SYDNEY, Feb 18, 2019 – Labor’s aim to build 9GW of clean energy by 2030 is a crucial step to replacing NSW’s ageing and unreliable coal fleet. But it is critical that projects roll out within the next term of government if New South Wales is to seize the opportunities created by renewable energy, that are currently flowing to other states.This morning Opposition Leader Michael Daley announced that an incoming Labor government would deliver on its promise by holding reverse auctions for 6GW of large renewable projects, with an aim for 4GW by 2023.

“New South Wales has a lot of catching up to do after years of inaction on clean energy from the Berejiklian Government,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Campaigner Holly Dawson said.

“We welcome Labor’s leadership in committing to at least 4GW of renewable energy within 4 years. If today’s announcement is fully implemented, it will have the same climate impacts as taking every single car off the roads of New South Wales.

“Labor’s commitment will help replace New South Wales’s increasingly unreliable coal fleet, while making energy bills cheaper and our air cleaner.”

Included in NSW Labor’s suite of energy policies is a further 2GW of clean energy to 2030, to be delivered under Labor’s rooftop solar program announced last weekend. [1]

The package also includes 1GW of either batteries or renewables to be built by a state-owned corporation. These measures combined will lead to the creation of 13,485 direct jobs. [2]

Climate advocacy groups including Greenpeace, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, and Solar Citizens, are calling on all parties contesting the NSW election to ensure:

  • The NSW Government tenders for at least 4000 MW of large-scale clean power, along with large-scale battery storage;
  • All government operations are powered with 100 percent renewable energy, including schools and public hospitals during the next government (2019-2023);
  • Every household (including low-income and rental properties) can access solar power within 10 years by introducing a Solar For All Rebate and helping families with solar install batteries;
  • Doubling New South Wales’ energy productivity by 2030 by investing in a range of energy efficiency programs; and
  • Legislate for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, and ensure all government decisions consider the impact of policies on climate change.

 

For photos and video:

https://media.greenpeace.org/Share/ams6573j70ods074iun35231r4yg4xan

 

Notes:

[1] https://www.greenpeace.org.au/news/labors-rooftop-solar-policy-cut-emissions-help-reduce-electricity-bills/

[2] https://www.michaeldaley.com.au/jobs_and_clean_secure_energy_under_daley_labor_plan_to_turbocharge_renewable_energy_market

 

For interviews:

Greenpeace Australia Pacific Communications Campaigner, Martin Zavan

0424 295 422

[email protected]