Elections with implications, our Innovation X-Change, a RACE and some good news No Images? Click here March 2019 NewsDear colleagues Things are hotting up politically with a NSW state election in less than two weeks and the federal election less than two months beyond that. Disappointingly, neither party in NSW has committed to a coherent energy/climate strategy to address the challenges ahead or exploit the opportunities from improving energy productivity that would make the state more competitive, provide reliable energy services and reduce carbon emissions. The central plank of Labor policy is to provide further subsidies for rooftop solar; a measure which is not only unnecessary and a poor use of public money, but will exacerbate electricity network problems and, further, is likely to be paid for by stripping the NSW Climate Change Fund (CCF). We await an energy efficiency policy. The Liberals started the current term strongly with a proposed energy and climate strategy but have somewhat lost focus. They belatedly allocated CCF money but too little was directed to help business improve energy performance, or to public information on smart energy use, and we’re still awaiting the energy/climate strategy. In the lead up to the federal election the Coalition has announced a small energy efficiency package, as part of a mish/mash of energy and climate policies, that will not convince anybody they are on track to a rational long-term strategy. While we await detail of Labor’s energy efficiency and productivity policy offering, Mark Butler is clearly on top of his portfolio and Labor’s direction and intent is promising. We all need to work now to ensure Labor sees that energy productivity is just as important a plank in a successful national energy/climate strategy as renewables and is supported appropriately. The Saturday Paper feature last weekend should bring more attention to energy productivity in this mix – please share it. We are excited about how the forthcoming Innovation X-Change is shaping up – it is going to be very stimulating and will provide insights from around the world on the energy transition. More here. I am looking forward to catching up with you there. The X-Change will bring together many of the organisations likely to participate in the energy productivity CRC bid (more below). This bid for a potential $150 million+ enterprise is coming together strongly and we would love to talk to you if you are interested to participate [jonathan.jutsen@a2ep.org.au or 0418 510 109]. All the best In the news The next Innovation X-Change is only 4 weeks away The federal election and energy productivity? Not so much. Yet. The alternative government... National Energy Productivity Plan 2.0: What they should announce Is economic growth wedded to ever
increasing energy consumption? RACE for 2030 launches website Australian property companies lead on energy and climate Energy productivity in agriculture Teys Australia makes Wagga Wagga plant self-sufficient Energy efficiency: A boost for employment Energy services market thrives, led by China Forthcoming |