ENERGY MARKET REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR TRANSITION PLAN TO 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY

The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) ‘Electricity Statement’ report released today illustrates the need to modernise our electricity market as we move to cleaner, renewable energy.

It follows a recent report from WWF-Australia shows that Australia needs to abandon the concept of ‘baseload’ fossil fuel energy and instead shift to reliable, 100% renewable energy before 2035.

“The AEMO report emphasises the importance of planning for a future where Australia moves away from high polluting fossil fuels and makes the switch to 100% renewable energy,” said Kellie Caught, National Manager Climate Change for WWF-Australia.

“This will require the just and measured transition out of Australia’s coal generation over the next decade and more investment into renewable energy."

“The upcoming COAG Energy Ministers meeting is the perfect opportunity to put reforms on the table which smooth the transition towards a renewable energy Australia.”

“The concerns we have heard on the back of the AEMO report in the media about black-outs across Australia are baseless if there is a well-managed and modernised electricity sector."

WWFs “Beyond Baseload” report shows that the concept of ‘baseload’ energy is redundant in a modern energy system. It shows that Australia’s enormous renewable capacity is geographically dispersed and capable of providing sufficient and consistent energy across the country.

If we reform our electricity system from an old fashion centralised grid relying on baseload and peaking system to a decentralised grid utilising variable and dispatchable energy, we can rely on 100% renewable energy that better meets customers’ needs.

“Australia has enough capacity from solar and wind alone to power the country 500 times over,” said Ms Caught.

“Major players from big European economies, including Germany, the UK and China have pointed to the increasing redundancy of ‘baseload’ energy."

“Australia must follow the lead of other countries by putting in place the right frameworks for a modern, renewable electricity sector and let go of the idea of dirty baseload energy.”

WWF-Australia Media Contact: Daniel Rockett, Senior Manager News & Public Affairs, 0432 206 592, drockett@wwf.org.au