

“The many tens of thousands of solar citizens in the ACT, all of them citizens that vote, will be rejoicing at this momentous piece of legislation in the Territory.

“We congratulate the Government for taking this bold and correct step for the future of the people of the ACT,” she said.

“The renewables sector needs certainty, so we expect the Opposition in the ACT to place its full support behind this policy and ensure that this legislation will not face isn't subject to endless political argy bargy in the months and years to come,” said Ms O’Rourke.

“It’s quite simply, the right thing to do for the people of the ACT.

“The ACT Government is leading the orderly move to the future here in Australia, now it’s time for the ACT Opposition to take the sensible, popular position and offer real, meaningful bipartisanship on this issue that is so critical to Canberra’s clean energy future,” Ms O’Rourke said. 

Media Contact: Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137 E: andrew@holdfastcommunications.com.au     

The Australian Greens policy announcement today, to redirect money from fossil fuel tax breaks into supporting battery storage in homes and businesses, is a positive policy platform that can enhance an orderly energy transition already well underway in Australia.

“We welcome this policy announcement - battery storage technology is game-changer that will help solar owners become active, engaged consumers in a modern, people-powered energy system,” said Claire O’Rourke, National Director, Solar Citizens.

“This is just one of many announcements over the last fortnight that shows the march to 100% renewable energy is well underway in this country, and it is only going to move faster.

“The Australian Greens have made a suite of positive, practical announcements on renewables, including todays on battery storage,” she said.

“Meanwhile, we are still searching for the Federal Government's policy for orderly transition of the electricity sector, or any real policy plan for renewables. All we have seen so far is the government cutting $1bn from ARENA and removing the grant making funding that helps to get cutting edge renewables projects off the ground.

“We hope to see the ALP restore confidence around ARENA and its future in tonight's Budget reply,” she said.

“Labor’s colleagues in the ACT Government are today preparing to pass its new 100% renewables by 2020 plan, 5 years earlier than the previous target. This new target will provide certainty to industry and demonstrates a commitment to harnessing the great energy transition we are living through,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Media Contact: Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137 E: andrew@holdfastcommunications.com.au

May, 2016: Last night’s Federal Budget was yet another example of how out of touch the Turnbull Government is with the dramatic transformation of our nation’s power generation that is underway, with renewable energy policy almost entirely absent from the Treasurer’s speech and the Budget papers, according to Solar Citizens.

“The Government has made it crystal clear that they intend to lock in at least $1bn in savage cuts to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) – a reckless, foolish and short sighted move,” said Claire O’Rourke, National Director of Solar Citizens.

“What we heard last night was Treasurer Morrison talking about jobs and growth - if jobs were really the target, they need look no further than the renewable energy sector.

“And yet on renewable energy policy they are silent, except to cut funding for ARENA, it is shameful.

“The global investment boom in renewable energy is gaining momentum - now is the time we should be heavily investing in renewable energy research, not cutting ARENA to the bone,” she said.

“We call on the government to reinstate ARENA’s funding and grants program,” Ms O’Rourke said. “Funding renewable energy research is a vital part of Australia becoming the innovative and transformative economy Mr Turnbull promotes,” she said.

According to Indeed solar jobs are once again rising, up 34 per cent in the last quarter. That, Indeed said, “reflects Australia’s labour market response to climate change investment across the globe”. At present Indeed data shows that solar positions make up 66 per cent of open energy job postings in Australia against oil, with a 21 per cent share, and coal, with just 10 per cent of jobs on offer.

“Clean energy investment in Australia climbed by 16% to USD 2.9 billion (EUR 2.56bn) in 2015, according to figures by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

“It’s hard to find another sector that displays real job prospects and real innovation and a practical response to the challenge of diversifying and strengthening our economy – and our Executive Government has largely ignored it,” said O’Rourke.

“It is hard to reconcile the budgetary decisions being made by the Federal Government and what we are seeing in the real world, here in Australia and right across the globe.

“This smacks of wilful neglect and an absolute failure to recognise the real economic transition that is well advanced in Australia, despite all that has been done by the Abbott/Turnbull administrations to deliberately inject uncertainty into the sector,” she said.

Media Contact: Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137 E: andrew@holdfastcommunications.com.au

Yesterday’s announcement by the Australian Greens setting out clear and achievable targets for 90% renewables by 2030 is a refreshing and appropriate demonstration of community and political leadership at the Federal level.

“The Australian Greens seven-point plan provides a clear, achievable platform for transitioning the Australian economy to clean renewable energy generation, for supporting consumers, the environment and the broader economy,” said Claire O’Rourke, National Director, Solar Citizens.

“This is what leadership and policy certainty looks like and the Greens have set the gold standard so far in the lead up to the Federal election.

“Our Homegrown Power Plan - released last week - sets out a plan to set Australia on a pathway to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. It's exciting to see detailed policies so shortly after this launch, from both the Greens and the ALP who have mapped out a plan to start this process,” said Ms O’Rourke.

“Now it seems everyone has a plan but the Coalition.

“Where is the Government in embracing the renewable boom that that will support their ‘innovation agenda’?” she said.

“Millions of Australians are ready and waiting, and they represent millions of votes.

“We welcome the Australian Greens plan to support workers in transitioning to clean energy jobs and embracing the opportunities solar and renewable energy offer,” said Ms O’Rourke.

“Australia is the sunniest continent on the planet and failure to rapidly embrace a transition to clean, renewable power in this country is not only poor policy, it is a threat to the future sustainability of our national economy,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Media Contact: Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137 E: andrew@holdfastcommunications.com.au

Solar Citizens have applauded today’s reports that the Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Simon Corbell, will enact a target of 100% renewable energy for the Territory by 2020.

“The announcement demonstrates that 100% renewable energy for electricity at the local, regional, and indeed national level is not only feasible, it is happening - now,” said Ms O’Rourke.

“We are counting on the ACT Opposition to follow suit, support this policy and offer what people in the ACT are crying out for - bi-partisanship, certainty and a plan for the future that is clean, forward looking and based on sensible economics.

“We are looking forward to hearing from them as a matter of urgency, as are the many tens of thousands of solar citizens in the ACT, citizens that vote,” she said.

“Likewise at the national level, Australian voters are waiting on their verandahs, under solar panels, to hear exactly what the Federal Government is planning to do on this critical policy area. The Homegrown Power Plan, produced by Solar Citizens and GetUp, provides a pathway for the nation to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030 that we encourage the Government to pursue in earnest.

“Our understanding from today’s reports is that the government will expand its current large-scale renewable energy auction process from 109MW to 200MW to meet this new 100% target.

“We expect the Opposition in the ACT to do nothing less than put its full support behind this policy and back this legislation,” said Ms O’Rourke.

“It’s the right thing to do for the people of the ACT.

“Globally, over the last few years, more money has been invested in renewable energy capacity than fossil fuel capacity. In fact, nearly three times as much money was invested in renewables in 2015 than a decade earlier.

“The ACT Government is leading the rush for the future here in Australia, now it’s time for the ACT Opposition to take the sensible, popular position and offer bipartisanship on this issue that is critical to Canberra’s clean energy future,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Media Contact: Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137 E:andrew@holdfastcommunications.com.au      

Claire O’Rourke, National Director, Solar Citizens has welcomed today’s policy platform on renewables and power generation released by the Federal Opposition.

“The announcement shows the ALP has a plan for an orderly, managed transition of our energy sector which will ensure Australia grabs a $800bn slice of the global renewable energy boom that is on our doorstep – it’s a positive step towards the clean energy future Australians want to see,” said Ms O’Rourke.

“We welcome the ALP’s renewable power commitments but note that, as the Homegrown Power Plan we jointly released last week clearly demonstrates, an Australia powered by 100% renewables by 2030 is both absolutely necessary and absolutely possible.

“There is real depth in today’s policy announcement which sits in stark contrast to the Abbott Government’s record and the lack of any concrete plan for transition from the Turnbull administration.

“Solar Citizens welcomes the clear policy detail outlined in today’s announcement, including an appropriate solar thermal funding round that could support a solar thermal plant at Port Augusta, the concept of Community Powerhouses, the doubling of energy productivity by 2030, and an expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) mandate.

“We are relieved that at last we have some comprehensive focus at the national level on the many issues facing the Australian public in respect to the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the National Electricity Objective (NEO) with the announcement by the ALP of a long overdue review into both.

“We know from our first hand experience with many thousands of solar citizens that voters will pay attention to parties that can articulate clear ideas and policies on how we will manage the inevitable transition of the way we produce and consume electricity.

“In stark contrast, the Federal Government to date has a dubious record on renewable energy policy, with the Abbott era driving swathing cuts to the Renewable Energy Target and making multiple attempts to destroy Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).

“What we have seen so far from the Turnbull administration is policy to remove $1.3 billion in grants funding allocated to ARENA and a new Clean Energy Innovation Fund that reallocates $1 billion of existing CEFC funds.

“After almost nine months in office, Prime Minister Turnbull has not articulated a clear plan for our nation to use the vast natural solar and wind resources we have right here at home, frankly that’s simply not good enough,” she said.

“The Turnbull Government has an opportunity to turn this around and take the lead on solar and renewable energy policy - it’s time to step up.

“Globally, over the last few years, more money has been invested in renewable energy capacity than fossil fuel capacity. In fact, nearly three times as much money was invested in renewables in 2015 than a decade earlier.

“Australia is the sunniest continent on the planet and failure to rapidly embrace a transition to clean, renewable power in this country is not only poor policy, it is a threat to the future sustainability of our national economy,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Media Contact: Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137 E: andrew@holdfastcommunications.com.au

April 14, 2016: New polling data, conducted by ReachTEL in the Prime Minister’s own seat of Wentworth, is a wake up call to the Prime Minister and the Federal Government in relation to their policies on renewable energy.

ReachTEL conducted a survey of 788 residents across the federal electorate of Wentworth during the evening of 6th April, 2016.

“The data clearly shows that the Prime Minister Turnbull’s own electorate of Wentworth, ranks second last out of every Australian electorate for uptake of solar power. It’s abundantly clear that there’s a great deal of work to do in his electorate to meet the demands and wishes of his constituents on renewable energy,” Claire O’Rourke, National Director, Solar Citizens said.

“ReachTEL tells us that 63.5% of people surveyed would be more likely to vote for a party which had a policy to gradually transition Australia away from coal-fired power to 100% renewable power by 2030.

“That was followed by the revelation that nearly 47.1% of those same people would be less likely to vote for a party that was holding back the transition to 100% renewables by 2030,” she said.

“What is truly fascinating is how important people think renewable energy is - 12.2% of those polled said that the area of ‘renewable energy’ could influence their vote at the next Federal Election, ranking higher than national security and health.

“Large numbers of people’s voting intentions are clearly being influenced by political decisions and policy measures on renewables by the major parties. The Prime Minister should note that 6.2% of voters in Wentworth surveyed are currently uncommitted to their vote, and 28.6% are just ‘somewhat committed’,” Ms O’Rourke said.

The release of the new polling data coincided with an action by Solar Citizens, who today delivered a postcard petition to Prime Minister Turnbull’s office calling for a clear vision, and the required policy settings, for an Australia that’s powered by renewables.

The petition was signed by over 10,000 Australians.

Alongside the petition, a massive "Room for Improvement on Solar and Renewables" certificate was delivered.

Details on the petition can be found here http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/time_to_shine_postcard_handover

Media Contact: Sara Duddy P: 0478 667 860; Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137

Less than a month after the Turnbull government snatched $1.3 billion from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), it today touted the benefits of its renewable energy research and development projects already in the pipeline.

Claire O’Rourke, National Director, Solar Citizens said, “The Turnbull Government has stripped $1.3 billion from ARENA and scrapped its grants program – instead projects will have to be able to attract debt or equity finance under the new Clean Energy Innovation Fund.

“The projects announced by the government today would be unlikely to attract funding under Mr Turnbull’s proposed changes that remove ARENA’s grantmaking function,” Ms O’Rourke said.

“The main aim of the new Clean Energy Innovation Fund that will be managed by ARENA and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation is to fund commercially viable projects.

“Yet we all know that any research at its early stages is rarely commercially viable, despite being necessary to ensure Australia can stay at the cutting edge of the global renewable energy industry innovation.

“With the global march on renewable energy gaining momentum, now is the time we should be heavily investing in renewable energy research front and centre – putting the brakes on ARENA’s R&D capability makes no sense,” she said.

Ms O’Rourke said nearly three times as much money was invested globally in renewables in 2015 than a decade earlier, yet the Turnbull government was ripping funding from renewable research and development grants while simultaneously talking up the need for an agile and innovative economy.

“We call on the government to reinstate ARENA’s funding and grants program,” Ms O’Rourke said. “Funding renewable energy research is a vital part of Australia becoming the innovative and transformative economy Mr Turnbull promotes,” she said.

Media Contact: Andrew Bradley P: 0403 777 137

E:andrew@holdfastcommunications.com.au