Coalition government 'could spell bad news for solar'

26th Jun 2013

The general election is slowly creeping up on us, with the possibility of a new government gaining traction.

Prime minister Julia Gillard has revealed that the election will take place on September 14 (although the latest date it could be held is November 30).

The most recent figures show that Tony Abbott's Coalition are ahead in the polls – an increasingly common occurrence in recent months.

Newspoll revealed Abbott's party has 43.6 per cent of the vote, compared with Gillard's 38 per cent.

So what ramifications will a new government have on renewable technology investment and development?

One industry expert has argued there are five very real ways in which a Coalition government could bring green energy growth to its knees.

Giles Parkinson, editor of sustainable news provider Reneweconomy, wrote in an article for the site that there are already signs that even the potential of having Abbott in government is creating a drag on investment.

"There is huge pressure on the Coalition from within its own ranks, the conservative state governments, the incumbent energy industry, and numerous conservative think tanks to take action to curb the expansion of renewables," he stated.

Here are Giles' top predictions for the potential pitfalls of an Abbott-led government:

Abolishing the carbon price: This won't be a surprise to many. Abbott has made it a central platform of his campaign to repeal the legislation, which will not only make the Renewable Energy Target (RET) more expensive, but could see electricity prices rise anyway.

Removing the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC): The Coalition has also indicated that CEFC contracts may be rescinded – putting large scale solar projects in jeopardy.

Canning the Climate Change Authority: The CCA stood up for the RET – dismissing many allegations against it as self-interest (typically from energy providers who would be out of pocket). The Coalition has shown an interest in bringing this independent agency 'in-house'. Effectively making it a partisan operation.

Diluting the RET (or removing it completely): Abbott has claimed his party offers support for the initiative, but Parkinson noted that the Liberal Party leader has failed to give any sufficient details on how he would go about this.

The Coalition has called for more frequent reviews of the scheme that could spell doom should utilities persuade the government it's worth scrapping.

Goodbye Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA): Probably one of the 'safer' organisations (typically because it is involved with research, rather than rolling out technologies that hurt big business).

However, Abbott has revealed a new policy for the agency – but is tight-lipped on what this may entail.

Posted by Bob Dawson

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Government Rebate & Regulations

The election that could cast a deep shadow on solar power
This just in: You are nothing but a means to profit for big utilities and NSW government
The Tongans know a bad solar deal when they see one
Solar feed-in tariffs: Who's getting screwed?
Australian government at a solar power crossroads
WA government admits fault in solar rebate debacle
WA Government saves millions while solar customers are up in arms
SA's solar feed-in scheme costs to rise higher
CEC slams FIT deregulation in SA
Carbon tax announcement 'just a ripple'
Industry reactions to Rudd carbon price changes
New government 'must be made aware of renewable achievements'
Solar features prominently in ARENA funding plans
Calling all solar panel installers - 'save clean technology grants'
Manufacturers set to see bright side of economic slump?
Coalition government 'could spell bad news for solar'
'Not FIT for purpose' - ACT government on tariffs
QLD government under fire for negative solar stance
China's first trading emissions scheme begins
Details of the Queensland solar controversy
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
Tasmania's solar future no longer too uncertain
Renewable energy funding on the brink
The Clean Energy Council calls for more renewables
Reactions to renewable energy decisions from the 2013-14 federal budget
Federal budget announcement offers a mixed bag
The impact of the carbon tax
Govt energy efficiency success
Renewable Energy Target achievements
New funding for solar panels
Australia and China further carbon cutting collaboration
Examining Australia's environmental efforts
Renewable Energy Target survives its review
Solar powered cinema a possibility
New licensing will make it easier for solar installers to work across states
Renewable recommendations for WA
Renewable energy target hangs in the balance
Deadline approaching for QLD PV installations under 44 cent solar tariff
Electricity emissions down since carbon tax introduced
Reactions to RET review final report mixed
CCA: RET on track to achieve goals
Experts slam Solar Credits decision
Government support 'needed for commercial solar development'
Shadow ministers slam ARENA withdrawal
Industry expert lauds solar PV impact
Australian Solar Council chief hits back at CCA review suggestion
Australian Solar Council debuts solar electorate map
CCA report 'victory for common sense'
Productivity Commission draft 'good for solar'
SA solar campaign reaches government level
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: