Driving progress in clean energy

The latest projections by the Department of Climate Change, Energy and Water discussed by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen on 27 November highlight the transformative impact of critical policies starting in 2025 — including the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) and an expanded Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). These initiatives are set to accelerate Australia’s shift to cleaner energy, transport and industry, with the NVES projected to slash 20 million tonnes of pollution by 2030 alone.

Renewables powered more than one-third of Australia’s grid over the past year. Major projects — like the 700-megawatt battery replacing Eraring’s retired coal-fired power station set to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and Victoria’s 100% publicly owned solar farm and battery near Horsham — coming online can help cut climate pollution further.

Climate Councillor and energy expert Greg Bourne said: “Renewable energy has already made up about 40% of electricity in the national grid in the past 12 months. The Australian Energy Regulator, the Australian Energy Market Operator and the International Energy Agency have outlined our safest, cleanest and lowest-cost path forward: renewables from the sun and wind, backed by storage like batteries and pumped hydro.

“All of our aging and unreliable coal-fired power stations will shut down before 2040; it’s inevitable and already in motion. We need to be firming up plans to power Australia with more clean energy to power our lives around the clock, keep our communities safer, and put power back into the hands of Aussies.”

Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: “Significant progress on climate action has been made in the last two years. Australian homes and industry [are] now powered with 40% renewable power which is slashing climate pollution.

“Australia’s shift to clean energy is well underway. Just this month, Australia hit its four millionth rooftop solar installation and the federal government introduced standards to help electric vehicle owners use their car to power their homes.

“Businesses are taking note and going solar. More than 100,000 households have added a battery to their solar system. Our heavy industries are increasingly using energy from clean sources and boosting their green hydrogen capacity. Australia has more than 160,000 electric vehicles registered domestically.

“These solutions are making a tangible difference right now to slash Australia’s climate pollution. After a decade of inaction, Australia has strong momentum with Australians benefiting from renewables jobs and opportunities opening up in the regions. Renewable power backed up by batteries can provide the 24/7 power for a modern economy for 2030 and beyond.”

The Climate Council recently launched its Momentum Monitor, which tracks the progress of climate solutions in Australia’s energy, transport and manufacturing industries. Data in the Momentum Monitor will be updated quarterly.

Image credit: iStock.com/Alones Creative