Media release: Jay Weatherill Can Make Long Term Commitment to Regional SA By Committing to Long Term Solar Thermal Power Purchase

Media release: Jay Weatherill Can Make Long Term Commitment to Regional SA By Committing to Long Term Solar Thermal Power Purchase

 

Repower Port Augusta has backed calls for the South Australian Government to commit to a twenty year power purchase agreement, rather than ten, to facilitate new investment in clean generation in South Australia following concerns raised by Opposition Energy Spokesperson Dan van Holst Pellekaan that the contract length is too short to attract new investment.

 

“The South Australian Government’s power purchase is the strongest lever Jay Weatherill has to make solar thermal with storage happen in Port Augusta and there’s no doubt committing to a 20 year power purchase would make the project viable” Dan Spencer Repower Port Augusta campaigner said.

 

“Jay Weatherill can use this power purchase to revitalise Port Augusta with new investment and kickstart a new solar thermal industry for regional SA but the government needs to commit for the long term” Mr Spencer said.

 

The State Government’s power procurement tender documents highlight a ten year contract as the Government’s preferred option but they will accept longer bids.

 

“This power purchase is a key test of the Government’s commitment to driving investment in new clean technologies like solar thermal in Port Augusta. This procurement can be a job and industry creator if Jay Weatherill makes the right choice” Mr Spencer said.

Repower Port Augusta has previously raised concerns that the State Government raised the pollution limit from its previous low-carbon expression of interest.

 

“By lifting the pollution cap the State Government has opened the door to bids from polluting gas. Solar thermal provides the network benefits of fossil fuels without the pollution and without locking South Australians into rising gas prices, it’s critical that Jay Weatherill backs solar thermal, not gas” Mr Spencer said.

 

For media inquiries: Dan Spencer 0423 865 632

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