[Greens-Media] FW: MEDIA RELEASE: GREENS INVEST IN CLEAN ENERGY ROADMAP

[Klug, Georgie (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

1 July 2013

GREENS INVEST IN CLEAN ENERGY ROADMAP

The Australian Greens today launched a roadmap to make Australia the best place in the world to transition to 100 per cent renewable energy. 

Greens Leader Senator Leader Christine Milne said the Greens support a transition to 100 per cent renewable energy as quickly as possible. 

"We are in a climate emergency and we need to do more to encourage clean energy investment in Australia," Senator Milne said.

"While the old parties wax and wane on tackling global warming and putting a price on pollution and clean energy, the Greens have a plan to stand strong on 100 per cent renewable Australia."

To get there, the Greens' Clean Energy Roadmap will:

* Increase the Renewable Energy Target to 90% by 2030. This will give investors and electricity network regulators the long-term policy certainty they need.
* Increase Clean Energy Finance to $30 billion over ten years, providing an injection of $3 billion per year, to drive commercialisation of emerging technology and help Australia catch-up with leading renewable energy nations.
* Improve national electricity transmission planning to cost effectively exploit our huge renewable energy resources. 
"The Greens know that we need to do more to encourage clean energy investment in Australia. That means stability, certainty, and long-term vision," Senator Milne said. 

"Landmark research by the Australian Energy Market Operator, as well as independent academics, has clearly shown that a clean energy Australia is possible. 

"The cost of renewable energy is falling while coal and gas plants face increasing carbon pollution costs.

"We can power Australia with the wind, sun, and water for a cost similar to replacing the ageing coal and gas plants that are nearing the end of their lives."

Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt said the Greens helped build the foundation of the clean energy economy in Australia - putting a price on pollution, investing money in clean energy and reducing energy pollution. 

"Shifting to renewable energy will create jobs and boost industry. Labor has no plans to increase renewable energy and Tony Abbott is even worse, with his threat to wind back the renewable energy target," Mr Bandt said.

"The cheapest way to get to 100 per cent renewable is to create a roadmap to get us there. Shying away from the challenge will prove more expensive in the long run. 

"The Greens are the only party you can trust to stand up for action on global warming while transitioning to a clean energy future."