WA Greens spokesperson for Energy Robin Chapple MLC has dismissed comments by Shell CEO Ben van Beurden overnight, speaking at the annual Oil and Money conference in London, as desperate.
“We don’t need to be ‘finding economic ways’ of investing in an energy transition because that process is well and truly happening,” Mr Chapple said.
“If we simply invest now in the energy revolution that is happening around the world then we will see the economic benefits very rapidly.
“Engaging in this kind of discussion simply confuses the debate and allows the fossil fuel industry to keep pushing its agenda which is, of course, to keep the world running on fossil fuels.”
Mr Chapple said for Australia in particular, Mr Van Beurden’s keynote was largely irrelevant.
“Whilst I agree with some of the sentiment regarding a price on carbon, gas is simply another fossil fuel and not a transitional energy source so why go down that path when there are already better options?” he said.
“The possibilities for renewable energy in Australia are endless and we are already seeing heavy industry bypassing traditional methods and opting to produce their own clean energy.
“Desperately trying to cling onto a reason for being, these fossil fuel dinosaurs are becoming more and more transparent every time they open their mouth.”
For comment please contact Media liaison Tim Oliver on 0431 9696 25 or 9486 8255.
WA Greens Uranium spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC said Toro Energy’s announcement last week to postpone development at its Wiluna uranium project was a sign of things to come.
“Realistically, I would like to think that this mine is unlikely to ever enter full production,” Mr Chapple said.
“Global uranium prices have been flat-lining at their current level for five years now and I just don’t see there being a surge in demand in the next five years.
“Renewable energy is only going to become more viable, and more desirable, for developing nations to invest in under mounting international pressure to act on climate change mitigation.
“Circumstance has led to nuclear power becoming unnecessary before it ever went mainstream; recent independent analysis has proven this and Australia’s policies should reflect it.
“As a developed nation we have an opportunity and a responsibility to help our neighbours take up renewable energy solutions as a part of their development
“Support for this project is coming from a cash-strapped government incapable of seeing the bigger picture; the West Australian people want nothing to do with uranium!”
For comment please contact Media liaison Tim Oliver on 0431 9696 25 or 9486 8255.
