Greens deliver renewable energy loan scheme

The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the launch of the $30 million State Renewable Energy Loan Scheme which was jointly announced by Greens’ Alternative Energy Minister Nick McKim MP and the Minister for Economic Development David O’Byrne MP.

Greens Energy spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that this initiative was one that the Greens took into, and secured through, the State Budget negotiations last year, and was specifically designed to be open to medium-sized projects unlike other Commonwealth programs which focus on domestic or industry scale proposals.

“The official launch of the Greens’ proposed Renewable Energy Loan Scheme is a welcome move towards a low-carbon economy for Tasmania and Tasmanian businesses,” Mr Booth said.

“This $30 million Scheme was secured by the Greens through last year’s budget negotiations, and will foster innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives put forward by small and medium business.”

“The Greens also ensured that large scale forest biomass generators, such as Southwood, would not be eligible to apply.”

“The power-sharing parliament and ministerial arrangements have enabled the Greens to deliver for Tasmanian businesses to reduce their power costs and carbon footprint by taking this opportunity to switch to renewable energy sources.”

“By supporting businesses converting to renewable energies will also stimulate innovation in and development of technologies including hydro, wind, wave, solar, and biomass.”

“The Greens encourage those in our business sector to seize this opportunity, and seek to invest in their renewable energy future,” Mr Booth said.