Renewable Energy, the Nullarbor and Deep Decarbonisation

There is no doubt about the significance of the Nullarbor, given its remarkable caves, karst and iconic status in our human collective memory. It is now slated for major industrial development via a renewable energy project to produce ammonia and hydrogen for export to help in the processes of global decarbonisation.

Significant questions arise however. How do key environmental principles, such as the precautionary principle and the principles of intra-and inter-generational equity, operate where there is clearly a likelihood of irreversible harm to particular, important, landscapes and ecosystems?

Deep decarbonisation is most unlikely be achieved by wind and solar power alone, especially within the needed timeframes. Even if it could be, the adverse total impacts of an “all wind and solar” approach are likely to be even more untenable than an approach involving use of carbon-neutral carriers such as “Green Hydrogen”.

This talk aims to lead to a more informed discussion concerning these epochal issues. Caves Conservation Australia looks forward to seeing you at this webinar. All welcome.

About the Presenter:

Mr Patrick Larkin SC. BSc, LLB.

Patrick works in the areas of Environmental, Planning, Local Government, Administrative Law and others. Significant cases include Vaughan-Taylor vs David Mitchell Melcann, (The Yessabah Caves Case, NSW). He has propounded arguments concerning significant developments, including mining, shopping centres and landfill. His wide ranging legal experience includes heritage issues, environmental impact statements, civil enforcement and judicial review.