We need clarity on renewables’ real cost, not hot air

It’s time for Anthony Albanese and Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen to put politics aside and show some respect and consideration for the nation at large by instructing the CSIRO to present an honest appraisal of the real long-term cost of their renewables program.

Will we incur the replacement costs of solar panels and wind turbines at least three times across the next 60 years, the ongoing cost of maintenance and disposal, new power lines, landholder compensation and who knows what else, including the cost to the natural environment? All this to make a minuscule difference to the planet. It’s too crazy for words. Only by comparing the real costs and informing us all can we be expected to have an educated say at the next election based on actualities, not the hot air we are fed daily by politicians.

We really are in a shameful mess of Canberra’s making.

Don Stallman, Byron Bay, NSW

Peter Dutton has admitted that nuclear energy is very slow and cannot feasibly be deployed in Australia before the 2040s.

Under his leadership, the opposition has displayed antipathy towards the deployment of feasible renewable energy, bar Snowy 2.0, which is proving to be a difficult, expensive laggard, even though solar and wind plus strategic storage are critical for pro­gress on all three essential energy policy goals – affordability, security and climate mitigation.

We have been here before. The federal Coalition seems remarkably unconcerned about the prospect of an electricity system and market hanging in limbo for the next critical decades, to benefit only a few select powerful vested interests, even though that exposes the rest of us to pain and chaos, without incentive or other levers for the timely replacement of coal-fired power generators that will age and fail or close well before 2040.

Jim Allen, Panorama, SA

It is very interesting to read how the youth and original members of the Greens in Germany have now voted against them and are supporting the right side of politics. They are concerned by the huge number of immigrants pouring into Germany and are disapproving of the resulting changes to their country. Hopefully, in Australia, those who voted Green and teal who are followers of the green movement realise they cannot change the climate. The real source of global emissions comes from large foreign countries.

Alison Copeman, Palm Beach, NSW

The visit of China’s Premier, Li Qiang, could provide a great opportunity for Australia’s climate warriors to make their presence known in regard to global emissions. If they are so concerned about Australia’s measly 1 per cent of emissions, imagine how outraged they should be over China’s 30 per cent.

Inexplicably, these agitators seem to target only democratic countries such as Australia and make excuses for totalitarian countries such as China.

Why the hypocritical inconsistency? China builds two coal-fired power stations every week. Why are no Chinese consulates in Australia feeling the indignant wrath of our self-appointed guardians of planet Earth? Don’t these protesters insist that we are in a climate emergency?

Jeremy C. Browne, Ripponlea, Vic

On the coldest day and night in five years, thus far it’s comforting to rely on coal and gas to heat my house for just 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening, given that’s all we can afford thanks to Albo and Bowen.

Imagine if we had to rely on wind and solar, which produce only a fraction of what’s required. We would freeze to death. Anyone worried about that?

Corinne White, Melbourne

Opposition resources spokeswoman Susan McDonald says the anti-coal groups do not have concern for the environment but “they hate coal” (“Minister ‘aids’ green lawfare”, 14/6).

Senator McDonald is partly correct. I and many others hate coal because burning coal releases harmful substances that contribute to air pollution, acid rain and greenhouse gases. Carbon emissions from fossil fuels such as coal are the biggest problem, directly related to the climate crisis and environmental problems. So, Senator McDonald is wrong that we “do not have concern for the environment”. Coal helps to cause our environmental problems.

John Hughes, Mentone, Vic