SA steps up green goal while Feds sit on sideline
South Australia says moves to increase its Renewable Energy Target to 50 per cent by 2025 should be a loud call to the Federal Government.
As the nationwide RET remains on shaky ground, South Australia’s efforts to decarbonise its energy sector are storming ahead.
SA Premier Jay Weatherill says the Federal Government might want to “follow the example that we are setting in this important area”.
In 2009, the South Australian Government committed to generate 33 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, but it is so clearly on track to hit that goal that it decided to raise the stakes.
“This new target of half of the States power to be generated by renewable sources will create jobs and drive capital investment and advanced manufacturing industries,” Mr Weatherill said.
“But we will only be successful with both of these targets if the Federal Government maintains the current Renewable Energy Target Scheme arrangements.”
The Premier says jobs in the renewable energy sector should be supported, not undermined, as they will outlast those dedicated to finite resources.
“We took action at the local level, passing the nation's first dedicated climate change legislation and were the first State with a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Weatherill said.
“We have demonstrated in South Australia that, with the right policies and incentives, and with strong leadership and clear goals, even highly ambitious targets can be achieved and surpassed.
“We have sought to encourage these new advanced industries, and our economy - as well as our environment - has benefited.”