ECNT criticises CLP decision to abandon 2030 renewable energy target

The environment centre says the CLP’s decision to abandon the Territory’s renewables target will ‘leave our economy in the dark ages’.

The Environment Centre NT has criticised the government’s decision to abandon its renewable energy target, saying it has put the Territory on a backwards path.

This week the CLP announced it would scrap the target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030, telling Territory Generation, Power and Water, and Jacana Energy to stop planning for the target and instead focus on “achieving a renewable and traditional mix of energy that delivers the lowest cost electricity”.

The government’s approach would include developing gas production out of the Beetaloo, it said, alongside expansion of large-scale solar and battery storage.

A target for net-zero emissions by 2050 remains in place.

ECNT executive director Kirsty Howey said the NT was “already in last place in Australia’s renewables race”.

Environment Centre of the Northern Territory executive director Kirsty Howey. Picture: Zizi Averill

“This just puts another nail in the coffin of the Territory’s economy, and is simply poor economic management,” Dr Howey said.

“This means Territorians will miss out on the benefits of the clean energy transition, and leaves our economy in the dark ages.

“The CLP wants taxpayers to pour billions into the failing Middle Arm gas hub so overseas fossil fuel companies can rake in huge profits, rather than invest in the abundant solar energy that will bring down power bills for everyday Territorians and turn us into a renewable energy superpower.”

A 2024 Climate Council report found the NT’s rates of renewable generation were the lowest in the country at 7 per cent, compared with 18 per cent in Western Australia, 27 per cent in Queensland, and about 40 per cent on the main east coast grid.

Greens MLA Kat McNamara said the Territory had the skills, resources and climate to lead in renewable energy.

“The only thing we lack apparently is political willpower,” she said.

“If the CLP thinks Labor’s renewable strategy has failed, they have a chance to fix it, not scrap it.

“The NT has some of the world’s best solar potential, and the Recharging the Territory Report outlines clear steps to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, create energy security, and generate thousands of sustainable jobs.”

Energy Minister Gerard Maley said reaching the 50 per cent renewables target was not achievable without immense cost to the taxpayer, and hinted at more announcements in the future.

“Work is underway on what the structure of the electricity market should look like moving forward to increase transparency, ensure reliability and put downward pressure on cost growth,” he said.

“Work is also underway to look at what legislative network settings may be needed in the future that shape unregulated solar input into our grid to ensure we can keep the lights on.

“It must be stressed that while the challenges are very real, we will not sell our energy regulators, networks or retailers.”

Originally published as ECNT criticises CLP decision to abandon 2030 renewable energy target