The drive to reduce greenhouse emissions and increase the rate of take up of renewable energy was addressed in our first Green Capital event, 'Green or Black?' A range of federal and state policies and laws affect the decisions made by business and other consumers about energy supply.  We have also examined the future of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Scheme and overcoming the barriers to mainstream green power. 

Background
Australia's national energy policy is a combination of the National Electricity Market and various federal and state energy policies and laws such as the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) and energy savings plans for business.  To date the domination of coal fired electricity has been continued and renewables and energy conservation are at the margin, leading to increasing greenhouse emissions.  Demand projections for power are alarming and there are calls to massively expand an expensive power station and distribution system, including for peak power when the supply system is not used most of the time.  With carbon also likely to attract a cost in future years, there are significant financial implications for business.
Energy and Greenhouse links (NSW G Office)
WISE Briefing Note on MRET

The Debate
Traditional energy planners are pushing for new coal and gas power stations and transmission networks to increase supply and reliability.  They admit that power prices will have to increase substantially to cover the costs.  Environmentalists counter that governments have not been doing enough to support the renewables industry; have been too slow to mandate energy efficiency for products such as air conditioners; and are not requiring effective action from businesses. 

For example, the Federal Government refused to increase the MRET target starving the green power industry of funds and proposed weak energy savings plans from industry.  In contrast state governments such as NSW are mandating business savings plans and have introduced BASIX which requires energy efficiency in new buildings.  While some governments act, others call for national uniformity.  Critics say this risks the lowest common denominator, if we are not careful.

Electricity industry $30b investment policy
Growth (industry's) projections
Expanding MRET (Greenpeace)
Clean Energy Future Reports (WWF)
Federal Government Energy Policy

TEC Position
In 2002 TEC published Green or Black? Renewable Energy Policy in Australia. 
In 2005, we produced an alternative to new coal in NSW, NSW Energy Future - no new coal