Tag Archives: Australian government

Sun Rises on Big Solar

11 May 2010

John Grimes, CEO
Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES)
Website: www.auses.org.au
Email: CEO@auses.org.au

The sun is rising on Australia’s Big Solar industry following some important announcements in last night’s Federal Budget. “The Australian Government is really starting to back Big Solar in Australia”, said John Grimes, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES). “Last night’s announcement of two major solar projects, the short-listing of eight Solar Flagships proposals and funding for solar research and development mean the sun is starting to shine on Big Solar”. “AuSES congratulates its member companies Wizard Power and AREVA Solar and their partners for successfully obtaining funding to build 40 and 23 megawatt solar power plants. I look forward to seeing the ground turned on these major infrastructure projects, and I can’t wait to see clean energy jobs being created in Queensland and South Australia.” “However, Big Solar won’t become a reality in Australia until Federal Parliament approves the Enhanced Renewable Energy Target, and AuSES calls on all political parties to pass the legislation as soon as possible.” “Once the legislation is passed, the Australian Government should turn its attention to expanding a strong and sustainable Big Solar industry. Without a price on carbon, that means ensuring Big Solar delivers its fair share of an expanded Renewable Energy Target, and introducing a competitive feed-in tariff, tax reform and loan guarantees for Big Solar.”

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Sustainability Cannot be Insulated from Quality

23 February 2010

Ray Wills, Chief Executive
WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA)
Website: www.wasea.com.au
Email: info@wasea.com.au

Minister Garrett’s announcement of support for business affected by changes to insulation and solar hot water rebates has been welcomed by the WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA), Australia’s largest state-based business chamber for the sustainable energy industry.

‘WA SEA is an industry chamber supporting market-based, sustainable solutions to grow energy efficiency and renewable energy for he benefit of the Australian economy,’ says Prof. Ray Wills, WA SEA Chief Executive and Adjunct Professor with The University of Western Australia.

Sustainability includes the following key attributes:

o Dealing transparently and systemically with risk, uncertainty and irreversibility.
o The principle of continuous improvement.
o The need for good governance.
o A commitment to best practice.
o No net loss of human capital or natural capital.
o Ensuring inter-generational equity.
o Integration of environmental, social, human and economic goals in policies and activities.

As a business group interested in sustainability, government programs commissioned with the intent of improving sustainability must deal with risk, good governance, and a commitment to best practice.

Any measure from government must not lose sight of the reality that Government has effectively created partnerships with businesses that will deliver promises to the electorate.

Government policy measures can make – and break – companies. Industry is interested in being a help, not a hindrance, and genuine consultation and partnering with groups like WA SEA will go a long way to addressing government’s problem in this space.

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