The Australian Conservation Foundation has commended NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean for outlining a plan to transition the state to renewable energy – a plan that also has the support of the Nationals and Labor.
The NSW Energy Infrastructure Roadmap is expected to:
- Create renewable energy zones in New England and Central West NSW by 2030
- Create 6300 construction jobs and 2800 ongoing jobs by 2030, mostly in regional areas
- Cut power prices for NSW businesses and households.
“With NSW’s five coal-fired power stations due to retire within 15 years, this plan prepares the state for the future,” said ACF’s Climate Change Program Manager Gavan McFadzean.
“Renewables backed by storage is the clean, cheap way forward.
“It is great to see bi-partisan support for NSW to become a clean energy superpower.
“By setting a clear, long-term plan the state is setting in train an orderly transition that will protect communities and workers.
“The federal government could learn from this roadmap – the future is in clean energy, not dirty, polluting fuels like gas.”
