Rewiring Australia is calling on the next federal government to “urgently pursue the rapid electrification of our homes, businesses and vehicles powered by renewable energy”. It comes after the scientific journal Nature finds there is still a 50 per cent chance of keeping global warming to below 2C by the end of the century.
Launched by Australian engineer and inventor Dr Saul Griffith last year, Rewiring Australia describes itself as a non-profit group dedicated to the widespread electrification of Australia using renewable energy both as a means of fighting climate change and creating jobs. Dr Griffith said research it released last year showed no nation was better placed than Australia to decarbonise the domestic economy by replacing fossil fuel-powered cars, heating and stove tops with renewable-powered electric versions.
“Australia can lead the world in harnessing the power of the sun to run our homes and cars, smashing carbon emissions and obliterating energy bills at the same time,” he said. “The national pledges made by Australia, America and other countries fail to factor in how the declining costs of EVs, solar, batteries and efficient household appliances can be combined as a package that ‘zeros’ energy emissions for households.
“Electrifying our homes and vehicles is the fastest and cheapest path to decarbonising our domestic economy. By 2030 it will save close to $5000 per year per household on their energy bill and reduce domestic emissions by 40 per cent. This election is the perfect opportunity for a party or candidate to commit to electrification. The first step is to pilot the electrification of an entire suburb or street, where we replace all gas appliances and combustion engine vehicles with renewable-powered electric versions.”
Dr Griffiths said an analysis released by the Australia Institute found that for the 2020-21 financial year, different levels of government provided more than $11.6 billion in fossil fuel subsidies. “This is entirely counter-productive. We are doling out subsidies to energy sources that are choking the planet while we leave proven technologies sitting on the bench. Subsidising fossil fuels also makes the world more unstable and dangerous, strengthening the hand of petro-states and oligarchs.
“Redirecting just a fraction of fossil fuel subsidies to households would allow them to rewire their homes and adopt the latest zero-emission technology while saving thousands every year on their energy bills. This should be a no-brainer.”
Recent Comments