NSW and other big states behind on renewable energy investment: NECA

The release of a report into Australia’s clean energy sector has highlighted a lack of take-up by Australia’s three largest states, said the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

The industry body points to the Clean Energy Australia report released by the Clean Energy Council, which it says reveals that 13.47% of all electricity generation in 2014 was through renewable sources, but the take-up rate in NSW, Victoria and Queensland was well below the national average.

The penetration of renewable energy sources across total electricity generation in NSW was 6%, Queensland was 7%, while Victoria delivered a little higher at 10%.

These figures contrast strongly to other states such as South Australia and Tasmania, whose energy generation derived from renewable sources was at 40% and 95%, respectively.

NECA’s CEO Suresh Manickam said that the figures represent a lost opportunity for investment across Australia’s three most populous states.

“With just 6% of electricity generated from wind, solar and water in NSW, golden opportunities are going begging for investment and employment opportunities. With almost three million households across the state of NSW, investment in new, job-creating projects in this sector should be limitless,” he said.

“All states and territories need to be doing their bit to encourage renewable energy investment.”

Manickam also noted the drop in solar panel installations over the past three years with a corresponding increase in annual installed capacity.

“Whilst the capacity for solar panel installations has gone up, installation numbers have now dropped for the third straight year, suggesting a lack of interest or knowledge about their installation benefits,” he said.

“NECA believes that further opportunities exist to educate consumers about the importance of clean energy. Evidence exists that consumers want to be environmental citizens and are keen to participate in pilot projects and trial programs to make greater use of renewable energy products.”

Manickam said NECA is calling on state and federal governments to provide increased subsidies for this sector.

“Australia has a massive opportunity here by way of job creation, greater reliance on clean energy and advancements in better technology. Underlying all of this is the Australian consumer’s expectation that we transition, at a much greater rate, towards clean energy,” he said.