Beyond Zero Emissions released the statement below on June 26.
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As part of the Clean Energy Future package, the Gillard government agreed to have the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) model what an Australian 100% renewable energy scenario for 2030 and 2050 would look like.
Beyond Zero Emissions produced its plan for 100% renewable energy by 2020 two years ago in 2010, relying heavily on volunteer researchers.
Yet after almost a year, AEMO and Martin Ferguson’s Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism have not produced a page of their report. Apparently they have not even finished the scoping document.
World leading economies like Denmark and Germany have plans for 100% renewable energy. Scotland and the Maldives have also announced they are going to 100% renewables.
New Zealand/Aotearoa are planning 90% renewable energy. It won’t take much for them to up that target to 100%.
Matt Wright, Executive Director of Beyond Zero emissions, fears AEMO and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism will fob off this project and blame each other.
“Cynics would say the government’s strategy on renewable energy is to always delay, delay. And every delay for renewables means more profits for the fossil fuel industries, they are the only ones who benefit,” Wright said.
“Renewable energy investment is now outstripping fossil fuel investment around the world. It’s past time that our government got serious on their options for cleaning up our dirty energy sector.
“If a community group running on the smell of an oily rag can produce a plan, why can’t the country’s energy market authority?”
