A leaked Victorian state government briefing has highlighted the need to fast track the transition off coal and gas and build renewables rather than doubling down on expensive, dwindling and failing fossil fuels, Environment Victoria said today.
Responding to a report in today’s Herald Sun, the state’s leading environment organisation warned the next Victorian government can’t afford to stall on renewable energy and storage targets, urging all sides of politics to protect households and businesses from skyrocketing power bills by continuing to drive wind, solar and household electrification, and the transmission infrastructure required to distribute them.
Jono La Nauze, Environment Victoria’s CEO, said Victoria is entering a critical phase of the energy transition as old coal power stations retire. It’s vital we ensure the replacement transmission, renewables and storage get built.
“Replacing our old, retiring energy system is a nation-building project that calls for a steady hand. Victoria’s leaders need to hold their nerve – delays and uncertainty will only cost more.”
“Cancellation and chaos scares off renewable energy projects and pushes expensive gas generation onto everyone’s energy bills. Analysis by Nexa Advisory shows that delaying the Western Renewables Link and VNI West transmission lines will cost $33 billion by 2050 – a figure that will rise further if the switch to renewables is slowed.”
“Gas has a role as back-up, but it’s the most expensive way to fill a gap caused by unnecessary delay. When transmission and renewables run late, high-priced gas is burned for electricity and families and businesses pick up the tab. Nexa’s modelling shows delay could add around 37 per cent to wholesale prices between 2027 and 2031, up to $472 on the average household bill and thousands for small businesses.”
“This leaked briefing confirms what we already know – the state’s energy grid is changing. While the Coalition promises to cancel vital projects like VNI West and chase unproven gas supplies, everyday Victorians are already switching to efficient electric homes powered by solar and batteries.”
“This leaked government document proves we cannot stall; we must fast-track our transition to renewable energy immediately to lock in the lowest costs and guarantee long-term reliability.”