Renewable energy call welcome
Date: 30-Aug-2007
The Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed the call by energy company AGL for Australia to take on a stronger mandatory renewable energy target.
“I commend AGL for backing a 20 per cent by 2020 mandatory renewable energy target,” said ACF executive director Don Henry.
“Along with strong targets to cut emission and ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, a solid, legislated renewable energy target is an essential piece of any credible response to climate change.”
A report by ACF, Greenpeace and the Climate Change Action Network released earlier this year found a 25 per cent renewable energy target along with energy efficiency measures would deliver 16,600 new jobs and generate $33 billion in new investment.
“Australia is blessed with great renewable energy resources. We should be getting so much more from wind, solar and other renewable energy resources.
“With APEC just around the corner, Australia has an opportunity to lead by example and set a strong renewable energy target, providing a basis for new jobs and business opportunities in the region.
“I urge both major parties to commit to get a quarter of Australia’s energy from renewables by 2020.”