Australian Parliament OKs 20% by 2020 Renewable Energy Target

Compromise plan has some Greens opposing passage

The Australian government’s ruling coalition has come to terms on an agreement that would quadruple the renewable energy target set by the previous government in 2001 and is in line with the renewables target set by the European Union in 2008. The coal-centric Australia currently gets eight percent of its electricity from renewables, including hydroelectric power.

Opponents of the measure contend it will increase the price of electricity without actually curbing the amount of climate-warming carbon gases emitted.

As part of the agreement, the Conservatives convinced the government to classify coal seam methane gas — a coal mining waste product — as a renewable energy source in a transitional measure that would not be part of the 20% by 2020 target.

Environmental campaigners and many Green Party MPs remained skeptical.

“There is a high level of disappointment and disenchantment because the government has completely wrecked the integrity of the renewable energy target by including coal gas,”Greens Deputy Leader Christine Milne said.

“It’s a sad day when what should have been a celebration for renewable energy in Australia turns into another field day for polluters,” Milne added.

Having been criticized in the past for setting weak carbon emissions goals, the agreement struck on Wednesday edges the country ahead of the U.S., in what has been a striking similar path on climate and energy policy. But last week, lawmakers struck down the Government’s second leg of its energy and climate policy, the troubled emissions trading scheme (ETS).

The renewable energy target passed by Parliament still needs an okay from the Australian Senate, which is expected to vote on it soon.

Tweet This Post