Media Releases
Port Augusta offers bright solar future for South Australia
Reports that US solar thermal giant SolarReserve has made a bid to build Australia’s first-ever solar thermal plant with storage in Port Augusta is a fantastic step towards the national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030, according to Solar Citizens.
Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said the project is an exciting example of the enormous potential of solar power in Australia, and is a testament to the local community’s long-running campaign for renewable energy.
New Queensland Solar Farm an important step for Sunshine State
Solar Citizens today welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement that it will approve one of Australia’s largest proposed solar farms with the ability to power 65,000 Queensland homes.
Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said that the Clare solar farm, that will have 238 hectares of PV panels, demonstrates Queensland is ideally placed to invest in renewable energy, create jobs and produce clean power from a plentiful natural resource.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that Queensland understands the benefits of renewable energy and solar,” said Ms O’Rourke.
“This is an important project for the state and will help Queensland to make the most of its prime position as the “Sunshine State”, but more opportunities exist. There is still much more that must be done to ensure Queenslanders can fully realise the bright and sunny future that solar power offers.
“Queenslanders love their solar - more than 454,000 households have installed solar power so far. It’s encouraging to hear that the State government is moving ahead with its support for solar and renewable energy.
“During the Queensland Election the State ALP released A Solar Future, a policy that includes a commitment to determining a fair Feed-in Tariff and a goal of 1 million solar rooftops in Queensland by 2020. Solar Citizens across Queensland want to see these policies implemented.
“More than 600 Queensland Solar Citizens wrote to the government following the election calling on them them to keep their promises of support for solar and renewables.
“Queensland has also committed to a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030, a policy that will help create jobs and encourage investment.
“Despite these commitments, Queenslanders have seen fixed price increases of up to 20 per cent on their electricity bills, meaning all consumers will pay up to $428 per year just to access the grid, regardless of whether they have solar or not.
“Large scale solar is key to transitioning Queensland to a clean energy future, but the State needs to do more to prevent bill shock,” said Ms O’Rourke.
For more information contact Siobhan Lyttle: 0432 828 004
Local MP Nickolas Varvaris yet to take Stand Up For Solar pledge
Residents in the seat of Barton have met with their local member Nickolas Varvaris and asked him to take pledge to Stand Up For Solar.
In productive discussions Mr Varvaris was personally supportive of solar, but held back on making a full commitment to a renewable energy goal of at least 50% by 2030.
Community members asked Mr Varvaris to commit to:
- a national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030;
- a fair go for solar owners, including a fair feed-in tariff, no discriminatory fees and a specialist solar ombudsman; and
- a national program to help low-income households and renters with soaring power bills to go solar.
Local residents have shown leadership and savvy by investing in rooftop solar and were looking for support from their local member.
“Everyday community members in Barton have chosen to invest in rooftop solar as a great way to reduce their power bills and generate cleaner energy,” said Dan Scaysbrook, Campaigns Director at Solar Citizens.
“The Federal Liberal Party should match Federal Labor’s commitment to a goal of at least 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Solar Citizens is calling on Mr Varvaris and all Liberal members to commit to bipartisan support of this goal.
“As a local member Mr Varvaris should be supporting the 2,641 solar homes in his electorate by championing this renewable energy goal.
“This community loves solar power and is looking for commitment and active support from the local MP too.
“Renewable energy can create thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and help them generate clean energy.
“Over coming months, solar homeowners will be meeting with their local members and asking them to sign the pledge. Australians love solar and it’s time their political leaders supported the community and ensured a bright future for solar,” he said.
Dan Scaysbrook and local residents are available for interview.
Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004
AUSTRALIA AND ITS PACIFIC NEIGHBOURS AGREE TO DOUBLE RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2030
Solar Citizens has welcomed the agreement by the 21 member countries of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), including Australia, to double renewable energy by 2030.
The Ministerial statement at the conclusion of this week’s meeting states:
We will strive to attain APEC’s aspirational goal of doubling the share of renewables in the APEC energy mix, including in power generation, from 2010 levels by 2030 [1].
Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said this agreement helps pave the way for Australia to become a solar powerhouse, exporting its expertise and innovation in solar energy to help APEC member countries meet their goals.
APEC countries include Australia’s near-neighbours of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, as well as the large economies of China, Japan and the United States.
“The APEC agreement to double renewable energy by 2030 shows that the solar revolution is in full motion with substantial market opportunities for solar investment in the Pacific region and at home,” she said.
“Solar Citizens calls on Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg to recognise Australia is being left behind and act immediately to set down a more ambitious solar and renewable energy goal of at least 50% by 2030.
“Australia has passed through a difficult time where bad policy and attacks on solar have held back its potential.
“Australians have been calling on the Government to act in support of renewable energy and solar power. Now it’s time for a strong commitment from the Turnbull government that gives investors certainty and unlocks the jobs and economic potential of this twenty-first century power source.
“Renewable energy can create thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and build export opportunities in skills and knowledge,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
NO EXCUSE MINISTER HUNT: TIME FOR ACTION TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL FOR SOLAR
Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt has told industry today that there is "no excuse" not to embrace renewable energy.
Now he should turn words into action and commit the Government to a goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030, according to Solar Citizens.
“We agree - there are no excuses to avoid the exciting renewable energy revolution that is in front of our nation,” Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said.
“The Environment Minister’s efforts to spruik renewable energy are a breath of fresh air and a big change in rhetoric from the attacks on solar power seen under the Abbott Government,” she said.
“Now Minister Hunt should match his words with decisive action and beat the new baseline for renewable energy, which is a realistic goal of at least 50% by 2030.
“Renewable energy can lower power bills for Australian families while creating thousands of jobs and driving innovation.
“Australians want political leadership that can deliver cleaner, cheaper energy from solar that means a safe and healthy future for all of us. They have been promised a new era of support for renewable energy such as solar and want to see tangible action.
“Opportunities to grow jobs and investment were lost during the two-year attack on renewables. Our nation urgently need concrete support and orderly plans from the Government so we can move to a bright future for solar and renewable energy,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
Solar Citizens members are meeting with local MPs over coming weeks and asking them to sign a pledge supporting Stand Up For Solar key asks:
1. A strong solar and renewables goal
Australians want to see more solar and renewables, not less. A national goal of at least 50% of our energy generated by renewables by 2030 will help millions of families go solar, create tens of thousands of jobs and ensure billions in investment for our sunny country.
2. A fair go for solar owners
Going solar should be easy but big power companies simply aren’t playing fair. We want to see an end to discriminatory fees for solar owners, a fair feed in tariff for power fed back into the grid and a specialist solar ombudsman to protect consumers’ rights in every state and territory.
3. Helping households with soaring power bills
The only guaranteed way people can take control of spiralling power costs is by installing solar. We want to see a strong national program to support low-income households and renters switch to solar and help with the rising cost of living.
www.standupforsolar.org.au
Local residents disappointed that Kevin Hogan fails to take Stand Up For Solar pledge
Residents in the seat of Page have been left disappointed that local member Kevin Hogan, has refused to take the Stand Up For Solar pledge after meeting with them on Friday.
Solar Citizens members met with Mr Hogan to talk to him about how solar was reducing their power bills and asked him for a commitment to:
a national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030;
a fair go for solar owners, including a fair feed-in tariff, no discriminatory fees and a specialist solar ombudsman; and
a national program to help low-income households and renters with soaring power bills to go solar.
Despite the meeting being productive and Mr Hogan being personally supportive, he didn't commit to a renewable energy goal of at least 50 per cent by 2030.
“Everyday community members in Page have chosen to invest in rooftop solar as a great way to reduce their power bills and generate cleaner energy,” said Dan Scaysbrook, Campaigns Director at Solar Citizens.
“The Federal Liberal National Party should match Federal Labor’s commitment to a goal of at least 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Solar Citizens is calling Mr Hogan and all LNP members to commit to bipartisan support of this goal.
“As a local member Mr Hogan should be supporting the 10,507 solar homes in his electorate by championing this renewable energy goal.
“This community loves solar power and is looking for commitment and active support from the local MP too.
“Renewable energy can create thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and help them generate clean energy.
“Over coming months, solar homeowners will be meeting with their local members and asking them to sign the pledge. Australians love solar and it’s time their political leaders supported the community and ensured a bright future for solar,” he said.
Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004
TIME FOR TURNBULL GOVERNMENT ACTION ON STRONG SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SOLAR
Solar Citizens has welcomed Labor’s confirmation today of its focus on renewables as a source of economic growth as part of a plan to modernise Australia's electricity sector announced today.
National Director Claire O’Rourke said Federal ministers Josh Frydenberg and Greg Hunt had indicated the new Government also wanted to support more solar energy and the economic benefits and renewable jobs it could bring.
Now it is time for the Federal Government to turn words of support into concrete action by matching the emerging baseline for renewable energy, which is at least 50% by 2030, she said.
“Renewable energy from the sun can give Australians control over their power bills, help drive innovation and generate thousands of good local jobs,” Ms O’Rourke said today.
“Federal Government support for a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030 would go a long way towards winding back Tony Abbott’s legacy of attacks on solar and wind energy.
“In setting a new ambitious standard for renewable energy, the Coalition would be on a vote winner with a recent Essential Poll showing that 55% of people say they would be more likely to vote for a party that increased Government support for renewable energy.
“The way we use energy is changing, with families and businesses reaping the benefits of lower power bills and energy independence.
“Australians want political leadership that will deliver cleaner, cheaper energy from solar.
They have been promised a new era of support for renewables energy such as solar and
now they want urgent action.
“Opportunities, jobs and investment have already been lost during the two year attack on renewables. In comings weeks, our members will meet with their local MPs across the country, asking them for commitment and active support for solar,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
Solar Citizens members are calling on their local MPs to sign a pledge supporting Stand Up For Solar key asks:
1. A strong solar and renewables goal
Australians want to see more solar and renewables, not less. A national goal of at least 50% of our energy generated by renewables by 2030 will help millions of families go solar, create tens of thousands of jobs and ensure billions in investment for our sunny country.
2. A fair go for solar owners
Going solar should be easy but big power companies simply aren’t playing fair. We want to see an end to discriminatory fees for solar owners, a fair feed in tariff for power fed back into the grid and a specialist solar ombudsman to protect consumers’ rights in every state and territory.
3. Helping households with soaring power bills
The only guaranteed way people can take control of spiralling power costs is by installing solar. We want to see a strong national program to support low-income households and renters switch to solar and help with the rising cost of living.
Government needs to commit to strong renewable and solar policies
Minister for Environment, Greg Hunt has announced that the Government will accelerate the battery storage launch in Australia but according to Solar Citizens more needs to be done.
Solar Citizens’ Campaigns Director Dan Scaysbrook said that the statement from environment minister Greg Hunt needs to be backed up by strong, supportive policies from the Federal Government.
“A good place for the Turnbull Government to start would be committing to goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030.
“Australians have been calling on the Government to act in support of renewable energy and solar power.
“Australians want more solar power and they know that renewable energy will create thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and help them generate clean energy from the sun.
“Battery storage is an important part of creating a strong solar future in Australia, but in order to undo some of the damage done by the Abbott Government’s ideological attacks on renewable energy, bipartisan support for a goal of at least 50 per cent renewables by 2030 is vital.
“Rhetoric around the need for action on renewables is all very well, but the proof is really in the pudding. Now these comments need to be backed up by strong policies.
“The government must now adopt strong, supportive policies on renewable energy and solar,” he said.
Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004
NEW TURNBULL GOVERNMENT SHOULD FOCUS ON AT LEAST 50% RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2030 FOR INNOVATION, JOBS, ECONOMIC GROWTH
Solar Citizens has welcomed the appointment of new Minister for Energy Josh Frydenberg as an opportunity for the Federal Government to invest in more renewable energy and end the political attacks that have consumed the past two years.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt has also made positive comments on social media today about “an increased focus” in his portfolio on renewable energy.
National Director Claire O’Rourke said Australia’s millions of solar homeowners and solar supporters would welcome the Environment Minister’s comments and the appointment of the new Energy Minister.
However, voters needed to see more details and action from the Turnbull government to cement a true change of direction and a move away from the cheap political point-scoring of recent times.
“Ministers Frydenberg and Hunt should show strong leadership by, at a minimum, matching Labor’s commitment to renewable energy supplying at least half the nation’s power by 2030,” she said.
“The Turnbull Government’s adoption of a goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030 would be welcomed by the overwhelming majority of Australians who want to see more solar and renewables, not less.
“Australians want political leadership that will deliver cleaner, cheaper energy from solar - the last thing they want to see is ongoing attacks such as those we have seen from the Federal Government.
“It would demonstrate that the new Turnbull Government had a genuine commitment to the creation of thousands of jobs, to support innovation and to help families reap the rewards of solar to take control of rising power bills.
“Solar Citizens will write to both Ministers on behalf of millions of Australians who have installed rooftop solar on their homes and their supporters for commitment to:
- A national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030,
- A fair go for solar owners, including a fair feed-in tariff, no discriminatory fees and a specialist solar ombudsman, and
- A national program to help low-income households and renters with soaring power bills to go solar.
“For far too long there has been a disconnect between what Australians want and what our political leaders have delivered – and Australia is falling behind globally when it comes to the development of the sector. The Minister can support this goal, ensure Australia does not miss out on the benefits of the solar revolution and bring Australia one step closer to becoming a solar powerhouse,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
Canning vote indicates the next Federal election could hinge on solar
Solar Citizens says the Canning by-election result overnight shows voters want a change from Tony Abbott’s attack on renewable energy and a return to bipartisan support for sensible solar and renewable energy policies.
Renewable energy emerged as a major election issue in the by-election, with Essential Report polling finding renewable energy was the third-most important issue for voters behind economy and jobs.
Almost two-thirds (64.9 per cent) of Canning voters support a 50 per cent renewable energy goal by 2030, with 9.9 per cent opposed to the goal adopted by the Labor Party in its National Platform.
“The results of the Canning by-election have put Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government on notice - people love solar and renewable energy and will vote for parties that support it,” said Claire O’Rourke, National Director of Solar Citizens.
“Prime Minister Turnbull would do well to remember that in the top 15 most marginal federal electorates there are more solar homeowners than the number of votes needed to change the sitting member. Solar voters are set to be a game changer in marginal seats.
“Renewable energy allows people to take control of their household energy bills and generate their own clean energy.
“Renewable energy will also drive jobs and economic growth at a time when the mining boom is coming to an end in Canning, Western Australia and other parts of the world.
“It’s time for the Turnbull government to show leadership and invest in the innovation and new jobs of this solar revolution,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533