Why it might all end in tears

WHAT if the Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP is right about how the governments of Australia are going with their ambitious roll out of renewable energy, and the closing down of our coal-fired power stations?

Speaking about Australia’s comparative advantages in solar, offshore wind and hydrogen, in his keynote address to the Economic and Social Outlook Conference in Melbourne last week, Mr Chalmers said this:

“But today, it’s important for me to acknowledge that without more decisive action, across all levels of government, working with investors, industry, and communities; the energy transition could fall short of what the country needs.”

He said what?

“…the energy transition could fall short of what the country needs.”

We knew the government wasn’t up to the required speed for replacing the coal-fired power stations with renewable energy but to hear the Australian Treasurer no less, forecast catastrophe is something different altogether.

“Put simply, to meet our potential... we need to get more projects off the ground, faster.”

Drr, but how’s it going so far. Not good.

But why should we care about it down here in Gippsland.

Because we’re in the firing line.

The offshore Gippsland region was the first declared area for offshore wind development in Australia, and the results of licence applications for offshore wind projects in the area will be known in coming days.

And according, Jack Brumpton, Projects Partner, DLA Piper, the stakeholders are seeking a clear regulatory pathway.

That’s code for get everyone the hell out of the way and let’s get at it.

Which will be the problem as available time gets closer to project lead times.

Such niceties as asking the community where they want the high voltage powerlines to be placed will go out the window, as will promises of local jobs and reskilling of the energy workforce in the Latrobe Valley.

There’s also the issue of more haste, more cost.

It’s a worry, but at least the Energy Minister Chris Bowen has categorically ruled out using the area west of Wilsons Promontory for offshore wind energy development.

To achieve its national renewable electricity target of 82 per cent by 2030, there’s going to have to be some serious investment and a serious escalation in the government’s own output. Are we up to it?

There’ll be tears if we aren’t.