In addition to cutting some renewable energy programs, the Coalition has announced that they will also be cutting some funding to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). At the moment, how much will be cut is unclear.

ARENA is an independent agency that oversees the funding of renewable energy projects. They have already faced a few budget cuts as well as payment deferments to as far away as 2022. With currently manage around $3 billion worth of funding.

The axing of funds comes from the combined $1.5 billion due to be cut from programs connected to the carbon tax. This includes the closure of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation which the Coalition had already targeted. Even though the Coalition never supported the carbon tax, they did support the formation of ARENA.

A spokeswoman for the Coalitions Climate Action Minister Greg Hunt said, “There will be some savings over the forward estimates – those details will be out with the full costings before the election.”

The Greens are less than impressed with the Coalitions plans. They say that ARENA provides essential research and initiatives into the sector. Another organisation that has voiced their opinions against the Coalition is the 100% Renewable Group. Dr Geoff Evans has said that Mr Abbott is contradicting himself by saying he is for jobs and business when cuts to ARENA’s funding is doing the exact opposite. He believes that they are ignoring what the public are asking their government for.

“Australians overwhelmingly support an increase in renewable energy. We want government to support a transition to clean energy and to be a world leader in investment and jobs in clean energy.”

“But, based on today’s announcement, it seems like Tony Abbott and the Coalition aren’t listening to Australians, and that the incentives and market security essential for investment are under threat.”