Media Release, 18 September 2006
This week, as wind energy experts and developers from around the world gather in Adelaide, a public forum will ask whether South Australia can continue to lead the nation in renewable energy.
Adelaide is a natural choice for a conference on wind energy, as South Australia has 51% of the nations installed wind capacity.
However future growth of South Australias renewable energy industry is currently uncertain. This Thursday evening, the Conservation Council of South Australia Inc (CCSA) and Greenpeace will host a public forum looking at whether SA can retain its lead on renewable energy, how much more renewables could deliver and what needs to be done to achieve this.
CCSA Campaigns Officer Julia Winefield said, We are proud that SA is so far ahead of other states on renewable energy, but we are concerned that this situation could change if SA does not stay ahead of the game.
We believe there is strong community support for South Australia to remain a national centre for safe, clean power and jobs, and the forum will look at what must be done to safeguard that future , said Ms Winefield.
Greenpeace Energy Campaigner Mark Wakeham said, Now is the perfect opportunity for the South Australian Government to guarantee that renewable energy continues to grow in SA. SAs groundbreaking climate change laws under development are the obvious place for a state-based mandatory renewable energy target.
Victoria last week introduced legislation for their renewable energy target and thats where the renewable energy industry and jobs are headed if South Australia doesnt quickly follow Victorias lead.
Speakers at the forum include Sven Teske, a Renewable Energy Campaigner with Greenpeace International; Peter Reid from SA geothermal company Petratherm Ltd; and Susan Jeanes, CEO of the Renewable Energy Generators Assocation. The forum will be chaired by Hendrik Gout, of the Independent Weekly.
SAs clean energy future: public forum
Thursday 21 September, 7-9pm
Ground Floor Napier Building (immediately behind Bonython Hall)
University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide
Free entry. Please RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ph 08-8223 5155