RET cuts will leave renewables ‘as good as dead’: PacHydro chief

Just days after Infigen Energy CEO Miles George described Tony Abbott’s bid to dump the Renewable Energy Target as “economic vandalism,” another of Australia’s clean energy industry leaders has hit out at the government’s plan, warning it could result in a write-down of $10 billion in investment, the loss of tens of thousands of jobs, and render renewables in Australia “as good as dead.”

Lane Crockett, the executive general manager of the Australian arm of hydro and wind farm developer Pacific Hydro, told the Australia Financial Review on Wednesday that the Abbott government’s likely decision to abolish or significantly reduce the RET would have catastrophic consequences for Australia’s fledgling renewables industry – an outcome that would likely result in a barrage of compensation claims.

“What this government appears to be contemplating simply makes no sense at all. If it is truly considering putting the renewable energy industry on the chopping block, then the future of renewable energy in this country is as good as dead,” Crockett said.

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PacHydro CEO Lane Crockett

“The fact that the Abbott Government would consider abolishing the renewable energy target or even closing the scheme with grandfathering arrangements represents short-sightedness beyond belief with regard to energy policy in this country.

“The sovereign risk attached to such a policy is vast and would to extend to a write-down of $10 billion in industry investment, the potential loss of around 5,000 existing and 18,000 anticipated future jobs, and an ensuing lack of confidence by international investors from all quarters.”

Crockett – who estimates that a decision to dismantle the RET would force Pacific Hydro to shelve in excess of $2.5 billion of its projects under development – called on Abbott to put his compensation package for the industry on the table, and to consider compensation for local communities and small businesses that would also take a hit.

“Our operating assets will also be at significant risk,” Crockett said, “(And) the flow on effects to our local communities in regional Victoria and South Australia would also be devastating… On the other side of the coin, such a policy would put around $8 billion into the incumbent fossil fuel companies’ pockets.”

Crockett also noted that a reduction in the RET would amount to another broken promise to the Australian people, and make a mockery of the Abbott & Co’s “open for business” catch-cry.

“It is difficult to believe that the Australian people and international onlookers could continue to have faith in a government that deliberately cuts off industry, international investment and Australian jobs at the knees.

“The renewable energy target has been a bi-partisan commitment by Australian Governments since 2001. A departure from this commitment is a broken promise indeed.”

Comments

3 responses to “RET cuts will leave renewables ‘as good as dead’: PacHydro chief”

  1. Andrew Thaler Avatar
    Andrew Thaler

    Lets also define what is exactly meant by ‘grandfathering’ existing generators… Does it mean I will get $40 per LGC an the basis of that’s how it was before Abbott messed with the RET?
    If the renewables industry was accused of having its hand out before… Both hands are out now for Compensation!

  2. RobS Avatar
    RobS

    For gods sake, I want the RET to be retained, but the industry is being its own worst enemy, this protestation that any cut to the ret will completely end the industry will become a self fulfilling prophecy as they have effectively marketed the idea that without subsidy renewables are entirely unjustifiable, something that is completely incorrect. The industry has said the same thing about every solar multiplier cut and every time after a transient dip (almost fully accounted for by the pre-cut surge, installation rates have risen again to roe cut levels AND RISEN ABOVE PRE CUT LEVELS. Solar and wind will take a hit but the industry will it die, it will cut back and rebuild in a leaner way with even lower costs. However if the industry fear campaign continues they will guarantee their worst fears come true.

    1. Alistair Spong Avatar
      Alistair Spong

      The problem with the point you make is that investment has already stalled because of the uncertainty created by Abbots commentary and this review . Small scale solar installations which have benefited from falling product cost and higher electricity prices are not analogous with large scale generation. All existing generation supply has been built by way of government support and therefore subsidy , so why single renewables out, although I disagree that it is a subsidy , rather prudent regulation to fix a market failure to ensure that the cleanest and cheapest forms of energy production are built ….. The Ret is built into the financial case of most generators , perhaps you could better explain your point with numbers to those who invested in the Hepburn community wind farm – it’s economic case predicated in the flow of RET certificates

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