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The race to secure the nation’s clean energy future is on.
But as states and territories vow to reach net zero by 2050 or sooner, new analysis from the Climate Council has examined how they are tracking their progress.
What emerges is that the transition to clean energy is not proceeding at the same pace across the country.
Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council, explains it.
“The NT and WA are way behind the rest of Australia and that’s a shame because both of those states have huge opportunities in renewable energy. Lots of space, lots of sunshine and essential minerals too. There are opportunities for those states , but unfortunately with a lack of government policy they are far behind others.”
The lowest share – 7% – was recorded in the Northern Territory.
Western Australia’s renewable energy generation is only marginally better at 18%, followed by Queensland’s at 27%.
NSW is 36% powered by renewable sources, while in Victoria production is slightly higher at 40%.
Strong progress is seen in South Australia, recording 74%.
The ACT leads with 100% and Tasmania is not far behind with 98%.
McKenzie says all states have the potential to achieve total dependency.
“It is clear that we can get to 100% renewable energy in this decade – several authorities told us – and this comes from federal government policy as well as state government policy. State governments are very important in terms of progress in planning If you don’t have the right planning policies, you can’t necessarily introduce renewable energy as quickly as you would like. It’s important to make sure this is done in an environmentally, culturally and in consultation with communities way.
Criticism of progress in Western Australia and the Northern Territory has focused on what the Climate Council has described as the continued expansion and approval of coal and gas projects.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen responded in a statement that: “The Albanian Government is working with all states and territories to introduce more reliable renewable energy to help them decarbonise by providing cheaper energy to homes and businesses.” .
When jurisdictions were compared based on their best features:
NSW ranked first for public transport use, Victoria for wind energy use, Queensland for rooftop solar, WA for batteries and critical minerals research, South Australia for home batteries, Tasmania for hydropower and the ACT for electric vehicles.
Grattan Institute Energy Program director Tony Wood says this snapshot needs to go further.
“I think it’s worth delving deeper into understanding the things behind this – and then looking at where we all need to go because it’s a question of making sure we get there overall in the most effective way and at the lowest cost. I don’t think we necessarily have to focus on the negative comparison between one state and another, even if it is interesting to do so”
According to this latest analysis, up to 40% of the national grid’s energy now comes from renewable sources.
It is a sign of progress in a transition that still contains unexpressed potential.