Report throws down gauntlet to Rees govt on clean energy future

Commenting on the report titled 'Meeting NSW electricity needs in a carbon constrained world: lowering costs and emissions with distributed energy', Dr Kaye said: "The NSW government is still relying on the out-dated and discredited Owen inquiry to justify its electricity privatisation plans and the construction of a new coal fired power station.

"The UTS report makes it clear. The Owen report has well and truly passed its 'use-by' date.

"NSW can meet projected increases in demand while reducing costs and slashing greenhouse gas emissions.

"The future lies not with more coal but with an increase in renewables, energy efficiency, the use of waste heat from industrial plants and demand management.

"Replacing the state's growing dependence on centralised coal-fired generators with demand side management and low emissions distributed sources will slash network costs.

"Finance Minister Joe Tripodi is so wedded to his electricity sell-off plans that he has continues to ignore the lower cost, lower emissions solution.

"Savings from phasing out coal generation and reducing investment in the distribution network will more than outweigh the increased costs of renewables.

"The UTS report directly challenges the Rees government's energy plans.

"The people of NSW do not want to pay more for their electricity nor do they want more emissions.

"Moving away from coal and keeping the lights on is possible, cheaper and better for the environment," Dr Kaye said.

The report is available from CSIRO intelligent grid website at http://igrid.net.au/

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455