This is a copy of a letter to the editor I have sent to a number of papers which addresses the likely future new coal fired power station.

The NSW “The Greenhouse Plan” released by the Premier the Hon. Morris Iemma MP in November 2005 was a key policy underpinning the re-election of the NSW Labor Government. It contained a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2025, and by 60 per cent by 2050.
The Owen report is being used to soften us up to accept another coal fired power station in NSW which directly contradicts the Premier’s plan.
It’s just more “business as usual”.
Well Mr. Premier, here’s a plan to stiffen your resolve. Give NSW 600MW of new wind energy. Give us another 600MW of solar thermal energy which is most productive when the air conditioners are turned on. Direct the same ruthless determination your planning minister exercises in support of the coal industry which is killing us to a bright and clean renewable sector. Cut 600MW of demand by using smart meters to make us pay extra to power the luxuries but not harm the essentials. Get another 600MW out of our geothermal deposits in the Hunter region and South Australia.
Now, there’s a plan Mr Premier and its one that meets your commitments to the people of NSW. You know the sale of the retail licenses for $10 billion is a once off windfall – what happens next time when the cupboard is bare?

Rob Parker

parker Energy, General