The state’s peak environment body has welcomed today’s announcement of Labor’s hydrogen jobs plan and power station, and looks forward to a race to the top on clean energy and climate from all parties in the lead up to the March 2022 state election.
MEDIA RELEASE
23 March 2021
Starter’s gun fired in state election clean energy race to the top
The state’s peak environment body has welcomed today’s announcement of Labor’s hydrogen jobs plan and power station, and looks forward to a race to the top on clean energy and climate from all parties in the lead up to the March 2022 state election.
“An excess of wind and solar power in the middle of the day is an exciting opportunity for our state to attract industry and jobs,” said Conservation SA Chief Executive Craig Wilkins.
“Using renewable hydrogen alongside batteries is a far better grid stability option than fossil gas. It’s also a smarter use of hydrogen than pumping it through the domestic gas network.
“Labor’s proposal will reduce the challenge of a peaky generation cycle and help set us up to export hydrogen.
“There is strong support for a renewable-powered SA across all major parties in our state, which is a welcome contrast to the toxic energy politics in Canberra.
“South Australia rated strongly in the Renewables Superpower Scorecard released yesterday by the World Wildlife Fund, but other states are catching up fast. We need to capitalise on our first-mover advantage in the shift to a cleaner grid.
“The strengthening of support for renewables by the Marshall government, following the leadership shown by the previous Labor government, is an exciting energy and jobs platform for our state.
“We hope today’s announcement from Labor will kickstart an energy race to the top at this state election.
“The tackling of rising transport carbon emissions is the next big energy and climate challenge all parties need to address.
“And we are also looking forward to announcements from all parties about shifting away from new gas and coal exploration in our state, as our state’s shift to renewables powers ahead,” he said.
RELEASE ENDS
For further comment:
Craig Wilkins (Conservation SA Chief Executive) 0417 879 439