Origin supports clean energy. Or not

"It’s ridiculous to suggest that because a policy is working in the national interest, it should be scaled back in support of vested interests," said ACF climate campaigner Claire Maries.

In 2009, Origin praised the 20 per cent target as ‘an important factor in whether companies invest in the infrastructure required to deliver carbon emissions reductions in Australia’ and said ‘the RET legislation provides a green light to progress with a pipeline of renewable energy projects.’

“The RET was designed explicitly to encourage growth in clean energy. Now that this new energy revolution is beginning, Origin, which was once so supportive, seems to be getting cold feet,” said Ms Maries.

If we follow Origin’s advice and lower the target, Australia could miss out on the equivalent of eight large scale solar plants that will help provide us with clean, renewable energy

“In effect, Origin is arguing that Australia should remove policies designed to help us make the transition to a clean, 21st century economy because those policies are causing a transition to a clean, 21st century economy.

“The RET was designed to build a large-scale clean energy sector and underpin a boom in domestic solar investment, both of which it is doing, and doing well.

“If we follow Origin’s advice and lower the target, Australia could miss out on the equivalent of eight large scale solar plants that will help provide us with clean, renewable energy.

“Clean energy is booming because Australians love it. Just last month, 100% Renewables found 94 per cent support for large-scale solar projects in Australia. The RET is a great way to make it a reality. We should be increasing the target, not lowering it. Because of this target, we’re achieving the transition to clean energy faster. We can go further. This is a great thing.

“Fossil fuel companies should not undermine popular, effective policies just because the company has invested in 20th century technologies which are becoming less and less competitive as Australia moves to a clean energy economy."