Liberals full of wind but not harnessing it - David Llewellyn, MHA - Tasmanian Government Media Releases

Liberals full of wind but not harnessing it -


The Liberal Party both nationally and in Tasmania has lost the little credibility it had left on energy security and climate change.
Energy Minister, David Llewellyn, today told a GBE hearing in Hobart of his recent trip discussing renewable energy opportunities in the Sub-continent and Asia.
“The fact that I was in Asia instead of North East Tasmania looking at Tasmanian built wind farms is a sad indictment of John Howard’s energy policy.
“It is also a sad indictment on Will Hodgman and the State Liberals who have not wasted one ounce of breath on trying to change this ridiculous policy.”
Mr Llewellyn said it is an undeniable black mark against John Howard’s Government that wind farm projects in Tasmania have had to be canned due to the stubborn refusal to raise mandated renewable energy targets (MRET).
“The Liberal party may be full of hot air but it certainly doesn’t want to harness it.”
Mr Llewellyn said as a result of this appalling policy Roaring 40s, a joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and China Light and Power, has been forced to look overseas.
“Roaring 40s now has approximately $500 million in projects fully commissioned or under construction throughout Asia and enjoys incredible commercial opportunities ahead.
“Asian countries are showing leadership through strong policy support for renewable energy.
“China is an excellent example here, with the development of the Chinese Renewable Energy Law in 2005, with a mandated target of 16% of primary energy production to come from renewable sources by 2020.”
Roaring 40s has several other projects under consideration in China and has now established an office in Beijing and Hong Kong to assist with further business developments.
“At this stage, Roaring 40s plans to develop around 1000 MW of wind energy in China by 2010.
“The opportunities for renewable energy development in China are enormous, with China set to spend nearly USD$200 billion on renewable energy over the next 15 years.”
Mr Llewellyn said Roaring 40s has also been investigating the renewable energy market in India and now has an office and full-time personnel based in Mumbai.
“It’s a shame Tasmania’s Liberal Politicians don’t stand up for our state and persuade their friends in Canberra to raise MRET, so our own Roaring 40s can use some more of their expertise and skills here,” Mr Llewellyn said.