Australia’s new chief scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, says Australia could achieve a zero emissions future with a combination of wind, solar and storage technology.
Dr Finkel, whose appointment as the government’s new chief scientific adviser was formally announced today, told The Australian that: “with enough storage, we could [achieve zero emissions] in this country with solar and wind”.
He said it was critically important that Australia reduce its carbon emissions.
A vocal supporter of renewable energy, Dr Finkel drives a Nissan Leaf, and earlier this year wrote in Cosmos (a magazine he cofounded and publishes) that his home uses “100 per cent green” power from wind and solar sources.
However, the electrical engineer and neuroscientist also supports debate around nuclear power in Australia. He said today that nuclear should “absolutely be considered” as an option for reducing Australia’s emissions.
Even so, his appointment sends a promising signal to the renewable energy industry, and is further evidence of the change in tone under new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton welcomed the appointment, and said Dr Finkel’s background makes him an excellent choice for the post.
“Professor Finkel’s comments this morning about reducing emissions through renewable energy and battery storage are extremely encouraging, and the industry welcomes him to his new role.”
Dr Finkel will assume the post of Chief Scientist of Australia in 2016, after the current Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, has completed his five-year term.
