MINISTER HUNT: WALK THE TALK WITH INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SAY SOLAR CITIZENS
Solar Citizens has welcomed reports that the Federal Environment Minister will tell an energy conference in Shanghai today that Australia will promote more renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
The majority of the community, solar homeowners and the solar industry became fed up with the Abbott era tactic of playing politics with renewable energy and are looking for leadership and ambition, according to Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke.
“The words of support from the Turnbull Government for renewable energy are a positive step, but we need solid broad-based action that assures solar investors -- from families looking to install rooftop solar at home to the big companies financing large-scale clean energy projects,” she said.
“The US, China and India have all recently upped their ambition with significant commitments to support solar. Australia risks being left behind if it doesn’t do the same.
“Solar energy has the potential to power millions of homes, saving them money on their bills in the process. Clean energy will generate tens of thousands of new jobs and billions in new business.
“In Australia right now we have an impressive more than 1.4 million solar rooftops in total, up from only around 14,000 systems just seven years ago.
“Future demand will only grow as the technology advances, with household solar battery storage tipped by media as a “game changer” for our local and national energy markets.
“Solar Citizens urges the Federal Government 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.
“The future is solar. Let’s not as a nation miss out on all the opportunity, innovation and cost savings this can bring,” she said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
