The New South Wales (NSW) government renews its climate policy to halve emissions by 2030, amid concerns that a transition could disrupt energy security if improperly planned. Did.
NSW initially aimed to reduce emissions by 35% from 2005 levels. However, since then, it has raised its goals by prioritizing accelerating the rollout of renewable energy in parallel with its investment in low-emission technologies.
Ambition is through the state’s energy sector (3 of state emissions) through five “renewable energy zones” (areas where the proximity of power generation, storage, and related infrastructure is set to lower overall costs). (Responsible for more than one-third) requires overhaul.
The government has invested $ 380 million in this mission, but relies heavily on the private sector in the hope of winning $ 37 billion in investment over the next decade.
A coalition government of the Liberal Party and the National Party of the State foretold the plan, estimating the creation of 9,100 jobs in construction and operation.
“This is to implement policies that not only protect our planet, but also give certainty to the industry and investors to ensure our prosperity and way of life in the future,” NSW said. Prime Minister Gladys Beregikrian said: Media release..
The plan also includes investment in electric vehicles to take over the state’s second-largest emission-producing transport sector, hoping that by 2030, half of all new vehicle sales will be electric vehicles. I am.
New South Wales previously outlined that this would be done through an investment of $ 490 million, including subsidies for electric vehicles through rebates and tax cuts.
However, concerns have been raised that the path to poorly planned net zero emissions could pose significant energy security risks.
This is also relevant as NSW’s Net Zero program does not outline how to replace coal-fired power plants where renewable energy generation and storage has been abolished, and its mission is delegated to the private sector. It’s a concern.
However, after the announcement of the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power plant in 2023, the NSW had previously experienced failures in this way, after the decision to rely on the private sector failed to provide alternative energy sources. Instead, the federal government was forced to intervene and outsource a $ 600 million gas plant to support the state’s energy requirements.
Some federal officials, including Canavan, are also concerned that the move to solar and wind will help Beijing, given that few solar panels and wind turbines are manufactured in Australia. I raised it.
“If you turn your back on coal and gas, you’ll be dependent on China for energy because of the solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries there,” Kanaban told The Epoch Times. “We need to be fortunate to maintain energy independence and expand coal and gas production.”
“The end result will be the transfer of wealth from Australia to the Chinese Communist Party,” US Australian Party leader and federal parliamentarian Craig Kelly told The Epoch Times earlier. “It has to rely on us big batteries, more wind turbine parts from China. They all come from China.”
Meanwhile, the Climate Council, a climate change communications organization, praised the upgraded emission reduction program.
“New South Wales’ new goals recognize the urgent need to reduce climate pollution while boosting the economy, unleashing clean jobs and protecting people from worsening climate impacts over the last decade. Is our commitment to climate action, “said a climate council spokesman. Media release..
This is because Victoria legislated its own goal of halving emissions by 2030 in May, and the Climate Council called on the federal government to raise the goal. Paris Agreement.
“The federal government is becoming more and more isolated as it ignores calls from business leaders, farmers, local governments, international allies and trading partners, and the UN climate authorities for stronger action,” said the spokesman. Mann said.
The Climate Council said, “Science will reduce its emissions by 75% (less than 2005 levels) by 2030 and net zero by 2035 to avoid confinement of catastrophic climate effects. We are demanding that it be achieved. “
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