Plans for one of Australia’s largest solar power stations, which would have provided electricity to 40,000 homes, have been scrapped by the Abbott federal government.
The decision to suspend funding for the $75m, 100-megawatt Mildura solar power station comes amid speculation that the renewable energy target (RET) may be dismantled or wound back by the Abbott government.
The shelving of the project follows the delivery of a government-instigated report into the RET. The RET states that 20% of Australia’s power should come from renewable sources by 2020. However, the government is expected to cut back the scheme as a result of the review, which Tony Abbott has blamed for pushing up power prices.
Conversely, research released by renewable energy advocates showed power prices would rise if the RET was to be dismantled. The report also estimated coal and gas companies would enjoy a $10bn windfall if the RET was wound back, with carbon emissions rising significantly as a result.
It’s time for the Abbot government to come clean on why it has gone to war on renewable energy. It’s also time for Tony Abbott to guarantee funding for clean energy initiatives for the future of Australia and the world.
Please sign and share the petition to demand the Australian government reinstates funding for a solar energy power plant.
