The problem with Australian power prices is that its made business and manufacturing noncompetitive compared with most if not all other countries. Yes, the Aussie householder can/has to put up with inflated power prices but business cannot. The householder can decide to not use the heater in winter, or not do the Sunday roast in the oven. Business especially any type of manufacturing cannot just switch off an assembly line or a smelting furnace, if they do the business goes broke or is forced offshore, resulting in job losses. Solar panel and wind generators will never give base load power, its intermittent at best and the cost substantial. Whilst I love my solar panels on my catamaran when its sunny, on a cloudy day the engines must be run for an hour to make up for the lack of sun.
How can Australia ever compete when our power prices are up to 8 x to 10x more expensive than some of our Asian neighbors.
I feel sure that most who advocate on HC for solar and wind power as the main generator of power have never been in business, except maybe a small coffee shop. Those who have been in manufacturing have already moved offshore, otherwise they'd be bankrupt.
