The South Australian Government has adopted a target of zero net emissions by 2050, as recommended in a report by the Low Carbon Economy Expert Panel.
The panel comprises former Federal Liberal leader John Hewson, ClimateWorks Chief Executive Anna Skarbek and Australia National University Associate Professor Frank Jotzo and was set up to invite businesses to have their say on the state’s new low-carbon strategy.
It recommended that South Australia:
- signal a transition to zero net emissions economy by 2050
- support the community and industry to transition to a zero net emissions economy
- implement the transition by taking action now.
SA Premier Jay Weatherill said the state’s new stance will give it a competitive advantage with Australian and international investors.
“As we head towards the Paris Climate Change Conference, South Australia has an opportunity to place itself at the forefront as a leader in transitioning to a low carbon economy.
“The Expert Panel’s report is a roadmap for our state to reduce emissions in a way that supports job growth in new and emerging green technologies.”
SA Minister in Climate Change Ian Hunter said the government would favour a national scheme in lieu of a state-based emissions trading scheme (ETS).
“Consensus for global action on climate change should be a trigger for the Federal Government to revisit the important issue of a nationwide ETS. We believe this is the most practical approach to this question and will not seek to implement an ETS at the state level.”
Clean Energy Council (CEC) Chief Executive Kane Thornton welcomed the state’s commitment toward becoming a net exporter of renewable energy.
“A long-term transition plan for a cleaner energy sector with strong market signals will attract major private sector investment to the state. It’s certainly achievable, and the South Australian example to date shows that much higher levels of renewable energy are possible throughout the rest of the country,” Mr Thornton said.
However, he said the goal will need to be accompanied by smart energy market reform.
Around 40 per cent of South Australia’s power is provided by renewable energy – the most of any mainland state. Earlier this month, the SA Government called upon the energy industry to submit innovative proposals that would delivery reliable and affordable low-carbon electricity.
