Emissions reductions delivered by renewable energy
Read our report on emissions reductions in Australia as a direct result of the uptake and acceleration of clean energy
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19 Nov 2024
Since 2015, 40 GW of new rooftop solar and large-scale renewable energy capacity has been deployed across Australia, with the share of renewables in the energy system climbing from 16 per cent to just shy of 40 per cent in 2023.
This investment has resulted in emissions being 30 per cent lower today than they would have otherwise been without the renewable energy investment since 2015. In aggregate, this has resulted in over 200 million tonnes of avoided CO2 emissions since 2015, relative to if Australia had continued to rely on the 2015 power plant fleet.
The growth in renewable generation since 2015 is estimated to have avoided 55 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in the 2023 calendar year, relative to a situation in which we had continued to rely on the generation fleet in place back in 2015. This is equal to a 30 per cent reduction in electricity emissions
This will deliver 75 million tonnes of emission reductions in that year relative to if we had
kept the 2015 mix of generation plant in place. This is a 39 per cent reduction on electricity emissions. That is equivalent to reducing the emissions from all of Australia’s cars, light commercial vehicles, and aeroplanes to zero.
That's if growth continues at the pace required to meet the Federal Government's target of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
Offshore wind support critical to regional Victoria
While today's announcement by the Victorian Government to delay the Victorian offshore wind procurement process is disappointing, we appreciate this will provide more time to ensure the first auction is well-placed to succeed, ultimately seeing the offshore wind sector supporting local regional development for communities in the Latrobe Valley - home to the Gippsland offshore wind zone.
Australia powers ahead on rooftop solar as nation set to achieve 2030 rooftop target - new report
Rooftop solar generated power for more than 4.2 million homes and small businesses - delivered 12.8 per cent of Australia’s electricity in first half of 2025.
National Climate Risk Assessment underscores need for net zero - clean energy critical to response
The Clean Energy Council has welcomed today’s release of the National Climate Risk Assessment and the accompanying National Adaptation Plan by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, describing the reports as a clear reminder of the systemic risks Australia faces and the urgent need to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Marinus Link makes a splash with funding secured to tap into Tasmanian hydro powerhouse
The Clean Energy Council welcomes today’s news of $3.8 billion in funding locked in by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation for the Marinus Link undersea electricity transmission cable between Tasmania and the mainland.
When it comes to Australia’s energy future, communities have legitimate questions. When communities ask these questions, leaders, industry and government need to provide accurate information versus fuelling a community divide everyone is seeking to avoid. While people are entitled to their views, the facts are universal.
