The following statement is attributable to Clean Energy Council National Spokesperson, Chris O'Keefe:
“Today’s Quarterly Energy Dynamics (QED) report released by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) reinforces what is becoming increasingly obvious.
“Australia’s 18 remaining coal-fired power stations in the National Electricity Market (NEM) are fast approaching their use-by date. In turn, this is driving up energy prices for millions of households and small businesses.
“Record output from rooftop solar and large-scale renewables into the grid mean that these technologies are more capable of stepping up to meet higher demand, strengthening our economy and delivering as many as 40,000 jobs over the next five years, far in excess of any alternative.
“However, much work remains to be done in building an energy system that ensures power prices are as affordable as possible for hardworking Aussie families and business owners.
The economics and the engineering don’t lie – renewables, firmed by more storage such as batteries and pumped hydro, gas, as well as upgraded transmission, are the only feasible pathway towards building a cleaner, lower cost energy system for all Australians, sooner.Chris O'Keefe Clean Energy Council National Spokesperson
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Liam Straughan
Clean Energy Council Media Officer
+61 409 470 683