Clean Energy Tasmania has pointed to yesterday’s situation in New South Wales as further proof that more renewable energy projects are desperately needed and that Tasmania can play its part keeping the lights on across the country.
CET Chair, Ian Jones, said with high temperatures in parts of New South Wales yesterday and the risk that energy demand could outstrip supply, the NSW Premier was forced to call on people to turn off their appliances to save power*.
“This is a ludicrous situation, but there is a simple solution,” Mr Jones said.
“The Australian and Tasmanian Governments need to approve the Robbins Island windfarm, get behind the Whaleback Ridge windfarm and do as the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has called for and bring forward Marinus Link.
“This week it’s New South Wales struggling to keep the lights on. Next month it could be Victoria, and who knows what will happen in Tasmania this summer given that we have our own ongoing energy crisis.
“The only way we can guarantee that we can keep the lights on in Tasmania and help other states (and make a tidy profit for taxpayers at the same time) is to build more renewable energy generation.
“Premier Rockliff is the first Premier since Ray Groom way back in the 90s who hasn’t had a new windfarm commissioned or built on his watch. It’s time for the Premier and his team to walk the walk, rather than just talk the talk. We need action, rather than words.”