GFG’s announcement to transform Whyalla into a renewable energy super power shows the Coalition Government’s lack of leadership is letting Australians down. 

“This is the leadership Australia needs to transition to a new, clean economy,” Greens Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young said. 

“Sanjeev Gupta’s announcement shows environmental responsibility for a typically dirty industry. This record-investment in renewable energy, sustainable horticulture and recycling thrusts Whyalla into the future and proves the Government wrong on renewables. 

A team of senators from the Morrison Government, the Labor party, and Nick Xenophon’s Centre Alliance has rejected a motion calling for a ban on dangerous underground coal gasification. It followed a protest at Leigh Creek Energy’s AGM today.

The Senate has backed an Australian Greens motion rejecting any moves by the Federal or SA Liberal Government to weaken South Australia’s position as a leader in renewable energy. The Senate also rejected dismantling SA’s strong renewable energy target.

“If Malcolm Turnbull and Steven Marshall think they can start tearing down South Australia’s strong renewable energy industry, they can think again,” Greens Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young said.

The Australian Greens congratulate Repower Port Augusta for its relentless campaigning to transition from coal-fired power to solar thermal.

"This is a win for South Australia and a community that has fought extremely hard to step out of the shadow of dirty coal and into a sunny, renewable energy future," Greens Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young said.

Modernising the energy grid and investing in storage technology is the only way to future-proof South Australia’s supply of electricity following more than a decade of disastrous privatisation, the Australian Greens have said.

“The situation in South Australia is an extraordinary example of failed privatisation,” South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“Our state has been let down, time and time again. We need to look at developments in storage technology and invest in the Solar Thermal Power Station in Port Augusta to future proof our network.