The Case Against Lake Onslow
31/03/23
It is the perfect farm animal. A pig, covered in fur, that lays eggs and can be milked. The Germans call it the 'Eierlegende Wollmilchsau', or an 'egg-laying wool-milk-sow’. It provides everything you want and tastes great.
It doesn't exist.
According to its cheerleaders, the Lake Onslow pumped hydro-electricity project will mean we don't run out of electricity in winter, bring down power prices, and make our electricity system 100% renewable. An 'Eierlegende Wollmilchsau'.
There are better, lower-cost alternatives to get the same outcome – and sooner. New Zealand has wind, geothermal, solar and potentially biomass and carbon capture use and storage (CCUS) options that can produce electricity at competitive prices today and in the future.
If we choose lower cost options, instead of building Onslow, the government would then have another $15.7 billion-plus, to build much more environmentally valuable projects like passenger trains or insulating homes.
Josie's Stuff column is here.
It doesn't exist.
According to its cheerleaders, the Lake Onslow pumped hydro-electricity project will mean we don't run out of electricity in winter, bring down power prices, and make our electricity system 100% renewable. An 'Eierlegende Wollmilchsau'.
There are better, lower-cost alternatives to get the same outcome – and sooner. New Zealand has wind, geothermal, solar and potentially biomass and carbon capture use and storage (CCUS) options that can produce electricity at competitive prices today and in the future.
If we choose lower cost options, instead of building Onslow, the government would then have another $15.7 billion-plus, to build much more environmentally valuable projects like passenger trains or insulating homes.
Josie's Stuff column is here.
