“Are there any politicians who will commit themselves to bringing a major clean energy project to the Territory? Will any help break our addiction to gas?” asked the Coordinator, Stuart Blanch.

“The Territory Government last week signed on to the national 20% Renewable Energy Target by 2020 at COAG – a welcome move – but immediately said it could not meet it.

“Last week’s Territory Budget $1.3Bn infrastructure spend has no large-scale clean energy funds.

“Other state governments are powering along on the clean energy journey by investing funds to build projects and assist renewable power companies create commercially viable power facilities:

ACT – $30M in March 2009 to market test a solar power plant to power 10, 000 homes.
NSW – $27M in November 2008 for seven renewable energy projects
Victoria – $72M in April 2008 for sustainable energy projects, and
Queensland – $50M in 2007 for a Renewable Energy Fund

“The Territory has no major clean energy program, and only about 1% of its grid energy is clean. The 2030 Strategic Plan has a clean energy target of a measly 5% - not 20% - of the grid by 2020.

“Power and Water’s $1B, 5 year investment plan will not build a major clean energy facility.

“It’s clear Territorians want clean energy and will pay for it, as shown by widespread solar hot water heater use, the Alice Solar City, solar power on pastoral properties, plus the recent boom in interest in roof top solar panels in Darwin. Also, Power and Water’s remote Indigenous solar power program is relatively small scale but has been a great hit and shows the promise of solar power.

“ Former Territory Governments have invested heavily in projects seen as iconic and long-term assets: $223M by Territory Labor into the Waterfront, and $165 M by the CLP into the Alice-to-Darwin Railway. Why not do the same with clean energy?

“The Territory Government’s Climate Change policy needs to commit tens of millions of dollars to fund large-scale projects – solar thermal, geothermal, tidal power – and leverage private investment.

“I urge Members to publicly accept the challenge to build a big clean energy power plant that takes us to the 20% renewable energy target and far beyond. Are there any takers??

Further comment: Dr Stuart Blanch Coordinator, Environment Centre NT, 0448 887 303 / 08 8941 7439