RESPONDING TO A NATIONAL PRESS CLUB speech by Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said:
“Today Minister Bowen underlined that the Albanese Government is totally committed to data centres supplying their own additional renewable power, no matter where they are built around Australia.”
“The Government has heard loud and clear that Aussies want data centres to pay their way and supply their own renewable energy, and intends to ensure people in every state and territory are protected from rising costs.”
The Commonwealth will ensure the standards apply to all States and Territories – including in the Northern Territory and Queensland – whose governments continue to put the interests of big tech and fossil fuel corporations first.
“We are at a critical juncture in the tech boom where we need to get it right, or risk rising energy prices and rampant climate pollution. The Albanese Government has made a strong commitment to protecting Australians against these risks.”
“To make their commitment a reality, governments must ensure that genuinely additional renewables are brought on within three years of a data centre beginning operation, and keep polluting and expensive fossil gas out of the picture. In NSW and Victoria wholesale prices could jump by more than 10% in the next four years if data centre demand is not urgently matched with additional renewables.
Minister Bowen also announced a major expansion of its solar rooftops incentives.
“Warehouses, factories, barns and schools can now install large systems on their roofs with government support. It means that a farmer or manufacturer can save on installing solar panels – then receive huge reductions in electricity bills as they generate power from sunshine.
“The conflict in Iran has underscored just how vulnerable we are to disruptions in the fossil fuel supply chain. There are cheap and abundant alternatives to fossil fuels available right now: solar, wind, batteries and electric vehicles all of which Australians are embracing with gusto. The latest incentives for roof top solar will no doubt be welcomed by Aussie businesses, who now have more opportunities to protect themselves against volatile global energy markets.
“Alongside this announcement, ensuring data centres do not prolong our reliance on unreliable coal and volatile gas is critical to keeping our energy system secure and keeping a lid on power price spikes.”
“With the raging fires and stifling heat across Europe and North America, many Australians are worried about what our summer will have in store. These policies are critical to tackling Australia’s climate pollution and protecting all Australians from the ravages of the climate crisis.”
