As part of the 2010–11 Federal Budget, the Federal Government announced a further $A652 million for the Renewable Energy Future Fund, bringing total funding for renewable and clean technologies and energy efficiency to approximately $A10 billion. This fund will provide additional support for the development and deployment of large and small scale renewable energy projects.
Ms Cartwright said “it is not clear when the emissions reduction prompted by this investment will actually occur, nor the level of reduction”.
Ms Cartwright suggested that supporting the development of the natural gas industry would be a more efficient way to reduce carbon emissions.
“Clearly, the Government could reduce greenhouse gas emissions – without a price on carbon – by encouraging the use of Australia’s abundant gas reserves,” she said.
