MEDIA RELEASE 
25 November 2015

Experts call for SA to go 100% renewable 

The state’s peak environment body has strongly backed today’s report from the State Government’s Low Carbon Economy Expert Panel, which has recommended SA set a goal for 100% renewable energy.

“This is an incredibly exciting report.  The Expert Panel is saying that not only is 100% renewable energy possible for South Australia, it will lead to a huge number of other benefits, and it is the logical next step for a state which is already a world leader in renewable energy,” said Craig Wilkins, Chief Executive of Conservation SA.

“A 100% renewable goal is ambitious, but it’s clear-eyed, practical and achievable.  We strongly urge the SA Government to embrace the exciting vision and opportunity detailed in the report.

“While an energy revolution in response to plummeting renewable costs and huge shifts in demand is inevitable, a just transition that provides good jobs and ensures the benefits are shared by all is not.   

“We strongly support the Expert Panel’s recommendation that the State Government take a leadership role in developing a careful, comprehensive and just transition plan,” he said. 

Earlier this year, Conservation SA released a report by Dr Mark Diesendorf from UNSW which found that not only was 100% renewable possible for SA, we could do it by 2030.

“Conservation SA is delighted the Expert Panel has backed up our previous research which found that 100% renewable energy is a practical and achievable ambition for our state – and we can do it in just 15 years,” Mr Wilkins said.

The release of the Expert Panel report comes on the same day the Climate Council has released a report showing that renewable energy costs are plummeting, creating 4.7 million new jobs worldwide over the last 4 years.

Other key findings from the Expert Panel report:

- Nuclear not a practical option for SA

- Community owned wind and solar should be encouraged

- Mandating solar panels on all new houses.

- Requiring all major projects in South Australia to have net zero emissions.

- Strong support for electric vehicles

More info:

Diesendorf Report: www.conservationsa.org.au/renewable

Climate Council Report: www.climatecouncil.org.au/wholenewworldreport2015 

Release Ends 

Media Contact: Craig Wilkins 0417 879 439