The new renewable energy and energy storage targets announced by the South Australian Government are genuinely world-class ambitions that help to put the state’s clean energy achievements on the world map, the Clean Energy Council has said.
Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton said the South Australian Government had shown that it is a national and international leader in the uptake of renewable energy and the transition of its energy sector.
“The energy storage target in particular is exactly what is needed to help deliver higher levels of wind and solar while ensuring the ongoing reliability of the power system. Both the 75% renewable energy target and the new energy storage target underline the state’s many clean energy achievements, from working with Tesla and Neoen to build the world’s largest lithium-ion battery to producing half of SA’s power from renewables,” Thornton said.
“South Australia has shown that it is possible to deliver electricity that is both reliable and clean, and as more low-cost renewable energy enters the power system it will push power prices down for homes and businesses. The government is driving a shift toward clean energy which will reduce its exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices and make the state much more competitive in the future – while creating business opportunities in the here and now.
“One thing our industry has shown is that if you give us a target or a goal, we will beat it. South Australia has essentially met its existing renewable energy target seven years early, and there are now enough projects which will go ahead to meet the national 2020 renewable energy project. The expertise and efficiency our industry has built up is remarkable,” Thornton said.