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.
New industry risk index maps road to faster clean energy project delivery
Based on an extensive survey of industry insiders, the Renewable Energy Risk and Insurance Index, shows the increased scale and maturity of Australia's clean energy industry, with more organisations operating across different technologies and jurisdictions and delivering more complex projects.
Australia’s clean energy transition presents an enormous opportunity. Realising it requires a clear view of the risks involved in ambition and delivery.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has warned the Victorian Labor Government’s decision to abandon the Central North Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) creates further uncertainty over how the state will replace its ageing coal-fired power stations.
Clean Energy Council appoints new Board Directors to strengthen representation
The Clean Energy Council is pleased to share the appointment of two new Directors to the Board: Will Hall, Managing Director of Sigenergy Australia & New Zealand, and Brent Finlay, Managing Director of Finlay Agricultural Industries.
Submission on the Draft Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2026
Our submission to the NSW Rural Fire Service's draft Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2026 recommends a more risk-based approach to planning requirements, ensuring bushfire protection measures are proportionate to site-specific risks while supporting renewable energy development.
The opening of Australia’s first offshore wind auction marks a watershed moment for Victoria’s energy system, unlocking one of the nation’s richest renewable energy resources, anchoring jobs and investment in regions like Gippsland, and delivering energy reliability for generations to come.
