Australian authorities have approved a bill stipulating that by 2020 the country will receive 20 % of total energy mix from renewable sources.
The bill’s draft was voted for in the Senate and in the House of Representatives.
The former government’s plans in 2001 were much more modest – 5% of energy derived from renewables by 2020. However, the new act is not widely supported. Senator Bob Brown, the head of “green” opposition party Australian Greens, for example, thinks that solar, wind and hydro power should bring no less than 30 of the country’s total energy mix. According to him, this objective is able to attract about 31 billion if Australian dollar investments ($26 billion) into green energy sector, and will allow to create 26 thousand jobs for Australian people.
Act’s critics claim it may cause Australian electricity process soaring, as the consumption will grow and greenhouses gases emissions won’t reduce. Even if 20% of country’s energy mix are generated from renewables, carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 will still exceed 2000 rates by 20%.
Currently, Australia receives 8% of energy from solar, wind and hydro power. Early in July the local authorities approved the first stage of 600-turbine wind power plant near Broken Hill in New Southern Wales. In its full capacity, the plant will be able to cover energy needs of 430,000 households. Moreover, the highest capacity plant is going to be built in Australia. Tender for its construction will be announced this year, its winner will start the construction in the first half of 2010.
