Oct 7 2008
The Clean Energy Council, Australia’s peak body for the clean energy industry, sought bipartisan support for a gross feed-in tariff (FIT), ahead of today’s Council of Australian Governments meeting, and following the NSW Opposition’s announcement of a solar policy.
A gross feed-in tariff ensures a premium is paid for every kilowatt hour of clean energy produced, whether used on-site or delivered to the grid. Similar policies are successfully in place, growing business and clean energy generation, the world over.
Andrea Gaffney, Clean Energy Council solar energy spokesperson said: “The NSW Opposition announcement of a solar FIT policy represents one of the more progressive solar policies announced to date in Australia. Only a gross feed-in tariff will provide the certainty business needs to invest in Australia’s clean energy future.”
“A net scheme, where only excess power receives a premium will potentially undermine the viability of many small solar PV business operators, as it relies heavily on the continuation of the federal government’s rebate program.”
“At a time of climate change and financial sector crisis, it’s inconceivable that Australia would turn its back on the local solar industry, which represents thousands of new jobs around the country,” she said.
“The NSW Opposition announcement comes in addition to schemes already proposed or operating in other states and territories. However, differing arrangements will unnecessarily increase industry costs and complicate the market” she said.
The Council is seeking COAG endorsement for a nationally-consistent, gross feed-in tariff set high enough, for long enough and applying to all sectors, to stimulate demand around the country for solar and other localised renewable energy technologies.
“The industry is ready to transition from rebates to a policy platform that will transform the market and enable Australians to install renewable energy systems, not just residentially but also across the commercial and industrial precincts of Australia’s capital cities,” Ms Gaffney said.
The Clean Energy Council is looking forward to positive outcomes from today’s COAG meeting and will continue to work with all levels of government to achieve a framework of effective climate change policies.