plus Created with Sketch. ! arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up Asset 9Asset 7Asset 2 Group 2 Created with Sketch. Rectangle 11 Copy 4 Created with Sketch. Asset 6 close Asset 5 Icon/news/default Asset 20 arrow Created with Sketch. edit Group Created with Sketch. Icon/Learning/Active Icon/Learning/Inactive Shape Asset 10 instagram linkedin Asset 8 Icon/news/default menu send-2 Created with Sketch. Asset 3 pin Asset 14 search share Asset 15Asset 16Asset 19 twitter Asset 11

Changes to ARENA risk clear mandate to reduce carbon emissions

The Clean Energy Council is again warning that proposed changes to the mandate of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) inject uncertainty into what needs to be a clear and strong economic signal for an orderly transition away from fossil fuels.

"ARENA and the CEFC were set up to increase investment in renewable energy and to support the Federal Government in its commitments to reduce carbon emissions," said Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton.

"Any watering down of the ARENA or CEFC's investment mandate, allowing them to support higher emissions generation, exposes Australia's taxpayers to unacceptable risk at a time when an unequivocal message is being sent around the world to back away from publicly-funded fossil fuel projects.

"The Clean Energy Council urges the Australian Parliament not to support the expansion of ARENA's role to fund 'low-emission technologies'.

"There is no such thing as clean coal, and gas is not a low-emissions technology," said Thornton. "With billions in taxpayer funding already spent to prop up carbon capture and storage projects, Australia has very little to show for it.

"The best way to manage the declining reliability of the ageing coal fleet and scheduled plant closures is through timely investment in transmission, renewable energy generation and storage."

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Jane Aubrey
Clean Energy Council Media Manager
[email protected]
+61 409 470 683