ENA unveils top priorities for renewable future

Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has outlined six critical policy measures the Federal Government can implement to secure a reliable, affordable and low-emissions energy system.  

Key among the recommendations in ENA’s Powering our Future: Six Commonwealth election commitments for a stronger Australia is an urgent call for the removal of capital gains tax on compensation payments to landholders hosting essential transmission infrastructure. 

ENA CEO, Dom van den Berg, said these projects are once-in-a-century, nation-building projects, but the one-size-fits-all capital gains tax wasn’t designed with this in mind. 

“The fair solution would be applying an exemption to capital gains tax for landowners who receive compensation for land and easements,” Ms van den Berg said. 

The election wish list was written in collaboration with transmission member CEOs and was issued to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, urging the next government to commit to the six key policy recommendations to deliver better outcomes for all Australians. 

The full Powering our Future paper details the recommendations, all aimed at accelerating the energy transition and securing a stronger, more sustainable future for all Australians: 

1. Power the transition through transmission – secure the future of the Rewiring the Nation fund to fast-track critical infrastructure projects 
2. Give landholders a fair deal at tax time – exempt landholder compensation payments from capital gains tax 
3. Get street smart: accelerate accessible electric vehicle charging – enable networks to install EV chargers on power poles for faster and cheaper kerbside charging 
4. Soak up surplus solar and lower costs for all customers – introduce a waiver for networks to roll out larger grid-connected batteries
5. Secure the critical role of gas in the whole energy system – modernise market frameworks to support investment in gas peaking and long-duration storage 
6. Make renewable gas for industry a reality – introduce a national renewable gas target for industry 

Ms van den Berg said Australia’s energy transition is at a crucial juncture.  

“The decisions made by the next Commonwealth Government will shape our energy future for decades to come.  

“We urge all parties to consider our recommendations and commit to building a stronger, more sustainable energy system for all Australians.” 

Read the full paper here.