ACT energy plan 'doesn't do enough now'
25th Sep 2012
It's fair to say it's difficult to please all of the people all of the time - and the ACT Government's plans to boost the territory's energy efficiency are no different.
The authority aims to source 90 per cent of its power through sustainable means by 2020, however a think-tank has implied the proposals could achieve much more.
Beyond Zero Emissions claimed that while the goals were admirable, they relied too heavily upon future governments, putting the responsibility out of the hands of current ministers.
Matthew Wright, executive director of the research organisation, highlighted the fact that many of the large-scale renewable construction projects outlined in the strategy will not get underway for another five years - by which time there will have been two elections.
"We would like them to ... come up with a more proactive plan for large-scale renewables for the 2012 election and the following four years," he commented.
This is particularly frustrating for the solar energy industry, Mark explained, with the sector already possessing the necessary technology.
Although, to be fair, the think-tank wasn't completely negative.
It admitted it was a "great step forward" from the national target, which is just 20 per cent of power coming from renewable sources by 2020.
And the organisation, which recently criticised Prime Minister Gillard for suggesting solar panels are only for the rich, said proposals for large-scale solar in the territory were also welcome.
Posted by Mike Peacock
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Solar Power