The Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed news reports that Federal Labor will aim for Australia to get half its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
“Australia is known to have some of the world’s best sun and wind resources,” said ACF’s CEO Kelly O’Shanassy.
“Embracing the potential of renewables is good for innovation, investment, jobs and the environment.
“ClimateWorks has demonstrated that it’s possible for Australia’s economy to be 100 per cent powered by renewable energy by 2050.
“To set us on this path, a target of at least 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 is needed.
“I commend Labor for taking on a strong renewable energy target and showing it wants to modernise Australia’s energy system, rather than let us get stuck with the old, polluting energy sources of last century.
“Installing more renewable energy is one part of modernising our energy system. Another is phasing out polluting energy. That means preparing Australia for the orderly closure of coal-fired power plants, being ready to help workers and communities with the transition and fully rehabilitating closed mines and plant sites.
“As climate change deepens, Australia faces a stark choice: persist with the dirty and increasingly dangerous energies of the past, of make the switch to energy sources that enhance life.
“ACF urges Australia’s politicians, of all colours, to choose life,” Ms O’Shanassy said.
