A consortium of some of the nation’s most influential groups has publicly expressed its concern over the nation’s energy policies, saying that a clear, evidence based policy platform must be developed in order to cater for the nation’s energy demand.

The Australian Industry Group, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, the Clean Energy Council and the Energy Supply Association of Australia are concerned that non-evidence based policies which are restricting the development of new energy sources may have significant negative consequences for the broader Australian community.

The consortium has urged governments to foster an energy mix that includes established low emission technologies, such as natural gas, wind and solar, as well as emerging technologies such as marine, solar thermal and geothermal.

“Sound, consistent and realistic regulations for energy project development are the key to ensuring a safe, reliable and affordable energy supply, and building a sustainable energy sector to meet our future needs,” the consortium said in a joint statement.

“Recent arbitrary policies to impose ‘set backs’ have impacted on both renewable and traditional energy projects.  These policies have been implemented with minimal consultation and with little consideration of the impacts and costs they will have on the broader Australian economy and community.

“For example, there is little discussion about: the $2 billion rise in energy costs or the implications for future energy supply as a direct result of the NSW Government’s decision to severely restrict natural gas exploration in that state; or the $3 billion in avoided economic activity associated with the set back policy in place for wind farms in Victoria. Importantly also, the most severe consequence of restricting energy production over the long term – blackouts – is little spoken of.”