Independent Member of NSW Parliament, Justin Field, has today welcomed the announcement by NSW Energy Minister, Matt Kean, to go to tender on the state’s electricity load so that schools, hospitals and state government facilities will be supplied with cheap, low emissions technology.
Mr Field said, “The NSW Government is using its market power to drive investment in renewable energy and that is a good thing. In the absence of a clear national energy policy this decision sends a clear signal to the renewables sector that it has the backing of the state Government. This is an acknowledgement that renewable energy is cheaper and a better deal for the NSW taxpayer.
“This will underwrite new investment in renewables which will ensure future energy security for NSW, as existing coal fired power stations close. While this tender seems to leave the door open to gas fired peaking power, the reality is that gas prices in Australia make gas powered electricity expensive.
“While I support this policy, I call the NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean to rule out using gas from Santos’ Narrabri Gas Plan in supplying energy to NSW schools and hospitals – the next step in our energy transition does not need to be at the expense of the Great Artesian Basin and productive farmland. Ultimately this decision reflects the economic reality that renewables are cheaper and will be the future of energy generation in NSW.”
