Tuesday 12 August 2008

Clean Energy Council says follow the leader - Canberrans paid top dollar for producing clean energy

Clean Energy Council
14 JULY 2008

The Clean Energy Council says a nationally consistent gross feed-in tariff is a critical climate change policy now more than ever; as over half of Australia's states and territories have unique feed-in tariff laws. "No matter where you live, Australians should all have access to the same incentives and benefits for acting on climate change. The Clean Energy Council is seeking a nationally consistent gross feed-in tariff to stimulate the take up of small scale renewable energy" says Irena Bukhshtaber, GM – Communications, Clean Energy Council.

As of 2 July 2008, ACT homes and businesses with small, grid-connected systems, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or micro wind turbines, will be paid top dollar for all the energy they produce. This is known as a gross feed-in tariff.

The ACT's gross feed-in tariff is set at more than three times the current cost of electricity and will lead to increased take-up of renewable energy throughout the territory. "Canberra is certainly leading the way but we already have three different feed-in tariff schemes in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. A national approach would be a better solution." "Incentives like this are operating successfully overseas and stimulating the rapid take-up of clean energy, reducing reliance on emission-intensive fossil fuels."

"Stationary energy is responsible for half of Australia's emissions, so any climate change solution needs to first target the energy sector. The industry will continue to seek nationally consistent policies." The Council of Australia Governments (COAG) has flagged discussion of a nationally consistent feed-in tariff for their next meeting due in September.

The Clean Energy Council will be discussing the details of feed-in tariffs at the national ATRAA Conference & Exhibition in Melbourne from 31 July – 2 August 2008. The event is open to the public on Saturday 2 August 2008.

For more information visit cleanenergycouncil.org.au.

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