2016-06-01
The Australian Greens have said that they will push for the $100m Federal grant required to make a solar thermal plant in Port Augusta a reality at this election.
"A solar thermal plant in Port Augusta would bring thousands of jobs to South Australia and set up our state as a world leader in renewable technology," South Australian Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young said.
"If re-elected, the Greens will push for the $100m commitment required to make a solar thermal plant in Port Augusta a reality.
"Government funding to the tune of $100m will complement private investment to make this project viable and bring a clean energy revolution, and the jobs that come with that, to our state.
"The Greens are the only ones fighting to retain the integrity and funding for ARENA so that it can deliver Port Augusta this new infrastructure, but also support more jobs for South Australians into the future.
"There is a jobs crisis in South Australia and the only way we can tackle it is by turning our state into a renewable energy powerhouse. We have the technology, the expertise and the backing required from the private sector; now we just need a commitment in black and white from the Federal Government to make it happen," Senator Hanson-Young said.
Senator Robert Simms said that South Australia has the most to lose from the Liberal and Labor Parties plans to make ARENA redundant.
"This direct government contribution will be funded by retaining the $1b in funding that Labor and Liberal both want to cut from ARENA," Senator Simms said.
"We are showing Australia and the world how to move towards a zero-pollution electricity system, with research and investment required to do so smoothly and smartly.
"SA has the most to lose from the Liberal and Labor Parties' plans to make ARENA redundant."
Media Contact
Sen. Hanson-Young: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760
Sen. Simms: Amy Moran 0417 173 508