Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Energy spokesperson
Large scale investment in renewable energy is crucial to rapidly decarbonise our economy. In a climate crisis, multi-billion dollar investments should only be directed into the most efficient emissions reducing technology available. Unless that happens, we are losing precious time and wasting money.
It is also essential that large-scale renewable investments to reduce mainland emissions don’t create a huge multi-decade debt for Tasmanians.
The Wrong Way Go Back report concludes that Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation will not generate the revenue to pay for their costs, and cheaper renewable options will be available to achieve Australia’s transition to zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Especially concerning is the possibility Marinus/BOTN will significantly raise electricity prices in Tasmania.
The authors of the report, Bruce Mountain and Steven Percy of the Victorian Energy Policy Centre, are highly credentialled experts in the economic regulation of network monopolies and competition in the energy market.
Their report again raises questions about the economic viability and power price costs of Marinus/BOTN – questions the Liberals have never addressed.
We have to pursue the best approach to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Minister, Guy Barnett needs to come out from hiding behind his spin and respond to this report.
Peter Whish-Wilson | Senator for Tasmania
The Prime Minister has repeatedly said Marinus/Battery of the Nation will bring electricity prices down, but this report raises the prospect they would drive them up for Tasmanians.
The Liberals have been talking up Marinus/BOTN to create a sense of inevitability, with the real backdrop being their push to invest in gas and other fossil fuels.
Scott Morrison announced he’ll be fast-tracking the approvals process before Tasmanians have even seen the business case.
We call on the Prime Minister to respond to the analysis of this report.