Australia’s clean energy industry has just survived a near-death experience. Where to from here? | Kane Thornton

A The shift towards nuclear energy and the great expansion of gas electricity would have stopped investing renewable energy in the worst possible time, which could hinder Australia’s transition to a clean and modern energy system. These elections were not just a political moment, it was a turning point.

This result may provide a snapshot that is needed in the clean energy sector arm, but this is not a time for self -accusation or self -consent. The transformation of energy in Australia occurs in rural cities and centers throughout the country with wind transplantation, solar energy projects, batteries and transportation lines that link it in regional and rural societies. These societies have legitimate concerns. While the benefits of jobs, investment, roads and bridges that have been promoted will come, they also carry the weight of change. Our responsibility is like an industry to do better than them.

This begins with honesty. We must admit that renewable energy companies have not always participated in regional societies and should be. While these companies contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to local benefits, paying landowners and neighbors, and partnership with councils, we must go further. Avatar consulting is not enough. We need real and sustainable relationships in two directions based on respect, transparency and trust. The vast majority of renewable energy companies are already at the highest standards, but there are those that do not treat regional societies as it should.

The responsibility in this sector is to create local job opportunities, define the priorities of local companies and explore ownership models that give societies a useful share in projects. This means engaging early and with respect with the peoples of the first nations and transparency about the effects of renewable developments while ensuring the flow of benefits somewhat to the people who hosts them.

This approach is not just fair, it is necessary for our success. Without a social license in the regions, energy transmission will slow or break. However, we can create a system not only cleaner and more reliable, but also more fair.

The federal government set an ambitious target of 82 % of renewable energy by 2030. reaching this goal will be difficult, but it can be achieved. Now, with a clear political mandate, the investment community can move forward in renewing confidence. One of the important tools is the government’s behavior in the capacity investment system, which helps to abolish the projects at risk and provide certainty that investors need to support and store renewable generation. It is the bridge that we need to move smoothly with the exit of coal power stations from the system.

To ensure a stable and reliable network, energy storage must become a top infrastructure priority. The batteries are the unknown heroes, where they pick up the surplus of solar energy and wind energy when the generation is high and its release when the demand reaches its peak. Australia is already a global pioneer in the spread of the battery on a large scale, with leading projects such as the Wararatah Super Battery in the Hunter Valley and Tesla’s Hornsdale Power Reserve in southern Australia that prove that batteries can maintain network stability and prevent power outages. But we need more, quickly, as well as long -term storage techniques and pumping hydro.

We must also learn from the experiences of other countries. In Spain and Portugal, the investment in storage and poor planning led to the instability of the network and economic consequences. Australia cannot bear the same mistakes. Every additional megia of storage brings us closer to the zero emissions system that is not only clean, but can be relied upon.

The Australians spoke clearly. In the future, we want to renew and support the regeneration supported by storage and pumping hydro, when necessary, with gas. Nuclear energy is very slow, very expensive, divided, and this discussion has been settled in the ballot box. However, achieving our clean energy goals will take more than politics and investment. Humility from the sector, cooperation at all levels of government and a real commitment to partnership with regional Australia requires.

The mandate is clear. Now, we must rise to confront it.