Looming global catastrophe

ELECTRICITY DEBATE

SENATOR Abetz’s comments that Australia’s agreed carbon reduction limits are too high and would not make a “scintilla of difference” to global warming are wrong on so many levels ( Mercury, August 15). Australia’s per capita carbon emissions are amongst the highest in the world, and we are the biggest exporter of coal. Even if we were a minor player, would he similarly advocate that we ignore crimes like murder because Australia’s murder rate would not influence the global total? This is not a silly analogy because climate change is killing people internationally and driving them off the land. That he should cling to such a position in the middle of the current drought beggars belief. He and his cronies have already sabotaged Australia’s response to climate change so much that the current NEG is pathetically insufficient to address this looming global catastrophe, yet he still votes against it. provided. Australia must withdraw from the Paris Accord. It is in Australia’s best interest to build low-emission coal-fired baseload power stations using our high grade and abundant coal. Japan has built 37 high technology coal-fired power stations. South Australia has already experienced failure of its electricity grid when it relegated its coal-fired power station to the scrap heap. Renewables cannot provide reliable low-cost baseload power.

Tinker with the market

THE NEG is an attempt to minimise electricity costs whilst meeting commitments to the Paris Agreement and maintaining reliability. Not having reliability is not an option if we aspire to keeping a high standard of living. We operate a market where spot prices are determined in 30-minute periods. This favours suppliers with low reliability expectations so solar and wind are favoured at the expense of those able to commit to longer periods such as fossil fuels and hydro generators. Determining spot prices over a longer period would move competition to a more level playing field and to the necessary reliability.

Coal getting dearer

WHAT do millions of Australians know that Malcolm Turnbull and the federal Libs don’t know? They know renewable energy is continually getting cheaper to produce but the federal Liberals have their focus firmly on heavy polluting coal. They Proposed Tasmanian colours law misses its target (Talking Point) Not only does this fail to target organized crime, but it fails to recognize that those committing serious offences are not wearing their colours at the time these offences are committed. refuse to acknowledge the price of energy from coal in 10 years will be far more expensive than renewable energy to produce. Scientists are inventing cheaper and more reliable means of producing clean energy. It will take nearly 10 years to build a coal-fired power station. By that time the world will be moving well away from expensive coal to much cheaper renewable energy. Don’t take us back into the dark ages, Malcolm Turnbull, use that modern technology that you say we must embrace, as the clever country.

Reece rolling in grave

WHAT has happened to our once-magnificent hydro-electric power once famous around the world? Greed has raised its ugly head. Eric Reece would be rolling in his grave if he knew what went wrong when governments decided to install a Bass Strait cable to assist mainland Australia. We are going to make a killing selling our electricity. Now look what has happened, the cable broke and was out of action for months costing Tasmania dearly. Now Guy Barnett has come up with a bright idea to pump water uphill to our once well-supplied dams that had been carefully managed for years. As the government learned, dams have to be managed properly not used willy-nilly because people on the mainland need our power. It is going to cost TasNetworks a lot to pump the water up to the dams and there isn’t an oversupply of water at the moment. In passing, how much power is going into the grid from people with solar panels?

Pumped for cable car

I’M pumped for when the cable car is completed. Can’t wait to hitch a ride up with my mountain bike and come shredding back down the trails. On the other hand it will also make for a great day out with the family. We are so lucky to have this mountain on our doorstep. Let’s make it as accessible as possible for everyone.

Sharing with family

I GREW up bushwalking and camping with my family. I love the state we live in and now share it with my own family. I fully understand we have an obligation to protect this beautiful state we have, and preserve it for our future generations. I feel this project has the potential to enhance our city and deserves to be given the opportunity to showcase what an amazing city we have.

Wrecking environment

IF fewer than 1 per cent of tourists to Tasmania undertake diving activities, spending $6 million to scuttle HMAS Darwin must be a vote-getting exercise. It’s a sad day when the environment loses out to money.

Affirmative

IF only the NEG had been called the POS.

Powering up

THE incredible spin around the NEG should produce enough energy to guarantee supply.