[Greens-Media] Greens challenge PM to replace coal with solar

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Friday, 26 May 2006

Greens challenge PM to replace coal with solar 

Greens leader Bob Brown today urged the government to begin the process
of replacing coal with solar thermal technology, after the Canberra
Times revealed solar energy could meet Australia's entire energy demand.

"The report from the Cooperative Research Centre for Coal says that
solar thermal technology will be cost competitive with coal within seven
years. The challenge now is for the government to make that happen,"
Senator Brown said.

"The Prime Minister has been leading Australia down the risky and
expensive nuclear path as an alternative to fossil fuels, but now he has
the opportunity to provide Australians with a safe, cost-competitive,
renewable solar future." 

"Australia should clearly be investing in developing and commercialising
new solar technologies. The CRC Coal report found that solar is the only
renewable energy capable of making deep cuts in greenhouse gas
emissions," Senator Brown said.
 
Senator Brown questioned why the Coal CRC had not released the report
when it received it last August  and called on the government to explain
its decision to cut back funding for solar research.

"Australia has the potential to become a world leader in solar thermal
technology and the government must give it the support it deserves,"
Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603


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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au