New South Wales sets mandatory target for renewables

New South Wales (NSW) is the latest Australian state to announce a mandatory target for renewables, setting it at 10% by 2010 and 15% by 2020. Hot on its heels came the go ahead for the Capital Wind Farm of around 60 turbines, being developed by Renewable Power Ventures in the NSW Southern Highlands. "The New South Wales government has led the way in putting in place market-based measures that really work, for both the environment and the economy," says Ric Brazzale of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. "It has an emission trading scheme that caps greenhouse emissions, a A$200 million energy savings fund and now its renewable energy target completes this overall greenhouse approach. Australia has a bankable and predictable wind energy regime." Several states now have renewables targets. South Australia is aiming for 20% by 2014, Victoria wants 10% by 2016.