Lynette Molyneaux writes in The Conversation (18.10.16) about the stated aim of the Queensland Government to source half the state’s power from renewable energy sources by 2030, in the wake of an independent report into the state’s future energy security.
‘In the wake of South Australia’s state-wide blackout, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urged states to avoid “extremely aggressive and extremely unrealistic” renewable energy targets.
‘In the midst of this discussion, the Queensland government released a draft report from an expert panel on its renewables target of 50% by 2030. Currently around 7% of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
‘After South Australia’s misfortunes with its electricity system over the past few months, including price spikes and blackouts, some would say this was an inopportune time to be discussing aspirational renewable energy targets.
‘But the report provides a welcome discussion about how states can achieve their targets, without the politics and ideology. The panel consulted widely, and commissioned detailed modelling on potential credible pathways for Queensland to meet its target, as well as the economic consequences of those pathways.’
- Queensland’s renewable target isn’t ‘aggressive’, it’s entirely achievable »
- Anthony Lynham backs gas as Queensland’s post-coal electricity foundation »
- Queensland Opposition slams ‘deeply flawed report’ into state’s renewable energy future »
- Queensland will soon be home to the world’s largest green hydrogen manufacturing facility. Here’s what that means »
- Audit Office raises questions over state’s renewable targets »
- Squibbed it: How Queensland has fallen behind in the renewables race »
- How renewables boom will see Queensland meet green targets by 2025 »
- Palaszczuk pledges $500m for renewables as Labor sharpens pitch for 2024 state election