The Clean Energy Council says that today’s announcement that the Federal Government has reached agreements with the Victorian and Tasmanian Governments to proceed with a range of critical transmission projects will unlock massive investment in renewable energy and is a game-changer for Australia’s clean energy transition.
Announcements today as part of the Rewiring the Nation program include a commitment to proceed with Marinus Link between Victoria and Tasmania and for Clean Energy Finance Corporation funding for the Victoria-NSW KerangLink interconnector in a deal that will support more than 3400 jobs and generate $3.3 billion in net market benefits and investment.
“A smart, modern and strong transmission system is a crucial piece of the jigsaw puzzle to deliver a lower cost, more reliable and clean energy power system and transition Australia to become a clean energy superpower,” said Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton.
“Australia is rapidly transitioning to a more flexible, low-cost, clean energy system and transmission projects – such as Marinus and KerangLink - and energy storage play a crucial role in Australia’s energy future.
“Marinus Link will allow Tasmania to export its considerable pumped hydro and wind energy resources to the National Electricity Market and open up further investment opportunities in renewables. Support for renewable energy zones and offshore wind projects is also a smart investment in the energy infrastructure necessary for the 21st Century.
“We know that clean, low-cost renewable energy and storage is the answer to Australia’s energy supply concerns,” Thornton said.
“Speeding up investment is critical to lowering energy prices, ensuring a reliable grid and unlocking an enormous amount of renewable energy investment.
“This is the sort of political leadership and tangible action investors have been calling for to ensure we have a smart, modern and 21st-century electricity grid.
“Today’s announcement shows how quickly we can make progress on the energy transition when governments across the country are working together.”
The Clean Energy Council will continue to advocate for reform to the energy market and regulatory tests for new network investment as well as a renewable energy storage target so we can store and use clean energy when we need it. Combining wind and solar with storage like batteries, hydro and pumped hydro and the transmission needed to move clean energy around the country will ensure every Australian has access to clean, affordable and reliable energy.
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Jane Aubrey
Clean Energy Council Media Manager
[email protected]
+61 409 470 683
