The following statement is attributable to Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton:
“The 2024 Integrated System Plan confirms what we already know - that the optimal, lowest cost pathway to deliver net zero by 2050 is to dramatically accelerate the development of more renewables combined with energy storage and transmission.
“Nuclear does not figure in AEMO’s analysis given it is the most expensive solution, as confirmed by the CSIRO’s most recent GenCost report.
‘While the rate of renewables is not where it needs to be today, we are confident that governments and industry are working together to continue to unlock the barriers to investment. We are optimistic therefore that we can deliver the level of renewable energy required to reach 82 per cent by 2030 and net zero long before 2050.
“In any case, GenCost suggests that Australia’s remaining coal-fired power stations are set to close over the next ten years. As we know, nuclear is at least 20 years away and does not have a role to play under the lowest-cost pathway for renewables, storage and transmission.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Liam Straughan
Clean Energy Council Media Officer
+61 409 470 683