[Greens-Media] Wind energy revolution will still be waiting for Rees govt

[John Kaye]

Wind energy revolution will still be waiting for Rees govt
 
Media release: 17 August 2009
 
The Greens welcomed the Rees government's recognition that wind energy generation in NSW is falling behind other states but the twenty two month holiday from development fees will not be long enough to solve the problem, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Commenting on a story in today's Sydney Morning Herald ('Labor votes are blowing in the wind', page 6), Dr Kaye said: "Wind makes up only 0.8 per cent of installed generation capacity in NSW.
 
"Up front charges and delays in processing applications in this state are driving projects to South Australia where more than 20 per cent of generation comes from wind.
 
"To catch up, NSW would need more than 3,800 MW of wind. That would be a twenty five fold increase on current levels.
 
"A twenty two month holiday from paying fees and a vague promise of wind precincts will not cut NSW back into the game.
 
"Media exposure of planning fees for wind power capacity being on  average 4.7 times greater than gas has embarrassed the Rees government into a rushed announcement.
 
"The wind industry needs much more than a promise that expires shortly after the next election to thrive in NSW," Dr Kaye said. 
 
The Sydney Morning Herald story is available at:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/labor-votes-are-blowing-in-the-wind-20090816-emdy.html
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000