Victoria will undertake inquiry into 100% clean energy transition

2020-03-04

Today the Victorian Parliament voted in support of a Greens inquiry that will look into how the state can phase out coal and transition to 100 per cent clean energy as soon as possible.

The inquiry is due to commence next year and will explore the public and private investment needed to achieve 100 per cent clean energy, including in grid infrastructure, energy storage and alternatives to using gas.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for environment, Ellen Sandell, welcomed the Government’s decision to back the Greens’ inquiry and said it would get experts in front of MPs to make the case for transitioning to 100 per cent clean energy.

More than 70 per cent of Victoria’s energy currently comes from burning coal despite it being the leading cause of climate change. 

When the Greens tried to increase the state’s 50 per cent renewable energy target last year, MPs weren’t sure how it could be achieved. This inquiry will provide a road map.

Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for environment Ellen Sandell MP:

“We’re pleased that the Parliament has supported the Greens idea to look into powering Victoria with 100 per cent clean energy.

“We still get 70 per cent of our energy from old, dirty coal in Victoria and we need a plan to wean ourselves off these old, unhealthy energy sources.”