The Australia Institute welcomes the Victorian Government’s Making Victoria a Renewable Energy Powerhouse plan, as announced in the Victorian Budget 2020/21.

“This is one of the largest investments in clean energy by a state government and it should bring down prices, reduce emissions and improve the resilience of Victoria’s grid, by increasing innovation and competition,” said Richie Merzian, climate & energy director at the Australia Institute.

“As ageing and unreliable coal power stations retire, this plan will help keep the lights on and power the economy with cheaper, renewable energy. The only losers will be the big retailers and coal generators that dominate the National Electricity Market.

“This announcement comes hot on the heels of the NSW Berejiklian Government’s Electricity Roadmap earlier this month, and we are seeing a growing pattern of state government leadership in the absence of a national climate and energy plan.”