11 July 2022
CSIRO energy report highlights opportunity for farmers and regions
CSIROโs GenCost 2021-2022 Final Reportย into energy again highlights the huge opportunities for farmers and regional Australia in renewable energy and storage, Farmers for Climate Action CEO Dr Fiona Davis said today.
โThe CSIRO GenCost report again found renewables by far are the cheapest form of electricity production even after the investment in extra transmission and storage are included,โ Dr Davis said.
โThis means renewables with batteries keep our electricity bills lower than theyโd otherwise be whilst also creating sustainable jobs for regional communities.
โThe opportunity to grow regional jobs whilst keeping energy costs down is huge. Farmers can also diversify into being paid an annual fee for renewable energy production on their property. Weโre seeing energy companies providing solar and wind setups made specifically to allow sheep and cattle grazing now.โ
CSIROโs GenCost report found renewables including the investment in transmission and storage would continue to become even cheaper, although noted current global factors could hold up this progress for a year or so.
Also today,ย The Australianย reportsย the SEC Newgate โMood of the Nationโ surveyย found most Australians feel the speed of the shift to renewables is happening too slowly.
Asked what was contributing to higher electricity prices in Australia, the two highest responses were nominated were โInternational influencesโ at 74% and โMorrison Government inactionโ at 73%.
SEC Newgate Partner David Stopler is quoted as saying there is โstrong support for the transition to renewables, with the majority calling for even faster actionโ.
Dr Davis noted the survey found 60% of Australians feeling positive or very positive about renewables with 21% feeling neither positive or negative.
โAustralians understand climate action is now creating regional opportunity, regional industry, regional jobs and cheaper electricity bills,โ Dr Davis said.
FCA represents more than 7000 farmers aiming for economy-wide emissions reduction.
Media contact: ย Jacqui Street 0498 188 528 / [email protected]
