The Finkel Review is an opportunity for politicians, regulators and industry to deliver for much needed certainty for climate and energy policy in Australia.

However, there are a number of concerns relating to how the Finkel Review addresses climate change and renewable energy:

• The 28% minimum emissions reduction for the electricity sector is far too weak even to meet the Federal Government’s 2030 targets
• Power generated by renewable energy in 2030 under the proposed Clean Energy Target – at 42% - is far too low.
• Gas and coal with carbon capture and storage are polluting and should not qualify under a Clean Energy Target.
• Requirements on new generation should be technology neutral, not act as a restriction on wind and solar development.
• Australia needs to phase out coal, quickly. The Finkel Review does not place any requirement on coal plants to close (other than recommending a three-year notice of closure for generators).
• Gas is polluting. The Review claims “gas contributes to emissions reduction”. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Finkel Review report is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to reduce the emissions of Australia’s biggest polluter - the electricity sector - by ramping up renewables and energy storage uptake and making energy efficiency improvements.

See also - Factsheet: 10 basic electricity facts to help you navigate the Finkel Review