RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET AND THE RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
Climate Emergency Independent candidate for Gippsland East Peter Gardner has released some details of his policies on his website. They are designed either to reduce carbon pollution or adapt to the changes in heat and extreme weather that threaten us from climate change.
They also counter the accusation that he is a single issue candidate. Some of his policies concern employment, what he calls the ‘renewable energy revolution’, coal seam gas and mining, emergency services and public transport. They can be viewed on his website.
Whilst the Federal government is contemplating a reduction in, or abolition of, the renewable energy target (RET) and Victoria’s RET is long gone, Gardner is arguing that the target be doubled by 2020 and to aim for 100% renewable energy by 2030.
“Whilst this is a mammoth task it is possible and may need a war-time style organisation of society. Something like a massive “Snowy Mountains Scheme” will be needed to quickly achieve the transformation from dirty coal to clean and limitless power from the sun.”
“Beyond Zero Emissions and Melbourne University have provided a detailed study of how this transformation can be achieved in as little as ten years. This program has many advantages including boosting employment and business generally – especially in regional areas.”
“Many of the disadvantages of coal can be partially or totally avoided including excessive water consumption, air and water pollution, and the possible subsidence of land in the valley and along the coast. These problems affect Gippslanders now.
“Decentralisation of power sources means a more secure and robust energy system. It means more income for farmers, businesses and households if they are paid a fair price for the energy they produce, instead of profits being sent overseas. The establishment of micro-grids and the encouragement of renewable energy – especially solar – is the way to go.”
“There are a large number of ways this can be achieved but the easiest to initiate is to reinvigorate the business and household rooftop solar program by offering a fair price for any excess power produced by these systems. Gardner suggests that the price should be the same as a household pays for each incoming unit of power.