<
https://theconversation.com/we-need-a-national-energy-transition-authority-to-help-fossil-fuel-workers-adjust-203333>
"Australia’s coal-fired power stations are exiting the grid. This transition is
already well underway, as cheaper renewables displace coal and older generators
close. Australia’s oldest coal plant, Liddell, is about to close. Eleven
coal-fired power plants closed between 2013 and 2020, and at least seven others
are slated to close between now and 2030.
Closing a power station sounds bloodless. But if it’s not done well, it can be
devastating for affected workers and their families, and economically and
socially disruptive to the communities in which they are based. Many towns grew
up around coal mines and power plants. We cannot simply leave it to the market
to smooth the transition.
To better manage the vital human part of our transition to a low-carbon
electricity system, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) recently
proposed a solution. It called on the federal government to establish an
independent National Energy Transition Authority.
This is an excellent idea, and well overdue given the rate at which our coal
plants are closing. Countries that have embraced this approach, such as Spain,
have seen the benefits, economic, social – and even political."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
