Andrews government should go gangbusters on renewables auction to cut pollution and energy prices

Winners of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Auction Scheme are set to be announced in coming weeks amid growing calls for the Andrews government to increase the capacity delivered by the auction.

“The Andrews government called for expressions of interest to build 650 MW of new clean energy, but it is clear the renewable energy industry is ready to go much bigger with 3500 MW of proposals being submitted,” said Mark Wakeham, CEO of Environment Victoria.

“More than 15 proposals are sitting before the Andrews government, from companies wanting to invest in new jobs and projects in regional Victoria that will help cut pollution and power prices.

“When there’s so much renewable energy ready to go, we should go bigger and enjoy the benefits sooner.

“We shouldn’t be turning investors away when they are ready and raring to invest in Victorian jobs and new industry.

“Instead of capping the auction at 650 MW of projects, the government should embrace the opportunity and accept at least 1500 MW of projects. This will mean we see energy prices falling faster for Victorian families and businesses.

“Ahead of this November’s state election the Victorian Coalition has pledged to scrap the state’s renewable energy target. This would bring investment in renewable energy to a halt and increase power prices for Victorian households and businesses.

“In the face of these attacks it’s critical the Andrews government send a very clear message that Victorians embrace renewable energy, and that the state government wants the cleaner air, lower energy bills and regional jobs that come with new solar and wind farms.

“Investing in renewables is the best way to protect householders from rising power prices. Victorians deserve the lower power prices, jobs and the cleaner air that large-scale renewables projects deliver. There is no reason to wait when we can start building our renewable future now,” said Mr Wakeham.