Which community interests are we considering?
Australia had it’s opportunity to deliver a lower carbon future with a carbon tax. The alternative has been to provide direct support for those able to deliver lower emissions. Rooftop PV is not the only industry to be encouraged, with the benefit of government funding or subsidies.
One view of what has been achieved,
CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the analysis showed a strong appetite for science-led innovation in Australia.
"CSIRO has analysed and projected energy futures for more than two decades, and over that time we have accurately forecast and tracked the reduction in cost of renewables, and the development of battery storage options, including our own UltraBattery," Dr Marshall said.
"Science has made renewables cost competitive with conventional power, letting market forces take over to drive a global transition to lower emissions.
"Australia’s solar advantage creates an economic opportunity for us on the world stage and an environmental benefit for the globe – even better when it’s powered by Australian science and research."
It’s notable that the Federal Govt is continuing to subsidise industry directly and indirectly. As I’ve noted
The electricity industry has been the only core sector to have significantly reduced green house gas emissions since 2005. It’s been driven by renewables and supported by a high uptake in residential solar PV.
The major portion of the investment in the latter has come from Australian home owners. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
